Derby Day

Early JuneDerby Day is the most prestigious horse race in the world. The idea for the race arose at a dinner party in 1779 and was eventually named for the Earl of Derby, one of the guests who was present that evening. Derby Day is held annually at the Epsom Racecourse in Surrey, England, on the second day of the summer meeting, usually in early June. Many companies in England give their employees the day off so they can join in the picnicking that takes place near the course.
Like its American counterpart, the Kentucky Derby, the festivities surrounding the Derby last far longer than the race itself, which covers a mile and a half and is over in just a few minutes. Only three-year-old colts and fillies can enter, which means that the race can never be won by the same horse twice.
CONTACTS:
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs
Surrey, KT18 5LQ United Kingdom
44-13-7272-6311; fax: 44-13-7274-8253
www.epsomderby.co.uk
SOURCES:
DictDays-1988, p. 30
OxYear-1999, pp. 218, 232