Epsom Derby

Derby Stakes
Group 1 race
The 1821 Derby at Epsom
by Théodore Géricault (1791–1824)
Location Epsom Downs
Epsom, Surrey, England
Inaugurated 1780
Race type Flat / Thoroughbred
Sponsor Betfred
Website Epsom Derby
Race information
Distance 1m 4f 6y (2,419m), or about 1½ miles
Surface Turf
Track Left-handed
Qualification Three-year-olds
excluding geldings
Weight 9 st 0 lb
Allowances
3 lb for fillies
Purse £1,604,000 (2022)
1st: £909,628
Derby, the Paddock (1892)
Isinglass wins the Derby (1893)

The Derby Stakes, also known as the Derby or the Epsom Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in England open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on the first Saturday of June each year, over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards (2,423 metres), or about 1½ miles. It was first run in 1780.

It is Britain's richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics. It is sometimes referred to as the "Blue Riband" of the turf. The race serves as the middle leg of the historically significant Triple Crown of British horse racing, preceded by the 2000 Guineas and followed by the St Leger, although the feat of winning all three is rarely attempted in the modern era due to changing priorities in racing and breeding, and the demands it places on horses.

The name "Derby" (deriving from the sponsorship of the Earl of Derby) has been borrowed many times, notably by the Kentucky Derby in the United States, and to describe many other key racing and sporting events. The term "Epsom Derby" is often used in the United States and elsewhere, in order to differentiate The Derby from other races such as the Irish Derby or German Derby. The Derby run at Epsom is usually referred to as "the Derby" in Great Britain. It is one of Britain's great national sporting events and has a large worldwide TV audience.

History

The Stanley family, Earls of Derby, had a long history of horse-racing, and James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, who gained the Lordship of Mann in 1627, instituted horse-racing on the Langness Peninsula on the Isle of Man, donating a cup for what became known as the "Manx Derby".

The Derby originated at a celebration following the first running of the Oaks Stakes in 1779. A new race was planned, and it was decided that it should be named after either the host of the party, the 12th Earl of Derby, or one of his guests, Sir Charles Bunbury (the Bunbury Cup run at Newmarket would later be named in his honour). According to legend the decision was made by the toss of a coin, but it is probable that Bunbury, the Steward of the Jockey Club, deferred to his host. The inaugural running of the Derby was held on Thursday 4 May 1780. It was won by Diomed, a colt owned by Sir Charles Bunbury, who collected prize money of £1,065 15s. The first four runnings were contested over the last mile of the old Orbicular course <49>, this extended in line with the Oaks to the current distance of 1½ miles in 1784. Lord Derby achieved his first success in the event in 1787, with a horse called Sir Peter Teazle.

The starting point of the race was moved twice during the 19th century. The first move, suggested by Lord George Bentinck, was in 1848, and the second was in 1872. It was discovered in 1991 that the exact length of the race was one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards.

Initially, the Derby was run on a Thursday in late May or early June, depending on when Easter occurred. In 1838 the race was moved to a Wednesday to fit in with the railways' timetables, but still followed the moveable feast of Easter. In the 20th century, the race was run mainly on a Wednesday in late May or early June until 1994, after which it was changed to a Saturday in early June. From 1915 to 1918 (during World War I), it was on a Tuesday, with the race's latest ever date being 31 July 1917. From 1942 to 1945 (during World War II), 1947 to 1950, and in 1953, the race was run on a Saturday. From 1969 to 1994, it was on the first Wednesday in June. From 2003 to at least 2022, it has been on the first Saturday in June, apart from a race on 4 July 2020 without spectators, owing to COVID-19.

The Derby has been run at Epsom in all years except during the world wars; from 1915 to 1918 and from 1940 to 1945, the Derby was run at Newmarket as the 'New Derby'.

With the race's close association with gambling, the most controversial running of the Epsom Derby took place in 1844. The winner, Running Rein, was disqualified on discovery that a four-year-old imposter, a horse by the name Maccabeus, had been substituted in his place as part of a betting coup.

The Derby has inspired many similar events around the world. European variations include the Derby Italiano, the Deutsches Derby, the Irish Derby and the Prix du Jockey Club (popularly known in the British Isles as the "French Derby"). Several races in the United States include the "Derby" name, including the oldest, the Kentucky Derby. Other national equivalents include the Australian Derby, the New Zealand Derby, and the Japanese Derby.

