Epsom Derby Explained

Class:Group 1
Horse Race:Derby Stakes
Location:Epsom Downs
Epsom, Surrey, England
Inaugurated:1780
Race Type:Flat / Thoroughbred
Sponsor:Betfred
Website:Epsom Derby
Distance:1m 4f 6y (2,419m), or about 1½ miles
Surface:Turf
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Three-year-olds
excluding geldings
Weight:9 st 0 lb
Allowances
3 lb for fillies
Purse:£1,604,000 (2022)
1st: £909,628

The Derby Stakes, also known as the Derby or the Epsom Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in England open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on the first Saturday of June each year, over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards (2,423 metres), or about 1½ miles.[1] It was first run in 1780.

It is Britain's richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics. It is sometimes referred to as the "Blue Riband" of the turf. The race serves as the middle leg of the historically significant Triple Crown of British horse racing, preceded by the 2000 Guineas and followed by the St Leger, although the feat of winning all three is rarely attempted in the modern era due to changing priorities in racing and breeding, and the demands it places on horses.

The name "Derby" (deriving from the sponsorship of the Earl of Derby) has been borrowed many times, notably by the Kentucky Derby in the United States, and to describe many other key racing and sporting events. The term "Epsom Derby" is often used in the United States and elsewhere, in order to differentiate The Derby from other races such as the Irish Derby or German Derby.[2] The Derby run at Epsom is usually referred to as "the Derby" in Great Britain. It is one of Britain's great national sporting events[3] and has a large worldwide TV audience.[4]

History

The Stanley family, Earls of Derby, had a long history of horse-racing, and James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, who gained the Lordship of Mann in 1627, instituted horse-racing on the Langness Peninsula on the Isle of Man, donating a cup for what became known as the "Manx Derby".[5] The Derby originated at a celebration following the first running of the Oaks Stakes in 1779. A new race was planned, and it was decided that it should be named after either the host of the party, the 12th Earl of Derby, or one of his guests, Sir Charles Bunbury (the Bunbury Cup run at Newmarket would later be named in his honour). According to legend the decision was made by the toss of a coin, but it is probable that Bunbury, the Steward of the Jockey Club, deferred to his host.[6] The inaugural running of the Derby was held on Thursday 4 May 1780. It was won by Diomed, a colt owned by Sir Charles Bunbury, who collected prize money of £1,065 15s. The first four runnings were contested over the last mile of the old Orbicular course <49>, this extended in line with the Oaks to the current distance of 1½ miles in 1784. Lord Derby achieved his first success in the event in 1787, with a horse called Sir Peter Teazle.

The starting point of the race was moved twice during the 19th century. The first move, suggested by Lord George Bentinck, was in 1848, and the second was in 1872. It was discovered in 1991 that the exact length of the race was one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards.[7]

Initially, the Derby was run on a Thursday in late May or early June, depending on when Easter occurred. In 1838 the race was moved to a Wednesday to fit in with the railways' timetables, but still followed the moveable feast of Easter. In the 20th century, the race was run mainly on a Wednesday in late May or early June until 1994, after which it was changed to a Saturday in early June.[8] From 1915 to 1918 (during World War I), it was on a Tuesday, with the race's latest ever date being 31 July 1917.[9] From 1942 to 1945 (during World War II), 1947 to 1950, and in 1953, the race was run on a Saturday.[7] From 1969 to 1994, it was on the first Wednesday in June. From 2003 to at least 2022, it has been on the first Saturday in June, apart from a race on 4 July 2020 without spectators, owing to COVID-19.

The Derby has been run at Epsom in all years except during the world wars; from 1915 to 1918 and from 1940 to 1945, the Derby was run at Newmarket as the 'New Derby'.

With the race's close association with gambling, the most controversial running of the Epsom Derby took place in 1844. The winner, Running Rein, was disqualified on discovery that a four-year-old imposter, a horse by the name Maccabeus, had been substituted in his place as part of a betting coup.[10]

The Derby has inspired many similar events around the world. European variations include the Derby Italiano, the Deutsches Derby, the Irish Derby and the Prix du Jockey Club (popularly known in the British Isles as the "French Derby"). Several races in the United States include the "Derby" name, including the oldest, the Kentucky Derby. Other national equivalents include the Australian Derby, the New Zealand Derby, and the Japanese Derby.

