Epsom Derby History: Winners, Origins & The Story Behind Britain’s Greatest Flat Race
The Epsom Derby is one of the most famous and historic events in world horse racing. First staged in 1780, the prestigious Classic has produced some of the sport’s greatest champions, legendary jockeys and unforgettable moments throughout its long history.
Often simply known as The Derby, the race is the highlight of the annual Epsom Derby Festival and remains one of the biggest occasions in the British sporting calendar.
From Shergar’s record-breaking victory to Nijinsky’s historic Triple Crown success, the Derby has seen racing legends emerge on the famous Epsom Downs course. The event has also provided some of the most dramatic moments in racing history, including suffragette Emily Davison’s infamous intervention during the 1913 race when she ran onto the track and collided with King George V’s horse, Anmer.
The 2027 Epsom Derby will continue this incredible tradition, with the meeting taking place at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 June.
How Old is the Epsom Derby?
The origins of racing at Epsom Downs can be traced back to the 17th century, with Britain’s first recorded race meeting at Epsom taking place on 7 March 1661.
The Derby Stakes itself was established more than a century later in 1780 after the 12th Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury reportedly decided the name of the race with the toss of a coin.
Legend has it that the pair were deciding whether the event should be called the “Derby Stakes” or the “Bunbury Stakes”. Derby won the toss, while Bunbury later had a race named after him at Newmarket with the Bunbury Cup.
The first Derby took place on Thursday 4 May 1780 and was won by Sir Charles Bunbury’s colt Diomed, who collected prize money of £1,065 15s, which would be worth tens of thousands of pounds today.
Originally run over one mile, the race was extended to its current distance of one mile and four furlongs in 1784.
Since then, the Derby has developed into one of the most prestigious races in the world, inspiring events such as the Kentucky Derby in the United States and becoming a key fixture for racing fans, owners, trainers and jockeys.
Why is the Epsom Derby So Important?
The Epsom Derby is one of Britain’s five Classic races, alongside:
- Epsom Oaks
- 2,000 Guineas
- 1,000 Guineas
- St Leger Stakes
The race is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, although it is rarely contested by fillies. The last filly to win the Derby was Fifinella in 1916, while Cape Verdi remains the last filly to run in the race after finishing ninth in 1998.
The Derby’s unique challenge makes it one of the toughest races in the sport. Horses must handle the famous undulating Epsom track, including the demanding Tattenham Corner, before making their final charge towards the finish.
Epsom Derby Prize Money
The 2027 Epsom Derby will offer a total prize fund of £2 million, making it one of the richest horse races in Britain.
The winning owner will receive a prize of £1 million, highlighting the importance and prestige attached to winning one of the world’s most famous Classic races.
When is the Epsom Derby 2027?
The 2027 Epsom Derby Festival takes place across two days at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Ladies’ Day – Friday 4 June 2027
The opening day of the Festival features The Oaks, one of the biggest races of the flat racing season, alongside a host of entertainment and fashion events.
Derby Day – Saturday 5 June 2027
The second day features the headline event, the Betfred Derby, which is expected to take place at approximately 4pm.
Derby Day attracts thousands of racegoers every year as the world’s attention turns to Epsom Downs to see which three-year-old will become the latest name added to racing folklore.
Epsom Derby Winners History
The Derby has produced countless legendary winners throughout its history. Here are some of the most memorable champions:
1970 Epsom Derby Winner – Nijinsky
Nijinsky remains one of the greatest Derby winners of all time after completing the Triple Crown in 1970.
Trained by Vincent O’Brien and ridden by legendary jockey Lester Piggott, Nijinsky had already won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket before securing victory at Epsom and later adding the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster.
He became the first horse to complete the Triple Crown for 35 years and remains the last horse to achieve the feat.
1981 Epsom Derby Winner – Shergar
Shergar produced one of the most dominant Derby performances ever recorded when winning the 1981 race by 10 lengths.
Ridden by 19-year-old jockey Walter Swinburn, Shergar powered clear of the field after turning for home to secure one of the most famous victories in racing history.
Reflecting on the performance, Swinburn said:
“To be honest, anyone could have ridden Shergar. As we came round Tattenham Corner, I had to pinch myself. I never had an easier winner.”
Shergar went on to win several major races that season, including the Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, before his tragic kidnapping in 1983.
2001 Epsom Derby Winner – Galileo
Galileo announced himself on the biggest stage when winning the 2001 Derby.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt defeated Golan in a thrilling finish before becoming one of the most influential stallions in racing history.
His offspring included legendary horses such as Frankel, New Approach and Japan, ensuring Galileo’s impact on the sport continued long after his racing career ended.
2007 Epsom Derby Winner – Authorized
Frankie Dettori finally achieved Derby success at the 15th attempt when partnering favourite Authorized to victory in 2007.
The Italian jockey produced his trademark flying dismount after the colt powered clear to win by five lengths.
Dettori later claimed another Derby victory in 2015 aboard Golden Horn.
2011 Epsom Derby Winner – Pour Moi
Pour Moi produced one of the most dramatic Derby finishes in modern history when storming home late to deny the field in 2011.
The French-trained colt, ridden by 19-year-old Mickaël Barzalona, produced a remarkable late surge before Barzalona celebrated by standing up in the irons just before crossing the finish line.
2026 Epsom Derby Winner – Christmas Day
Aidan O’Brien extended his record as the most successful trainer in Derby history when Christmas Day delivered his 12th Epsom Derby victory in 2026.
The son of 2012 Derby winner Camelot, ridden by Ronan Whelan, produced a powerful performance to surge clear in the closing stages and claim Classic glory.
Maltese Cross finished second under Tom Marquand, while James J Braddock, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, was third.
Speaking after the race, Whelan praised the colt’s performance:
“It was just so easy. Aidan just told me to keep it simple.
“The horse has done it so easy. He loves the ground and it just felt so effortless for him.”
The victory also marked O’Brien’s 50th success in a British Classic, further cementing his place among the greatest trainers in racing history.
Royal Connections with the Epsom Derby
The Derby has enjoyed a long association with the Royal Family, with generations of monarchs attending the famous race meeting.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a lifelong racing enthusiast and regularly attended both the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to attend the 2027 Epsom Derby Festival, continuing the Royal tradition at Epsom Downs.
Epsom Derby Festival Hospitality 2027
The Epsom Derby Festival remains one of the biggest social occasions in British racing, combining world-class sport with fine dining, entertainment and a memorable atmosphere.
Eventmasters are Official Hospitality Suppliers for Epsom Downs Racecourse, offering a range of premium hospitality packages for both Ladies’ Day and Derby Day.
Hospitality guests can enjoy excellent views of the racing, first-class dining options and a memorable experience at one of the highlights of the flat racing season.
To experience the 2027 Epsom Derby in style, browse the full range of hospitality packages available and speak to the Eventmasters team today.
Popular Epsom Derby Festival Facilities
Have an enquiry about Epsom Down hospitality?
Complete this form to register your interest:
If you are interested in any of our hospitality packages, our event specialists are ready to help you make your day memorable. Complete this contact form and we will be in contact shortly.