In 1931, the Derby became the world's first outdoor sporting event to be televised.

There is a maximum of 20 runners allowed in the race.

Epsom Fair

The Derby Day by William Powell Frith (1858)

For many years the Derby was run on a Wednesday or a Thursday and on the day huge crowds would come from London, not only to see the race but to enjoy other entertainment (during some of the 19th century and most of the 20th, Parliament would adjourn to allow members to attend the meeting).

By the time that Charles Dickens visited Epsom Downs to view the race in the 1850s, entertainers such as musicians, clowns, and conjurers plied their trades and entertained the crowds; other forms of entertainment included coconut stalls. The crowded meeting was the subject of a painting by William Powell Frith painted in the 1858 and titled The Derby Day; critics have noted that the foreground of the painting features the entertainment attractions, while the racing is relegated to the margins.

In the 1870s, the steam-driven rides were introduced. They were located at the Tattenham Corner end of the grounds and the fair was on for ten days and entertained hundreds of thousands. During the latter half of the 20th century, Derby Day became less popular and the race was moved from Wednesday to Saturday in 1995 with the hope of reviving high attendance. As the number of people attending the fair dwindled in the face of competition for attention and changing tastes, its length was reduced from 10 days to three or four.

Modern format

Today, the free-admission Hill still provides a festival atmosphere with a fairground in operation on the Friday and Saturday. The walk-in nature of the Hill typically sees Derby attendances exceed 100,000 spectators, making it one of the largest sporting events in the United Kingdom.

Sponsorship

In 2021 and 2022 the race, along with seven other races at the Derby festival, was sponsored by Cazoo. Cazoo declined an option to extend their sponsorship and in April 2023 the bookmaker Betfred agreed a three-year deal to sponsor the Derby and Oaks.

Investec was the previous sponsor of the Derby between 2009 and 2020. The race was previously backed by Ever Ready (1984–94) and Vodafone (1995–2008).