In 1931, the Derby became the world's first outdoor sporting event to be televised.[11]

There is a maximum of 20 runners allowed in the race.[12]

Since the 1993 edition, The Derby has introduced yearling entry. The system were canceled from 2024 edition and 2022 during COVID-19 pandemic.[13]

Epsom Fair

For many years the Derby was run on a Wednesday or a Thursday and on the day huge crowds would come from London, not only to see the race but to enjoy other entertainment (during some of the 19th century and most of the 20th, Parliament would adjourn to allow members to attend the meeting).[14] [15] [16]

By the time that Charles Dickens visited Epsom Downs to view the race in the 1850s, entertainers such as musicians, clowns, and conjurers plied their trades and entertained the crowds; other forms of entertainment included coconut stalls.[17] The crowded meeting was the subject of a painting by William Powell Frith painted in the 1858 and titled The Derby Day; critics have noted that the foreground of the painting features the entertainment attractions, while the racing is relegated to the margins.[18]

In the 1870s, the steam-driven rides were introduced. They were located at the Tattenham Corner end of the grounds and the fair was on for ten days and entertained hundreds of thousands.[17] During the latter half of the 20th century, Derby Day became less popular and the race was moved from Wednesday to Saturday in 1995 with the hope of reviving high attendance.[14] As the number of people attending the fair dwindled in the face of competition for attention and changing tastes, its length was reduced from 10 days to three or four.[17]

Modern format

Today, the free-admission Hill still provides a festival atmosphere with a fairground in operation on the Friday and Saturday.[19] The walk-in nature of the Hill typically sees Derby attendances exceed 100,000 spectators, making it one of the largest sporting events in the United Kingdom.[20]

Sponsorship

In 2021 and 2022 the race, along with seven other races at the Derby festival, was sponsored by Cazoo.[21] Cazoo declined an option to extend their sponsorship[22] and in April 2023 the bookmaker Betfred agreed a three-year deal to sponsor the Derby and Oaks.[23]

Investec was the previous sponsor of the Derby between 2009 and 2020. The race was previously backed by Ever Ready (1984–94) and Vodafone (1995–2008).[24]

Popular culture

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Records

Leading jockey (9 wins)

Leading trainer (10 wins)

Leading owner (11 wins): (includes part ownership)

