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AMERICAS CLASSIC TODAY « ■ z LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 17. — In the realm of sports there are only two events decided annually that arouse such nation-wide interest as to bring to their place of decision enormous crowds from all sections of the country. The Kentucky Derby and the World Series Baseball Games hold that unique distinction in the hearts and minds of the sport loving American public. Whereas the Championship baseball games are subject to a change in location, the Kentucky Derby is always run at historical Churchill Downs, where it was established and first run in 1875. For that reason this old Kentucky city with true southern hospitality is today throwing open its doors to the thousands and thousands of visitors who have jour-! neyed here to witness on tomorrow afternoon the running of the fifty-fifth Kentucky Derby. By automobile — an apparently endless procession of motor cars winding its way over the ribbons of roadways leading to this city from all points of the compass; by rail — the regular train service has been augmented by many "special trains," which are in every sense sleeping palaces on wheels; by airplane — not a few have taken to the "air" to get here by the most modern and fastest of all means of transportation — have come this great multitude of sport loving American men and women, who have left their homes and travelled long distances for their Roman holiday in one of the turfs finest amphitheaters, historical Churchill Downs. Another Derby day. Yet. in the case oC the Kentucky Derby, it is never just another Derby day. Established in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has an unique history, which even the great Worlds War failed to interrupt. It has been run each year continuously since its inception and now la unquestionably the outstanding horse rac* decided on the North American continent. Though modest in monetary value in its early day, the Derby has always attracted the best three-year-olds of each year, and among its roster of winners are found some of our most famous thoroughbreds. Likewise, not a few of the beaten horses in the Derby afterwards became celebrated for their illustrious deeds on the turf. A most striking example was Ten Broeck, which was unplaced in the first running of the Derby, won by the little red horse, Aristides. Down through the years aside from Aristides, the greatest of Kentucky Derby win* ners were Hindoo, Leonatus, Fonso, Riley, Spokane, Halma, Ben Brush, Lieut. Gibson, Plaudit, Alan-a-Dale, Sir Huon, Old Rosebud, Regret, Omar Khayyam, Exterminator, Sir Barton, Zev, Black Gold, Bubbling Over, Whiskery and Reigh Count. Gone all, except the last mentioned, from the glamour and excitement of the race track, the majority under the turf they honored in the days of their I | glory, the others to the stud or a well earned! OMittauel m •ereatoMth pace. AMERICAS CLASSIC TODAY Continued from first page. life of ease away from the rigors of training and shouts of the multitude. Gone, but not forgotten, are the heroes of the past. Will Blue Larkspur, Clyde Van Dusen, Naishapur, Ervast, Karl Eitel, Windy C»ty, Minotaur, Upset Lad, The Choctaw. Double Heart and others who may be found among the starters in the Derby tomorrow measure up to the quality of the stars of yesterday. Now on the eve of the fifty-fifth Derby, we find the stage all set for the great spectacle of tomorrow. Louisvilles beautiful race course is spic and span — it never looked prettier — the management has concluded every preparation to take care of the from 50,000 to 100,000 persons that will crowd every inch of the spacious grounds, the candidates for the big race, exquisite specimens of the thoroughbred, are quietly resting in their spotless stalls under the watchful eyes of their attendants, while here in the heart of the city the happy, care-free thousands are marking time, enjoying themselves in the usual diversified ways of such gatherings.
