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The Derby Stakes, known colloquially as The Derby and internationally as the Epsom Derby, is considered one the most prestigious flat Thoroughbred Horse Race s in the world. The race takes place each year in June at Epsom Downs , Epsom , Surrey , England . (The race was held at Newmarket from 1915-1918 and called the New Derby Stakes.) The race is the second leg of the English Triple Crown Of Thoroughbred Racing , preceded by the Two Thousand Guineas Stakes and followed by the St. Leger Stakes . It is a Group 1 race for three-year-old Colts and Fillies - colts 9 st (126 lb or 57.2 kg), fillies 8 st 9 lb (121 lb or 54.9 kg). In modern times the race is almost always contested by colts only. Fillies and older horses also run the same course and distance for the Oaks and Coronation Cup respectively. Many Derby contenders are prepared for the race by running in one or more of the recognised Derby Trials . Winners of the Derby generally compete for the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe in France in October and some will compete in the United States Breeders' Cup . The Derby is one of the Classic Races . ORIGINS The first recorded race took place in 1661. The Derby, as it is known today, originated at a celebration following the first running of the Epsom Oaks in 1779 . Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl Of Derby (whose horse Bridget had been victorious in the race) and Sir Charles Bunbury flipped a coin and whoever won the toss was to have the race named after him. {Link without Title} Despite losing the toss Sir Charles was to claim victory with his horse Diomed in the inaugural running the following year, collecting prize money of £1,065 15s. The Earl achieved his first success in the race in 1787 with Sir Peter Teazle. The first four runnings of the race were over a distance of 1 Mile (1609 m) but this was amended in 1784 to the current distance of 1 mile 4 Furlong s (2414 m). As a result of measurement, official distance was changed to 1 mile 4 furlongs and 10 Yard s (2423 m) in 1991 . NOTABLE EVENTS
WINNERS ''Fillies indicated by'' " f " 1780-1799 1800-1849 1850-1899 1900-1949 1950-1999 2000- ''See also: List Of British Flat Horse Races '' EXTERNAL LINKS |
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