Dams of two winners

Other records

Winners

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Year
Winner
Jockey
Trainer
Owner
Distance
Time
1780DiomedSam ArnullR. TeasdaleSir Charles Bunbury
1781Young EclipseCharles HindleyDennis O'Kelly
1782AssassinSam ArnullFrank Neale3rd Earl of Egremont
1783SaltramCharles HindleyFrank NealeJohn Parker
1784SerjeantJohn ArnullDennis O'Kelly
1785AimwellCharles HindleyJohn Pratt1st Earl of Clermont
1786NobleJ. WhiteFrank NealeTommy Panton
1787Sir Peter TeazleSam ArnullSaunders12th Earl of Derby
1788Sir ThomasWilliam SouthFrank NealePrince of Wales
1789SkyscraperSam ChifneyMatt Stephenson5th Duke of Bedford
1790RhadamanthusJohn ArnullJohn Pratt1st Earl Grosvenor
1791EagerMatt StephensonMatt Stephenson5th Duke of Bedford
1792John BullFrank BuckleJohn Pratt1st Earl Grosvenor
1793WaxyBill CliftRobert RobsonSir Ferdinand Poole
1794DaedalusFrank BuckleJohn Pratt1st Earl Grosvenor
1795Spread EagleAnthony WheatleyRichard PrinceSir Frank Standish
1796DidelotJohn ArnullRichard PrinceSir Frank Standish
1797Colt by FidgetJohn Singleton, Jr.Matt Stephenson5th Duke of Bedford
1798Sir HarrySam ArnullFrank NealeJoseph Cookson
1799ArchdukeJohn ArnullRichard PrinceSir Frank Standish
1800ChampionBill CliftTom PerrenChristopher Wilson
1801EleanorJohn SaundersJ. FrostSir Charles Bunbury
1802TyrantFrank BuckleRobert Robson3rd Duke of Grafton
1803DittoBill CliftJohn LonsdaleSir Hedworth Williamson
1804HannibalBill ArnullFrank Neale3rd Earl of Egremont
1805Cardinal BeaufortDennis FitzpatrickDixon Boyce3rd Earl of Egremont
1806ParisJohn ShepherdRichard Prince3rd Baron Foley
1807ElectionJohn ArnullDixon Boyce3rd Earl of Egremont
1808PanFrank CollinsonJohn LonsdaleSir Hedworth Williamson
1809PopeTom GoodissonRobert Robson3rd Duke of Grafton00.25 nk
1810WhaleboneBill CliftRobert Robson3rd Duke of Grafton
1811PhantomFrank BuckleJames EdwardsSir John Shelley00.125 hd
1812OctaviusBill ArnullDixon BoyceRobert Ladbroke00.125 hd
1813SmolenskoTom GoodissonCrouchSir Charles Bunbury01.00 1
1814BlucherBill ArnullDixon Boyce2nd Baron Stawell
1815WhiskerTom GoodissonRobert Robson4th Duke of Grafton00.0625 shd
1816Prince LeopoldWill WheatleyWilliam ButlerDuke of York00.50 ½
1817AzorJem RobinsonRobert RobsonJohn Payne
1818SamSam Chifney, Jr.William ChifneyThomas Thornhill00.75 ¾
1819TiresiasBill CliftRichard Prince4th Duke of Portland00.25 nk
1820SailorSam Chifney, Jr.William ChifneyThomas Thornhill02 2
1821GustavusSam DayCrouchJohn Hunter00.50 ½
1822MosesTom GoodissonWilliam ButlerDuke of York00.125 hd
1823EmiliusFrank BuckleRobert RobsonJohn Udny01 1
1824CedricJem RobinsonJames EdwardsSir John Shelley
1825MiddletonJem RobinsonJames Edwards5th Earl of Jersey
1826Lap-dogGeorge DockerayR. Stephenson3rd Earl of Egremont
1827MamelukeJem RobinsonJames Edwards5th Earl of Jersey
1828Jem RobinsonDixon Boyce5th Duke of Rutland00 dh
1829FrederickJohn ForthJohn ForthWilliam Gratwicke00.125 hd
1830PriamSam DayWilliam ChifneyWilliam Chifney02 2
1831SpanielWill WheatleyJ. RogersViscount Lowther
1832St. GilesBill ScottJ. WebbRobert Ridsdale02 2
1833DangerousJem ChappleIsaac SadlerIsaac Sadler01 1
1834PlenipotentiaryPatrick ConollyGeorge PayneStanlake Batson02 2
1835MündigBill ScottJohn ScottJohn Bowes00.25 nk
1836Bay MiddletonJem RobinsonJames Edwards5th Earl of Jersey02 2
1837PhosphorusGeorge EdwardsJohn DoeLord Berners00.25 nk
1838Jem ChappleRalph SherwoodSir Gilbert Heathcote
