Epsom Derby

The Derby Stakes, known colloquially as The Derby and internationally as the Epsom Derby, is considered one the most prestigious flat thoroughbred horse races in the world. The race takes place each year in June at Epsom Downs, Epsom, Surrey, England. (The race was held at Newmarket from 1915-1918 and called the New Derby Stakes.)

Notable events

• The first filly to win the race was Eleanor, in 1801.
• In 1805 a spectator brought down one of the horses.
• In 1884 there was a dead heat between Harvester and St Gatien.
• In 1894 the winning owner was the 5th Earl of Rosebery, who was also Prime Minister at the time.
• The 1909 winner Minoru was the first owned by a reigning monarch, King Edward VII. He had previously won two Derbys as Prince of Wales.
• In 1913 suffragette Emily Davison was killed after throwing herself in front of King George V's horse, Anmer.
• The 1921 winner Humorist died two weeks after the race.
• The first Derby broadcast by the BBC was in 1927.
• The record winning distance for a Derby is 10 lengths, recorded by Shergar in 1981.