The Epsom Derby is one of the world’s most exciting horse races, and it takes place every June at the Epsom racecourse. The event first started in 1780, making it one of Britain’s oldest horse races, and it has been held every year since then. If you’re interested in finding out more about this famous sporting event then read on.
There have been a few notable winners over the years
The Epsom Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in all of racing, as it’s often seen as a stepping stone for horses to become household names. There have been some notable winners throughout history who have gone on to achieve greatness, including:
- The first winner was Diomed, who won in 1780. He was owned by Sir Charles Bunbury and ridden by Isaac Bampfield. (I think we’ve already established that I’m a fan of both Isaac Bampfield and Sir Charles Bunbury.)
- In 1821, Faugh-a-Ballagh won the Derby with jockey Tom Olliver at the reins—this was an especially important win because it was the first time a female jockey had ever ridden in this race! She didn’t win again until 1923 when she took home her second victory on Flying Fox II at age 42 (which is pretty impressive).
The female jockeys
Female jockeys have won three times at the event, with their first victory taking place back in 2013. Joanna Mason, Hayley Turner and Frankie Dettori are the female jockeys for this year’s Derby, with Mason also winning in 2016.
The official drink of the Derby is Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
The official drink of the Epsom Derby is Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, although it’s probably better known by its other name: the Pimm’s Cup. This refreshing drink was invented in the early nineteenth century by James Pimm—a London restaurateur who created it as a non-alcoholic alternative to punch and whiskey for his thirsty customers.
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup consists of eight parts lemonade to one part each of gin, orange liqueur, and fresh mint leaves that are muddled together before being poured over ice into a tall glass with cucumber slices floating on top (it looks like an adult Slurpee).
Unlike other races, the horses run anticlockwise around a curved track
The first thing you should know about the Epsom Derby is that unlike other races, the horses run anticlockwise around a curved track. This is to ensure that the horses don’t get spooked by the crowd and can concentrate on running in a straight line. They also run at a speed of up to 40mph!
Going to watch an event like this can be expensive
Tickets, drinks, food and betting can all add up to a substantial amount. If you’re travelling from far away then the cost of travel will likely be more than your accommodation. Parking at Epsom Downs is also notoriously expensive so if you don’t want to spend a lot, it’s worth looking into public transport options instead.