1839BloomsburySim TemplemanWilliam RidsdaleWilliam Ridsdale01 1
1840Little WonderWilliam MacdonaldJohn ForthDavid Robertson01 1
1841CoronationPatrick ConollyBen PainterAbraham Rawlinson03 3
1842AttilaBill ScottJohn ScottGeorge Anson02 2
1843CotherstoneBill ScottJohn ScottJohn Bowes02 2
1844Nat FlatmanW. CooperJonathan Peel
1845The Merry MonarchFoster BellJohn ForthWilliam Gratwicke01 1
1846Pyrrhus The FirstSam DayJohn DayJohn Gully00.25 nk175 2:55
1847CossackSim TemplemanJohn DayT. H. Pedley01 1172 2:52
1848SurpliceSim TemplemanJohn Kent, Jr.3rd Viscount Clifden00.25 nk168 2:48
1849The Flying DutchmanCharles MarlowJohn Fobert13th Earl of Eglinton00.1875 snk180 3:00
1850VoltigeurJob MarsonRobert Hill2nd Earl of Zetland01 1170 2:50
1851TeddingtonJob MarsonAlec Taylor, Sr.Sir Joseph Hawley02 2171 2:51
1852Daniel O'RourkeFrank ButlerJohn ScottJohn Bowes00.50 ½182 3:02
1853West AustralianFrank ButlerJohn ScottJohn Bowes00.25 nk175 2:55
1854AndoverAlfred DayJohn DayJohn Gully01 1172 2:52
1855Wild DayrellRobert SherwoodJohn RickabyFrancis Popham01 1174 2:54
1856EllingtonTom AldcroftTom DawsonOctavius Vernon Harcourt01 1184 3:04
1857Blink BonnyJack CharltonWilliam I'AnsonWilliam I'Anson00.25 nk165 2:45
1858BeadsmanJohn WellsGeorge ManningSir Joseph Hawley01 1174 2:54
1859MusjidJohn WellsGeorge ManningSir Joseph Hawley00.5 ½179 2:59
1860ThormanbyHarry CustanceMathew DawsonJames Merry01.5 175 2:55
1861KettledrumRalph BullockG. OatesCharles Towneley01 1165 2:45
1862CaractacusJohn ParsonsRobert SmithCharles Snewing00.25 nk165 2:45
1863MacaroniTom ChalonerJames GoddingRichard Naylor00.125 hd170 2:50
1864Blair AtholJim SnowdenWilliam I'AnsonWilliam I'Anson02 2163 2:43
1865GladiateurHarry GrimshawTom Jennings, Sr.Frédéric de Lagrange02 2166 2:46
1866Lord LyonHarry CustanceJames DoverRichard Sutton00.125 hd170 2:50
1867HermitJohn DaleyG. BlossHenry Chaplin00.25 nk162 2:42
1868Blue GownJohn WellsJohn PorterSir Joseph Hawley00.5 ½163 2:43
1869PretenderJohn Osborne Jr.Tom DawsonJohn Johnstone00.0625 shd172 2:52
1870KingcraftTom FrenchMathew Dawson6th Viscount Falmouth04 4165 2:45
1871FavoniusTom FrenchJoseph HayhoeMayer A. de Rothschild01.5 170 2:50
1872CremorneCharlie MaidmentWilliam GilbertHenry Savile00.125 hd165 2:45
1873DoncasterFred WebbRobert PeckJames Merry01.50 170 2:50
1874George FrederickHarry CustanceTom LeaderW. S. Cartwright02 2166 2:46
1875GalopinJack MorrisJohn DawsonGusztáv Batthyány01 1168 2:48
1876KisberCharlie MaidmentJoseph HayhoeAlexander Baltazzi05 5164 2:44
1877SilvioFred ArcherMathew Dawson6th Viscount Falmouth00.5 ½170 2:50
1878SeftonHarry ConstableAlec Taylor, Sr.William Stirling Crawfurd01.5 176 2:56
1879Sir BevysGeorge FordhamJoseph HayhoeLionel de Rothschild00.75 ¾182 3:02
1880Bend OrFred ArcherRobert Peck1st Duke of Westminster00.125 hd166 2:46
1881IroquoisFred ArcherJacob PincusPierre Lorillard IV00.25 nk170 2:50
1882ShotoverTom Cannon, Sr.John Porter1st Duke of Westminster00.75 ¾165 2:45
1883St. BlaiseCharles WoodJohn PorterSir Frederick Johnstone00.125 hd168 2:48
1884
(dh)
Harvester
St. Gatien
Sam Loates
Charles Wood
James Jewitt
Robert Sherwood
Sir J. Willoughby
Jack Hammond
00 dh166 2:46
1885MeltonFred ArcherMathew Dawson20th Baron Hastings00.125 hd164 2:44
1886OrmondeFred ArcherJohn Porter1st Duke of Westminster01.5 165 2:45.6
1887Merry HamptonJohn WattsMartin GurryGeorge Alexander Baird04. 4163 2:43
1888AyrshireFred BarrettGeorge Dawson6th Duke of Portland02 2163 2:43
