The story of the Derby is quickly told as there were no sensational features about it. Only four horses started, Halma, Basso, Laureate and Curator. Halma was a 2 to 5 favorite, but even at this short price he was pretty heavily backed. Mr. Nick Finzer's colt Laureate, was heavily played for the place at 3 to 5, especially by the Louisville contingent, who were patriotic and backed their home horse for the position at the finish that seemed possible for him to obtain. Basso was held for the place at about the same price as Laureate, and the Chicago owned horse was pretty heavily played for the place. The matter of starting the field of four was soon disposed of and the quartet went off well together. Curator took the lead and quickly separated himself from his companions, holding the lead for nearly half a mile, but only on sufference. Coming near the wire for the first time, Halma took the lead, and to make the story short, held it easily to the end. Basso trailed all the way until entering the stretch for the final home run when he came up and challenged Laureate who had been in second place since the end of the first half mile. Basso took second position half way down the stretch and thus they finished, Halma easily by three lengths, Basso second by a length and Laureate third by five lengths. The Kentucky Derby, for three-year old colts and fillies (foals of 1892); $5 to accompany the nomination; $10 to be paid May 1, 1894; $20 to be paid May 1, 1895; $100 additional to start, with $2,500 added, of which $300 to second and $150 to third; fourth to save stake. One mile and a half. B. McClelland's blk c Halma, 3, by Hanover, Julia L; 122 lbs., 1 to 3, Perkins 1 C. H. Smith's b c Basso, 3, by Falsetto, Ethelda; 122 lbs., 9 to 2, Martin 2 Pastime Stable's ch g Laureate, 3, by Volante, imp. Laurel; 122 lbs., 5 to 1, A. Clayton 3 Bashford Manor Stable's b c Curator, 3, by Alarm, Katie Creel; 122 lbs., 20 to 1, Overton 0 Time--2:37-1/2 TWENTY-SECOND DERBY 1896