History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921 Part 18

Wildair took up the chase. He closed to the saddle girth of the Parr winner and they swept along at a tearing pace. One or the other must falter, the crowd knew, but Paul Jones proved his mettle. Wildair dropped back.

On Watch then drew the gaze of the spectators. As the field pa.s.sed the half-mile post he shot forward and sped past his tiring opposition. On he continued as they rounded the last turn, and an old horseman shouted.

"On Watch wins."

But On Watch had spent himself and all the courage and stamina at his command could not overhaul the driving duo out front. At the furlong pole Paul Jones met his sternest test. He seemed to be weakening from the long, hard struggle. Upset appeared to be the stronger. But Jockey Rice again called on his game little mount and Paul Jones did as Hanover or Hindoo would have done. He would not be denied.

Paul Jones met challenge with challenge and at the close displayed a heart of iron as he drove madly under the wire with Upset at his throat-latch.

Throughout the stretch the twain waged a heartrending duel. As they took the final turn Upset made his bid. Inch by inch he forged past rump and flank and withers. He stretched fiery nostrils alongside the gelding's throat. Only the blazed face remained between him and victory. On they came past the furlong pole, and still the blazed face would not be dislodged. It remained there to the end.

This triumph of the East was more than a victory for Kentucky. The ugly little brown boasts blood that long has been the pride of the Blue Gra.s.s.

His dam is by Hamburg, which got Jersey Lightning, the dam of Regret, and Hamburg's sire was the immortal Hanover, by Hindoo, winner of the Kentucky Derby of 1881. Hindoo was from the loins of Virgil out of Florence, by Lexington, and he by Boston, the great Boston.

SUMMARY

May 8, 1920. Track slow. $30,000 added. Value to winner $30,375, second, $4,000, third $2,000, fourth $275. Time--23-4/5, 48-1/5, 1.14-4/5, 1.42, 2.09.

Paul Jones, 126, T. Rice 1 Upset, 126, J. Rodriguez 2 On Watch, 126, N. Barrett 3

Damask, 126, E. Ambrose; Donnacona, 126, W. J. O'Brien; Blazes, 126, C.

k.u.mmer; By Golly, 126, L. Lyke; Wildair, 126, L. Fator; Bersagliere, 126, T. Murray; Patches, 126, J. Hanover; Herron, 126, J. Butwell; Sandy Beal, 126, I. Williams; Prince Pal, 126, A. Schuttinger; David Harum, 126, C.

Fairbrother; Cleopatra, 121, L. McAtee; Peace Pennant, 126, M. Garner; Sterling, 126, J. Callahan.

Winner, Brown Gelding, by Sea King-May Florence, by Hamburg. Owned by R.

Parr. Trained by Wm. Garth.

I love the Hoss from Hoof to Head, From Head to Hoof and Tail to Mane.

I love the Hoss, as I have said From Head to Hoof and back again.

I love my G.o.d the first of all, Then Him that perished on the Cross And next my Wife and then I fall Down on my knees and Love the Hoss.

James Whitcomb Riley.