1889DonovanTommy LoatesGeorge Dawson6th Duke of Portland01.50 164 2:44
1890SainfoinJohn WattsJohn PorterJames Miller00.75 ¾169 2:49
1891CommonGeorge BarrettJohn PorterSir Frederick Johnstone02 2176 2:56
1892Sir HugoFred AllsoppTom Wadlow3rd Earl of Bradford00.75 ¾164 2:44
1893IsinglassTommy LoatesJames JewittHarry McCalmont01.5 163 2:43
1894LadasJohn WattsMathew Dawson5th Earl of Rosebery01.5 165 2:45
1895Sir VistoSam LoatesMathew Dawson5th Earl of Rosebery00.75 ¾163 2:43
1896PersimmonJohn WattsRichard MarshPrince of Wales00.25 nk162 2:42
1897Galtee MoreCharles WoodSam DarlingJohn Gubbins02 2164 2:44
1898JeddahOtto MaddenRichard MarshJames Larnach00.75 ¾167 2:47
1899Flying FoxMorny CannonJohn Porter1st Duke of Westminster02 2162 2:42
1900Diamond JubileeHerbert JonesRichard MarshPrince of Wales00.5 ½162 2:42
1901VolodyovskiLester ReiffJohn HugginsWilliam C. Whitney00.75 ¾160.8 2:40.8
1902Ard PatrickSkeets MartinSam DarlingJohn Gubbins03 3162.2 2:42.2
1903Rock SandDanny MaherGeorge BlackwellJames Miller02 2162.8 2:42.8
1904St. AmantKempton CannonAlfred HayhoeLeopold de Rothschild03 3165.4 2:45.4
1905CiceroDanny MaherPercy Peck5th Earl of Rosebery00.75 ¾159.8 2:39.6
1906SpearmintDanny MaherPeter GilpinMajor Eustace Loder01.50 156.8 2:36.8
1907OrbyJohn ReiffFred McCabeRichard Croker02 2164 2:44
1908SignorinettaBilly BullockEdoardo GinistrelliEdoardo Ginistrelli02 2159.8 2:39.8
1909MinoruHerbert JonesRichard MarshKing Edward VII00.0625 shd162.7 2:42.7
1910LembergBernard DillonAlec Taylor, Jr.Alfred Cox00.25 nk155.2 2:35.2
1911SunstarGeorge SternCharles MortonJack Barnato Joel02 2156.8 2:36.8
1912TagalieJohn ReiffDawson WaughWalter Raphael04 4158.8 2:38.8
1913Edwin PiperTom LewisAlan Cunliffe00.25 nk157.6 2:37.6
1914DurbarMatt McGeeTom MurphyHerman Duryea03 3158.4 2:38.4
1915PommernSteve DonoghueCharles PeckSolomon Joel02 2152.6 2:32.6
1916FifinellaJoe ChildsDick DawsonSir Edward Hulton00.25 nk156.6 2:36.6
1917Gay CrusaderSteve DonoghueAlec Taylor, Jr.Alfred Cox04 4160.6 2:40.6
1918GainsboroughJoe ChildsAlec Taylor, Jr.Lady James Douglas01.5 153.2 2:33.2
1919Grand ParadeFred TemplemanFrank Barling1st Baron Glanely00.5 ½155.8 2:35.8
1920Spion KopFrank O'NeillPeter GilpinGiles Loder02 2154.8 2:34.8
1921HumoristSteve DonoghueCharles MortonJack Barnato Joel00.25 nk156.2 2:36.2
1922Captain CuttleSteve DonoghueFred Darling1st Baron Woolavington04 4154.6 2:34.6
1923PapyrusSteve DonoghueBasil JarvisBen Irish01 1158 2:38
1924SansovinoTommy WestonGeorge Lambton17th Earl of Derby06 6166 2:46
1925MannaSteve DonoghueFred DarlingHenry E. Morriss08 8160.6 2:40.6
1926CoronachJoe ChildsFred Darling1st Baron Woolavington05 5167.8 2:47.8
1927Call BoyCharlie ElliottJohn E. WattsFrank Curzon02 2154.4 2:34.4
1928FelsteadHarry WraggOssie BellSir Hugo Cunliffe-Owen01.5 154.8 2:34.8
1929TrigoJoe MarshallDick DawsonWilliam Barnett01.5 156.4 2:36.4
1930BlenheimHarry WraggDick DawsonAga Khan III01 1158.2 2:38.2
1931CameronianFreddie FoxFred DarlingArthur Dewar00.75 ¾156.6 2:36.6
1932April the FifthFred LaneTom WallsTom Walls00.75 ¾163.2 2:43.2
1933HyperionTommy WestonGeorge Lambton17th Earl of Derby04 4154 2:34
1934Windsor LadCharles SmirkeMarcus MarshMaharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla01 1154 2:34
1935BahramFreddie FoxFrank ButtersAga Khan III02 2156 2:36
1936MahmoudCharles SmirkeFrank ButtersAga Khan III03 3153.8 2:33.8
1937Mid-day SunMichael BearyFred ButtersLettice Mary Miller01.5 157.6 2:37.6
