The Epsom Derby, also known just as the Derby, is considered the greatest Flat race in the world. It has inspired other versions of the middle-distance contest around the world, including in France, Ireland, Germany, and Italy.
Here is a look at the history of the race and how it has developed into the lucrative contest that it is today.
Race Dates Back to 18th Century
The name ‘Derby’ was given to the race as it was sponsored by the Earl of Derby in the early stages. He was a big supporter of horse racing at the time.
Diomed was the first winner of the Derby in 1780 when he was successful at Epsom Downs. That race was run over the distance of one mile. The distance changed to one mile and four furlongs in 1794, making the race more of a stamina test.
Some of the Best Horses in History Have Been Successful
When you look back through the roll of honour of the Derby, some of the greatest horses in history have won the race. In 1970, Nijinsky won the British Classic on the way to landing the Triple Crown, while a year later, Mill Reef was an impressive winner.
In 1981, Shergar recorded the widest winning margin in the race’s history when he blew his rivals away by 10 lengths. It remains one of the most impressive performances in a British Classic.
More recently, Sea The Stars, Golden Horn, and Auguste Rodin have all won the Derby and gone on to have success in some of the biggest races around the world. The latter was victorious in the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Turf after prevailing at Epsom earlier in the season.
Open to All Three-Year-Olds Regardless of Breeding
What makes the Derby so special is that you often see smaller trainers and owners taking on the elite in the sport and having success. The Derby is open to thoroughbreds that are aged three years old, and everybody pays the same entry fee.
You can buy shares in racehorses today from just £33 with syndicates like RaceShare which allow you to be involved in the sport. These ensure you have a shot at hopefully owning a share in a Derby horse one day yourself. If your horse is good enough to compete in the British Classic, it will be entered for the Epsom contest, and you will have a day to remember forever.
City Of Troy the Latest Winner
Irish colt City of Troy became the latest horse to win the Epsom Derby in 2024. The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse was ridden to success by Ryan Moore. It was the 10th success in the race for the trainer and a fourth victory for the jockey.
City Of Troy had been the Champion Two Year colt in Europe in 2023, so he went into his three-year-old campaign with a big reputation. Unfortunately for his connections, he did not perform in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on his opening run of the season, but he was back to his best at Epsom in the Derby.
Next year’s Derby takes place on the 7th of June, and it will be the 246th edition in the history of the British Classic.