Epsom Derby History: Early Years & Race Winners

The world-renowned Epsom Derby, often referred to as just “The Derby” or the “The Derby at Epsom Downes” following its new sponsorship, is a notable race on many accounts.

It’s where suffragette Emily Davison brought down the King’s horse in 1913, producing one of the most sensational race moments in horse racing history, and West Australian became the first horse to win the Triple Crown.

The Derby Stakes is one of Britain’s richest flat races, boasting a total prize pot of £1.5m in 2023 – a significant increase from its pandemic-affected purse.

Currently, it’s the second most valuable race in the UK after the QIPCO Champion Stakes hosted by Ascot Racecourse. The Jockey Club is yet to announce the race value for the 2023 Derby at Epsom Downes Festival.

If you’re a fan of thoroughbred racing, nothing beats the Epsom Derby, which attracts thousands of racegoers to Epsom Down Racecourse in Surrey each year.

While it might not be the oldest racecourse globally, many consider Epsom Downs as the birthplace of thoroughbred racing. The Derby is one of five classic Group 1 races run in Britain alongside the Epsom Oaks, 2,000 Guineas, 1000 Guineas and St. Leger Stakes.

As we enter a historic year in racing with racecourses across the country celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, there’s no better time to look back on the history of the Epsom Derby.

From its early years to the most iconic Derby Stakes winners, discover everything there is to know about Britain’s most valuable flat race, loved by royalty and racing rookies alike.

Early Years: How Old is the Epsom Derby?

Epsom’s earliest race days can be traced back to the 17th century. According to historical records, Britain’s first recorded race meeting took place at Epsom on 7th March 1661.

While the origins of the Derby Stakes are a little ambiguous, history tells us that it was established in 1780 when the 12th Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury supposedly flipped a coin to determine whether the race would be named “Derby Stakes” or “Bunbury Stakes.”

Although Bunbury, who is regarded as the “perpetual president of the Jockey Club”, lost the coin toss, Newmarket later featured his name in the “Bunbury Cup.”

When was the First Epsom Derby Race?

The first Derby Stakes commenced on Thursday 4th May 1780 and was won by a Charles Bunbury-owned colt named Diomed, who took home prize money of £1,065 15s – equivalent to approximately £66,726 today.

Initially run over 1 mile, officials extended the race to 1 mile and a half in 1784, which remains the current distance of the race today.

The race is open to three-year-old fillies and colts but is rarely contested by the former. According to the Jockey Club history records, the last filly to run in the Derby was Cape Verdi in 1998, while the last to win the race was Fifinella in 1916.

The Epsom Derby established itself as a premier racing event during its early years, becoming a much-loved day out for Londoners and racing enthusiasts.

Its growing popularity soon caught the attention of aristocrats and workers across the country, with the various gambling games proving to be a hit among both, uniting those in pursuit of a good time.

At the time, the attending masses knew very little about horse racing and bets on horses were conducted between a few hundred of society’s elite.

Attendance ballooned to 8,000 by 1795, resulting in plans to build a Grandstand, which Epsom Racecourse completed in 1829. It was 156ft wide, 60ft in depth and accommodated 5,000 spectators.

The race’s prestige has seen many other racecourses adopt the “Derby” name, most notably the Kentucky Derby in the United States.

The Derby also has a history steeped in Royal affiliations. It’s no secret that Queen Elizabeth II is an avid horse racing fan and has attended various meetings, with her favourites said to be the Epsom Derby and, of course, Royal Ascot.

While HM the Queen hasn’t attended the Epsom Derby in the last two years due to pandemic-related restrictions and ongoing mobility issues, Epsom Downs looks forward to welcoming her in 2023. Though she is yet to produce a Derby winner, she has come a close second in recent years and has numerous victories in the Epsom Oaks race.