1938Bois RousselCharlie ElliottFred DarlingPeter Beatty04 4159.2 2:39.2
1939Blue PeterEph SmithJack Jarvis6th Earl of Rosebery04 4156.8 2:36.8
1940Pont l'EvequeSam WraggFred DarlingFred Darling03 3150.8 2:30.8
1941Owen TudorBilly NevettFred DarlingC. Macdonald-Buchanan 01.5 152 2:32
1942Watling StreetHarry WraggWalter Earl17th Earl of Derby00.25 nk149.6 2:29.6
1943Straight DealTommy CareyWalter NightingallDorothy Paget00.125 hd150.4 2:30.4
1944Ocean SwellBilly NevettJack Jarvis6th Earl of Rosebery00.25 nk151 2:31
1945DanteBilly NevettMatthew PeacockSir Eric Ohlson02 2146.6 2:26.6
1946AirborneTommy LowreyDick PerrymanJohn E. Ferguson01 1154.6 2:44.6
1947Pearl DiverGeorges BridglandPercy CarterBaron Geoffroy de Waldner04 4158.4 2:38.4
1948My LoveRae JohnstoneRichard CarverAga Khan III / Volterra01.5 160 2:40
1949NimbusCharlie ElliottGeorge CollingMarion Glenister00.125 hd162 2:42
1950GalcadorRae JohnstoneCharles SemblatMarcel Boussac00.125 hd156.8 2:36.8
1951Arctic PrinceChuck SparesWillie StephensonJoseph McGrath06 6159.4 2:39.4
1952TulyarCharles SmirkeMarcus MarshAga Khan III00.75 ¾156.4 2:36.4
1953PinzaSir Gordon RichardsNorman BertieSir Victor Sassoon04 4155.6 2:35.6
1954Never Say DieLester PiggottJoseph LawsonRobert Sterling Clark02 2155.8 2:35.8
1955Phil DrakeFreddie PalmerFrançois MathetSuzy Volterra02 2159.8 2:39.8
1956LavandinRae JohnstoneAlec HeadPierre Wertheimer00.25 nk156.4 2:36.4
1957CrepelloLester PiggottNoel MurlessSir Victor Sassoon01.5 155.4 2:35.4
1958Hard RiddenCharles SmirkeMick RogersSir Victor Sassoon05 5161.2 2:41.2
1959ParthiaHarry CarrCecil Boyd-RochfortSir Humphrey de Trafford01.5 156.0 2:36.0
1960St. PaddyLester PiggottNoel MurlessSir Victor Sassoon03 3155.8 2:35.8
1961PsidiumRoger PoinceletHarry WraggEtti Plesch02 2156.4 2:36.4
1962LarkspurNeville SellwoodVincent O'BrienRaymond R. Guest02 2157.6 2:37.6
1963RelkoYves Saint-MartinFrançois MathetFrançois Dupré06 6159.4 2:39.4
1964Santa ClausScobie BreasleyMick RogersJohn Ismay01 1161.98 2:41.98
1965Sea BirdPat GlennonEtienne PolletJean Ternynck02 2158.41 2:38.41
1966CharlottownScobie BreasleyGordon SmythLady Zia Wernher00.25 nk157.63 2:37.63
1967Royal PalaceGeorge MooreNoel MurlessJim Joel02.5 158.36 2:38.36
1968Sir IvorLester PiggottVincent O'BrienRaymond R. Guest01.5 158.73 2:38.73
1969BlakeneyErnie JohnsonArthur BudgettArthur Budgett01 1160.30 2:40.30
1970NijinskyLester PiggottVincent O'BrienCharles W. Engelhard, Jr.02.5 154.68 2:34.68
1971Mill ReefGeoff LewisIan BaldingPaul Mellon02 2157.14 2:37.14
1972RobertoLester PiggottVincent O'BrienJohn W. Galbreath00.0625 shd156.09 2:36.09
1973MorstonEdward HideArthur BudgettArthur Budgett00.5 ½155.92 2:35.92
1974Snow KnightBrian TaylorPeter NelsonSharon Phillips02 2155.04 2:35.04
1975GrundyPat EdderyPeter WalwynCarlo Vittadini03 3155.35 2:35.35
1976EmperyLester PiggottMaurice ZilberNelson Bunker Hunt03 3155.69 2:35.69
1977The MinstrelLester PiggottVincent O'BrienRobert Sangster00.25 nk156.44 2:36.44
1978Shirley HeightsGreville StarkeyJohn Dunlop2nd Earl of Halifax00.125 hd155.30 2:35.30
1979TroyWillie CarsonDick HernSobell / Weinstock07 7156.59 2:36.59
1980HenbitWillie CarsonDick HernEtti Plesch00.5 ½154.77 2:34.77
1981ShergarWalter SwinburnMichael StouteAga Khan IV10 10164.21 2:44.21
1982Golden FleecePat EdderyVincent O'BrienRobert Sangster03 3154.27 2:34.27
1983TeenosoLester PiggottGeoff WraggEric Moller03 3169.07 2:49.07
1984SecretoChristy RocheDavid O'BrienLuigi Miglietti00.0625 shd159.12 2:39.12
