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LADKIN DEFEATS EPWARD IN . GREAT FINISH : - 6a ; Nose Finish Marks Decision of International Special No. 2 at Aqueduct French Invader Runs Sparkling Race, Gaining With Every Stride at the End Wise Counsellor Is Third Great Crowd Present . NEW YORK, N. Y., Sept 27. Ladkin, August Belmonts home-bred three-year-olds, was winner of the mile of the International Special in one of the best races ever run over an American race course. Just a nose back of him and catching him at every stride came Pierre Wertheimers Epinard and a length and a half farther away was Frederick A. Burtons Wise Counsellor, winner of the three-quarters Special at Belmont Park. Two lengths farther away was the Rancocas Stables Zev and he in turn was just a necE before the Salubria Stables My Own, with I. B. Humphreys Little Chief last of the party. The race was worth 8,750 net to the winner. Never before was there such a gathering at old Aqueduct It was a crowd that overflowed the stands and the lawn to the infield and it was long after the races were over ibefore the crwod was carried back to the city. The day was an ideal one for the big race and the track at its best, was attested when Ladkin finished out the mile in 1:36 under a masterly ride by Clarence Kummer. In addition to the International race there was the Junior Champion, a mile for two-year-olds, and it brought about a rare contest, with William Zeigler Jr.s Star Lore winner after a game stretch battle. The finish of the International was so close that Epinard lost no prestige. He was gaining in a fashion that would have seen him first in another stride, but Haynes delayed his run a bit too long, while Kummer never rode in better style. No time was lost at the barrier and when, it arcse Epinard. had the jump on the others and he was showing in front, with. Wise Counsellor right after him. Ladkin was third to leave and the order of the others was Zev, Little Chief and ty Own. Instead of taking a full advantage of his "step" at the barrier Haynes did not go on with Epinard, but eased him back, while Wise Counsellor and Ladkin took up the burden cf making pace. Wise Counsellor was just showing his head in front and a length and a. half back of the Belmont colt came Zev, with Epinard racing at his side. Two lengths farther away followed My. Own and Little Chief in the order named. TERRIFIC EARLY PACE. With no breathing spell the leaders went along closely lapped at a pace that carried them to the half-mile post in 45 seconds. It was natural that this should open up a lead and they were speeding along a good three lengths in front when Haynes finally caed on Epinard and he shook off Zev. In the stretch Wise Counsellor responded gamely to the drive of Steve ODonnell but Ladkin held on with a courage that finally made him give up. They bumped each other slightly during that bitter duel, but it was a bump that had no effect on the result Epinard by this time was coming fast on the outside and making up ground like a real champion. In the last sixteenth he had Wise Counsellor beaten. Ladkin had put Wise Counsellor away, but there was still the charging Epinard. He was gallantly answering the call of Haynes and inch by inch he drew up on the son of Fair Play. For a moment it looked as though he would get up in time but Kummer fairly lifted Ladkin along and the sterling son of a worthy sire lasted long enough to score a nose victory. After the finish ODonnell, who rode Wise Counsellor, lodged a claim of foul, but the stewards could see no reason for interfering with the order of the finish. As the race was run, it appeared that Epinard was a better colt than Ladkin. Haynes took him back after enjoying a decided advantage at the start and he waited back of the others just a bit too long. Of course, it must be remembered that Ladkin set that pace and put away as fast and game a colt as Wise Counsellor, and it would not be fair to take anything from his magnificent performance. JUNIOR CHAMPION WINNER. The Junior Champion was a worthy companion piece to the International mile and it brought about a rare stretch fight when William Zeiglers Star Lore, a son of Sir Martin and Astrology, outgamed John S. Wards Blue Ridge and Richard T. Wilsons Senaladc, an added starter. The race was worth ,500 to the winner and the mile was run in 1:37, making it an excellent performance for a two-year-old. No time was lost at the barrier, and the start was a good one. Beatrice proved to have most early speed and Fields had her away from an inside position into such a good advantage that she was. clear of her company at the first eighth mark. Swopo and Young Martin were close after her and Continued on sixteenth page. LADKIN DEFEATS EPINARD Continued from first page. Boldbeater was not far away, while Star Lore was a bit slow to be under way and ho was one of the trailers. Hugging the rail closely, Beatrice continued to hold her lead until the stretch turn was reached. There she bore out slightly and at the same time showed signs of faltering. Young Martin and Swope, racing outside of the Woodward filly, were going well and for an Instant it seemed that Swope was going to the front, but ho faltered and dropped back. Goldbeater was still going well on the rail. Senalado had saved ground on the turn and was also closing in resolute fashion. It was a battle right to the end, where Star Lore just beat Blue Ridge a head and Senalado was two lengths further back and a length and a half before the tired Beatrice. Young Martin and Swope both tired badly and were thoroughy beaten.
