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Recalling Derbys Inaugural Running Aristides Triumph in 1875 Vividly Described by Spirit Of Times Correspondent LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 1.— Few are those still around who can recall the first Kentucky Derby back in 1875, but the "Spirit of the Times," a sports publication of that era, copies of which are on file in the offices of Daily Racing Form, gives a vivid description of the running of that race. Prophetic was the Spirits correspondent who wrote that the Kentucky Derby "has created deep interest throughout the country, in view of the important bearing upon the prospects of future great events." The article set forth that the Derby was the second race and that "It was a sweepstakes of 0 each, with ,000 added by the association, the second horse to have 00; one mile and a half. Of the forty-two entries in the race, fifteen came to the post. This was a magnificent field of three-year-olds, the majority of them having been winners. The betting showed H. P. McGraths entries — Aristides and Chesapeake — to be favorites in public estimation ..." The actual running of the first Derby is described by the Spirit of the Times as follows: Howard on Winner "The horses got off at the first attempt, | Chesapeake being one of the last to get away. Volcano made the running, closely attended by Verdigris, Aristides and Mc-Creary, the rest well together, a length or two behind. They ran thus throughout the first half mile, :50 l-2s, but the pace then began to tell on some of the rear division and Enlister, Vagabond and Chesapeake fell back. Aristides took second place as they ran along the back stretch, lapped Volcano as they reached the half mile pole, the starting point the mile being run in 1:43%. and showed in front directly afterwards. The tremendous pace had already told a tale upon the field, which was now strung out a hundred yards behind. Aristides was steadily increasing his lead, Howard the jockey having taken a steadying pull on Volcano for a final effort. "At the head of the stretch stood Mr. McGrath, who waved to Lewis, the rider of Aristides, to go on, and he at once obeyed instructions by loosing his pull on his horses bridle. Half way home, Volcano came with a determined rush, but Aristides stalled off the challenge in gallant style and went over to score a winner of the first Kentucky Derby by a length from Volcano, with Verdigris third in 2:37%, the fastest time ever made by a three-year-old at the distance. Bob Wooley was fourth and Ten Broeck fifth. Searcher, from whom so much was expected, never showed conspicuously in the race. Value of the stakes, ,100, of which 00 goes to the second horse."