1985Slip AnchorSteve CauthenHenry CecilLord Howard de Walden07 7156.23 2:36.23
1986ShahrastaniWalter SwinburnMichael StouteAga Khan IV00.5 ½157.13 2:37.13
1987Reference PointSteve CauthenHenry CecilLouis Freedman01.5 153.90 2:33.90
1988KahyasiRay CochraneLuca CumaniAga Khan IV01.5 153.84 2:33.84
1989NashwanWillie CarsonDick HernHamdan Al Maktoum05 5154.90 2:34.90
1990Quest for FamePat EdderyRoger CharltonKhalid Abdullah03 3157.26 2:37.26
1991GenerousAlan MunroPaul ColePrince Fahd bin Salman05 5154.00 2:34.00
1992Dr Devious[26] John ReidPeter Chapple-HyamSidney H. Craig02 2156.19 2:36.19
1993Commander in Chief[27] Michael KinaneHenry CecilKhalid Abdullah03.5 154.51 2:34.51
1994Erhaab[28] Willie CarsonJohn DunlopHamdan Al Maktoum01.25 154.16 2:34.16
1995Lammtarra[29] Walter SwinburnSaeed bin SuroorSaeed bin M. Al Maktoum01 1152.31 2:32.31
1996Shaamit[30] Michael HillsWilliam HaggasKhalifa Dasmal01.25 155.05 2:35.05
1997Benny the Dip[31] Willie RyanJohn GosdenLandon Knight00.0625 shd155.77 2:35.77
1998High-Rise[32] Olivier PeslierLuca CumaniM. Obaid Al Maktoum00.125 hd153.88 2:33.88
1999Oath[33] Kieren FallonHenry CecilThe Thoroughbred Corp.01.75 157.43 2:37.43
2000Sinndar[34] Johnny MurtaghJohn OxxAga Khan IV01 1156.75 2:36.75
2001Galileo[35] Michael KinaneAidan O'BrienMagnier / Tabor03.5 153.27 2:33.27
2002High Chaparral[36] Johnny MurtaghAidan O'BrienMagnier / Tabor02 2159.45 2:39.45
2003Kris Kin[37] Kieren FallonSir Michael StouteSaeed Suhail01 1153.35 2:33.35
2004North Light[38] Kieren FallonSir Michael StouteBallymacoll Stud01.5 153.72 2:33.72
2005Motivator[39] Johnny MurtaghMichael BellRoyal Ascot Racing Club05 5155.69 2:35.69
2006Sir Percy[40] Martin DwyerMarcus TregoningAnthony Pakenham00.0625 shd155.23 2:35.23
2007Authorized[41] Frankie DettoriPeter Chapple-HyamAl Homaizi / Al Sagar 05 5154.77 2:34.77
2008New Approach[42] Kevin ManningJim BolgerPrincess Haya of Jordan00.5 ½156.50 2:36.50
2009Sea the Stars[43] Michael KinaneJohn OxxChristopher Tsui01.75 156.74 2:36.74
2010Workforce[44] Ryan MooreSir Michael StouteKhalid Abdullah07 7151.33 2:31.33
2011Pour Moi[45] Mickael BarzalonaAndré FabreMagnier / Tabor / Smith00.125 hd154.54 2:34.54
2012Camelot[46] Joseph O'BrienAidan O'BrienSmith / Magnier / Tabor / 05 5153.90 2:33.90
2013Ruler of the World[47] Ryan MooreAidan O'BrienMagnier / Tabor / Smith01.5 159.06 2:39.06
2014Australia[48] Joseph O'BrienAidan O'BrienSmith, Magnier, Tabor, Khing01.25 153.63 2:33.63
2015Golden Horn[49] Frankie DettoriJohn GosdenAnthony Oppenheimer03.50 152.32 2:32.32
2016Harzand[50] Pat SmullenDermot WeldAga Khan IV01.5 160.09 2:40.09
2017Wings of Eagles[51] Padraig BeggyAidan O'BrienSmith / Magnier / Tabor00.75 ¾153.02 2:33.02
2018MasarWilliam BuickCharlie ApplebyGodolphin01.5 154.93 2:34.93
2019Anthony Van DyckSeamie HeffernanAidan O'BrienSmith / Magnier / Tabor00.50 ½153.38 2:33.38
2020SerpentineEmmet McNamaraAidan O'BrienTabor / Smith / Magnier05.50 154.43 2:34.43
2021AdayarAdam KirbyCharlie ApplebyGodolphin04.50 156.85 2:36.85
2022Desert CrownRichard KingscoteSir Michael StouteSaeed Suhail02.50 156.38 2:36.38
2023Auguste RodinRyan MooreAidan O'BrienTabor / Smith / Magnier / Westerberg00.50 ½153.88 2:33.88
2024City Of TroyRyan MooreAidan O'BrienMagnier /Tabor / Smith / 00.50 158.32 2:38.32
Winning distances are shown in lengths or shorter (dh = dead-heat; shd = short-head; hd = head; snk = short-neck; nk = neck).

