Epsom Derby

Epsom Derby, also known as the Derby, classic English horse race that dates from 1780. Named after Edward Stanley, the 12th earl of Derby, it is run on the first Saturday in June. Traditionally held at Epsom Downs, in Surrey, over a course of around 2,400 m (about 1 mile 4 furlongs), the race was run at Newmarket between 1915 and 1918 and between 1940 and 1945. The field is limited to three-year-old colts and fillies.

The first winner was Sir Charles Bunbury's Diomed, while the owners with the record number of winners (five apiece) are Lord Egremont, who won in 1782, 1804, 1805, 1807, and 1826, and Aga Khan III, who won in 1930, 1935, 1936, 1948, and 1952. Lester Piggott has won the race more times (nine) than any other jockey while Steve Donoghue (six), Fred Archer (five) and Willie Carson (four) are also multiple winners. Famous horses to have won the Derby include Nijinsky (1970) and Shergar (1981).

Other races and sporting events have been named after the Epsom Derby (see Kentucky Derby).