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The Derby – Epsom

2 - 3 June 2006

The Derby

The Vodafone Derby weekend is a two-day event usually taking place in June each year at Epsom Downs in Surrey. This classic flat race is an extremely popular horseracing event for gamblers and enthusiasts wanting to place a bet. The Derby, run on the second day is a major event in the horseracing world and a highly coveted win. The one and a half mile race is hard going, as it consists of an undulating course and includes sharp turns attracting the top jockeys and trainers. The Derby is open to 3-year-old fillies and colts alike. Thousands of people turn up each year to watch and place a bet on the Epsom Derby.

The Oaks and The Coronation Cup are both run during this meet, giving everyone plenty of chances to place a bet. The Oaks, popular with gamblers, is a one and a half mile race for fillies. In 2005 it was won by Eswarah, ridden by Richard Hills and trained by Michael Jarvis. The Coronation Cup is for horses aged 4 years and over and is run over the same distance as the Derby and the Oaks.

History of the Derby

Started in 1780, the Derby got its name from one of the two men who had the idea for a race that, unlike The Oaks, would be open to both colts and fillies. The Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury tossed a coin, and whilst Derby won the right to have the race named after him, it was Sir Bunbury who had the winning horse in the first year when his horse Diomed came first out of a nine horse line-up.

The distance was changed from the original one mile in 1784 to the current length, and Tattenham Corner was introduced for the first time. Always a favourite with gamblers, the race continued to run through both World Wars, and was held at Newmarket from 1915 – 1918 when it was known as the New Derby Stakes.

One of the most historic incidents of the Derby happened in June 1913 when suffragette Emily Davison threw herself under Anmer, the King's horse. She suffered a fractured skull, giving her cause great publicity.

Previous Winners of the Derby

Sir Charles Bunbury's horse Diomed, ridden by Sam Arnell won the first Derby. Sir Bunbury also was the proud owner of two other Derby winners, Eleanor who become the first filly to win the race, ridden by John Saunders in 1801 and Smolensko in 1813, ridden by Tom Goodisson. Sam Arnell, the winning jockey in the first race also won with Assassin in 1782, Sir Peter Teazle in 1787 and Sir Harry in 1798.

The 5th Earl of Rosebery, also the Prime Minister, was the winning owner of Ladas ll in 1894, ridden by Jack Watts. The Earl won again the following year with Sir Visto, ridden by Sam Loates.

The Prince of Wales had two wins in 1896 with Persimmon, ridden by Jack Watts, and again in 1900 with Diamond Jubilee, ridden by Herbert Jones. Richard Marsh trained both horses. The Prince, both owner and the breeder of these horses, later became King Edward Vll.

Lester Piggot, who became known as “the housewives' favourite”, won the Epsom Derby a record nine times. His first win was in 1954 on Never Say Die, trained by Joe Lawson. Riding Teenoso, 1983 saw his final win on Teenoso, trained by Geoff Wragg.

In 1981, Shergar raced to victory with a record 10 lengths between him and the runner up. Shergar hit the headlines again in 1983 when he was kidnapped from a stud in Ireland.

The last five winners of the Derby were:

Year Horse Trainer Jockey

2005 Motivator Michael Bell Johnny Murtagh

2004 North Light Sir Michael Stoute Kieren Fallon

2003 Kris Kin Sir Michael Stoute Kieren Fallon

2002 High Chaparral Aiden O'Brien Johnny Murtagh

2001 Galileo Aiden O'Brien Mick Kinane

Betting on the Derby

A good tip for betting on the Derby is to keep a watch on the winners as well as horses and jockeys who place in the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas Stakes run in May at Newmarket.

In 1999 Kieren Fallon won the 1,000 Guineas Stakes on Wince as well as the Epsom Oaks on Ramruma and the Derby riding Oath. He followed that up the same year with wins at the Irish Derby on Hurricane Run and the Irish Oaks on Ramruma.

In 2003 the One Thousand Guineas Stakes was again the clue as to who would win the Derby as Fallon won both, then went on to win the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. These are good pointers to consider when placing bets on upcoming races.

Derristown Derby Trial is another good race for gamblers to keep an eye on in an attempt to pick the Derby winner. Winners of the Derby will often go on to run in the Prix De l'Arc de Triomphe in France and the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

The Epsom Derby is a race for everyone to try his or her hand at placing a bet. It is often one of the horse races where people have their first experience of gambling. Everyone loves to bet on this prestigious race.

Further Information on Betting On Horseracing Events

The Derby is just one of many events in the horseracing calendar. Check out the other forthcoming events.

If you want to bet on the Derby, or on any of the other races taking place at the Derby Meeting, but want tips on how to bet on horseracing - visit the Horse Racing – How To Bet section.

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