Timeline

See also

References

49. Kevin McCarthy and Michael Church's 17 page Academic Essay, "Where did the first Derby start from?"Available on www.michaelchurchracingbooks.com

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Derby at Epsom . The Jockey Club . 1 May 2023.
  2. Church, Michael The Derby Stakes, 1780-2013 (Raceform, 2016,, p.12)
  3. News: Crowds flock to Epsom for Derby Day. BBC News. 22 June 2018. 8 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181008205528/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-33034503. live.
  4. Web site: BBC Worldwide Offers International TV Rights to Epsom Derby. Sportcal. 1 February 2017. 29 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012619/http://www.sportcal.com/News/PressReleases/8990?sportID=159&size=50. live.
  5. Mona Miscellany Second Series, Volume 21 pp183-187, The Manx Society (1873), http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/manxsoc/msvol21/p183.htm
  6. News: The Epsom Derby uncovered . BBC Sport . 2 June 2001 . 2 June 2012 . 11 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070911150846/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/in_depth/2001/epsom_derby/1347923.stm . live .
  7. Web site: The Derby Festival .
  8. Web site: The Epsom Derby . 23 November 2022.
  9. Web site: 31 July 1917 – The latest ever Epsom Derby day. 9 June 2020 .
  10. Book: Byles, Tony. In Search of Running Rein: The Amazing Fraud of the 1844 Derby. Apex Publishing Ltd. 2011. 978-1906358945.
  11. News: Baird, Iain Logie . 1 April 2021 . Televising the Derby (1931) . Bairdtelevision.com .
  12. Web site: Epsom Derby Runners 2023 – Favourites, Contenders, Longshots & Much More . www.horseracing.co.uk . 9 May 2023 . en.
  13. https://www.racingpost.com/news/derby-entry-rules-changed-to-allow-more-flexibility-for-owners-and-trainers-a4s6b6f5PIQL/ Derby entry rules changed to allow 'more flexibility for owners and trainers'
  14. News: Telegraph View . 3 June 2011 . Epsom Derby: Spirits up on the Downs . The Telegraph . 30 June 2012 . 26 June 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120626120844/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8555678/Epsom-Derby-Spirits-up-on-the-Downs.html . live .
  15. Book: Malden . Henry Elliot. 1902 . The Victoria history of the county of Surrey . Westminster . A. Constable . 505.
  16. Web site: English and Foreign . Otago Witness . 24 July 1880 . 30 November 2011 . 5 March 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160305135809/http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d . live .
  17. News: Crane . Helen . 4 June 2009 . Century of tradition lost as Epsom Derby Fair scrapped . Surrey Comet . Newsquest . 27 January 2012 . 2 April 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160402144603/http://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/4417737.Century_of_tradition_lost_as_Derby_Fair_scrapped/ . live . (Backup: This is Local London)
  18. Web site: Payne . Christiana . July 2001 . The Spectacle of Dress in Victorian Painting . A Day at the Races . Science Museum . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120126063340/http://www.fathom.com/course/10701040/session2.html . 26 January 2012 . dmy .
  19. https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/events-tickets/epsom-derby/plan-your-day/enclosures/the-hill/ The Hill
  20. https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/queen-miss-epsom-derby-fourth-time-75-years-1035945?ico=in-line_link Queen to miss Epsom Derby for just the fourth time in 75 years
  21. Web site: Harding . Jonathan . Car retailer Cazoo unveiled as headline Derby festival sponsor . Racing Post . 1 April 2021 . 1 April 2021.
  22. Web site: Wood . Greg . Talking Horses: Derby must avoid bookmaker backing for good of racing . The Guardian . 27 March 2023 . 27 March 2023.
  23. Web site: Scargill . Peter . 'The Derby remains the greatest Flat race in the world' - Betfred to sponsor Epsom Classics in three-year deal . Racing Post . 11 April 2023 . 11 April 2023.
  24. News: Bankers ride to the rescue of Derby . The Independent . 5 May 2009. 30 June 2012.
  25. Racetrack Sires 2009, June/August 2009, p.54
  26. Web site: 1992 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195502/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1992-06-03/0345/16/3/the-ever-ready-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  27. Web site: 1993 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171019003515/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1993-06-02/0345/16/3/ever-ready-derby. 19 October 2017. dead.
  28. Web site: 1994 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018190857/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1994-06-01/0345/16/3/ever-ready-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  29. Web site: 1995 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018192048/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1995-06-10/0350/16/4/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  30. Web site: 1996 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195434/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1996-06-08/0225/16/2/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  31. Web site: 1997 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195419/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1997-06-07/0345/16/4/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  32. Web site: 1998 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195507/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1998-06-06/0345/16/4/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  33. Web site: 1999 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171019003434/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/1999-06-05/0350/16/4/vodafone-derby-stakes. 19 October 2017. dead.
  34. Web site: 2000 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018191450/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2000-06-10/0350/16/4/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  35. Web site: 2001 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195458/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2001-06-09/0350/16/4/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  36. Web site: 2002 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195510/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2002-06-08/0350/16/4/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  37. Web site: 2003 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018193907/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2003-06-07/0400/16/5/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  38. Web site: 2004 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195448/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2004-06-05/0420/16/5/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  39. Web site: 2005 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018190711/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2005-06-04/0420/16/5/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  40. Web site: 2006 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195444/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2006-06-03/0420/16/5/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  41. Web site: 2007 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018190706/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2007-06-02/0420/16/5/vodafone-derby-stakes. 18 October 2017. dead.
  42. Web site: 2008 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195454/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2008-06-07/0400/16/5/vodafone-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  43. Web site: 2009 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195431/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2009-06-06/0345/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  44. Web site: 2010 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195439/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2010-06-05/0400/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  45. Web site: 2011 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195415/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2011-06-04/0400/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  46. Web site: 2012 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195427/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2012-06-02/0400/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  47. Web site: 2013 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195423/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2013-06-01/0400/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  48. Web site: 2014 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018191346/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2014-06-07/0400/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  49. Web site: 2015 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018195515/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2015-06-06/0430/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  50. Web site: 2016 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018192004/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2016-06-04/0430/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  51. Web site: 2017 Epsom Derby Result. Timeform. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018201023/https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/result/epsom-downs/2017-06-03/0430/16/5/investec-derby. 18 October 2017. dead.
  52. Book: Foulkes, N. . 2010 . Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844 . London . Weidenfeld & Nicolson . 978-0297844594. ?.
  53. News: Camelot makes history as Queen watches . 2 June 2012 . CNN . Alysen Miller . 3 June 2012 . 3 June 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120603044547/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/02/sport/horse-racing-epsom-derby-camelot/index.html . live .