Popular culture

Epsom Derby
2023
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Violet, white quartered cap Red, yellow stripe, chevrons on sleeves
Auguste Rodin King Of Steel White Birch
Previous years
2022
Royal blue, yellow chevron, yellow cap, royal blue spots White, emerald green epaulets and star on cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
Desert Crown Hoo Ya Mal Westover
2021
Royal blue, Red cap Violet, white quartered cap Royal blue
Adayar Mojo Star Hurricane Lane
2020-2011
2020
grey White, emerald green epaulets and star on cap Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
Serpentine Khalifa Sat Amhran Na Bhfiann
2019
pink Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
Anthony Van Dyck Madhmoon Japan
2018
Royal blue Silver, tassel on cap Claret, gold braid, claret sleeves, claret cap, gold tassel
Masar Dee Ex Bee Roaring Lion
2017
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, pink cap Dark blue Black and white halved, sleeves reversed, red cap
Wings of Eagles Cliffs of Moher Cracksman
2016
Green, red epaulets Dark blue Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap
Harzand US Army Ranger Idaho
2015
Black and white (halved), sleeves reversed, red cap Royal blue Dark blue, large yellow spots
Golden Horn Jack Hobbs Storm The Stars
2014
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Light blue, dark blue hoop, sleeves and cap Emerald green, black chevrons on sleeves
Australia Kingston Hill Romsdal
2013
Dark blue Pink, red epaulets, white sleeves, orange cap Yellow, red chevrons, hooped cap
Ruler Of The World Libertarian Galileo Rock
2012
Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap Purple, White seams, Striped sleeves, White cap
Camelot Main Sequence Astrology
2011
Dark blue Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Purple, gold braid, scarlet sleeves, black velvet cap, gold fringe
Pour Moi Treasure Beach Carlton House
2010-2001
2010
Green, pink sash, white sleeves Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Royal blue
Workforce At First Sight Rewilding
2009
Yellow, purple cap, yellow star Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Royal Blue, Orange Disc, Striped Sleeve and cap
Sea The Stars Fame And Glory Masterofthehorse
2008
Emerald green, black chevrons on sleeves Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap Black, White sleeves, Red cap, Black star
New Approach Tartan Bearer Casual Conquest
2007
Dark green, beige stars on sleeves Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap
Authorized Eagle Mountain Aqaleem
2006
Mauve, Mauve and White check sleeves, White cap Dark blue, white sleeves and cap Pink
Sir Percy Dragon Dancer Dylan Thomas
2005
White, dark blue armlets and cap Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Royal blue
Motivator Walk in the Park Dubawi
2004
Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap Royal blue, white cap Grey, red cross of lorraine, hooped sleeves, quartered cap
North Light Rule of Law Let The Lion Roar
2003
Royal blue, yellow chevron, yellow cap, royal blue spots Pink GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap
Kris Kin The Great Gatsby Alamshar
2002
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Dark blue Royal blue, white cap
High Chaparral Hawk Wing Moon Ballad
2001
Dark Blue Pale Blue, White and Yellow check cap Royal blue
Galileo Golan Tobougg
2000-1991
2000
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
Sinndar Sakhee Beat Hollow
1999
White, light green stripes, light green cap GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Royal blue, yellow chevron, yellow cap, royal blue spots
Oath Daliapour Beat All
1998
Yellow, large black spots and spots on cap Royal blue, white cap Light blue, emerald green star, emerald green cap, light blue star
High-Rise City Honours Border Arrow
1997
White, yellow hoop and armlets Red and royal blue (quartered), white sleeves, black cap Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, red cap, white spots
Benny The Dip Silver Patriarch Romanov
1996
Pink, emerald green epaulets and armlets, hooped cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
Shaamit Dushyantor Shantou
1995
Light green, white chevron, striped sleeves Maroon, white sleeves, white cap White, emerald green Hoop, white Sleeves, white Cap
Lammtarra Tamure Presenting
1994
Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Maroon, white sleeves, white cap Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
Erhaab King's Theatre Colonel Collins
1993
Green, pink sash, white sleeves and cap Royal blue, white chevron, white cap, royal blue spots Dark green, white chevron and sleeves, white cap, black star
Commander In Chief Blue Judge Blues Traveller
1992
White, pale blue armlets, quartered cap White, royal blue hollow box, diabolo on sleeves, royal blue cap Orange, black epaulets, black and orange striped sleeves, black cap, orange star
Dr Devious St Jovite Silver Wisp
1991
Dark green Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap White, red cross-belts, hooped sleeves, white cap
Generous Marju Star Of Gdansk
1990-1981
1990
Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap
Quest For Fame Blue Stag Elmaamul
1989
Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Beaver brown, maple leaf green cross belts and cap Light green, dark blue hooped sleeves, striped cap
Nashwan Terimon Cacoethes
1988
Green, chocolate hoops, chocolate cap Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap
Kahyasi Glacial Storm Doyoun
1987
Yellow, black spots, yellow sleeves and cap Chocolate, Gold braid and sleeves, quartered cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
Reference Point Most Welcome Bellotto
1986
Green, red epaulettes, green cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Yellow, blue diamonds on body, yellow cap, blue spots
Shahrastani Dancing Brave Mashkour
1985
Apricot Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves
Slip Anchor Law Society Damister
1984
Yellow, blue diamonds, yellow sleeves, white cap, blue spots Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Black and yellow diamonds, red and yellow hooped cap
Secreto El Gran Senor Mighty Flutter
1983
Chocolate, Gold braid and sleeves, quartered cap Scarlet, scarlet cap with navy blue hoop Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
Teenoso Carlingford Castle Shearwalk
1982
Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap Green, red armlets and cap
Golden Fleece Touching Wood Silver Hawk
1981
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Black, gold cross and stripe on cap Saxe blue, black collar, check cap
Shergar Glint of Gold Scintillating Air
1980-1971
1980
Light blue, scarlet spots, light blue cap Cherry, black sash, primrose and white quartered cap Orange, black hoop, dark green cap
Henbit Master Willie Rankin
1979
Pale Blue, yellow and white check cap Dark green, black hooped sleeves, hooped cap Mauve, white sleeves, black cap, gold tassel
Troy Dickens Hill Northern Baby
1978
Light Blue, Chocolate sleeves, hooped cap Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Red, yellow and white hooped sleeves and cap
Shirley Heights Hawaiian Sound Remainder Man
1977
Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Green and yellow hoops, yellow sleeves, quartered cap GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap
The Minstrel Hot Grove Blushing Groom
1976
Light green and dark green check, light green sleeves, white cap Beaver brown, maple leaf green cross belts and cap Red, white sleeves, black and white quartered cap
Empery Relkino Oats
1975
Dark blue, yellow hoop, armlets and spots on cap Light and dark green check, light green sleeves, white cap Lemon, dark blue diamond and sleeves
Grundy Nobiliary Hunza Dancer
1974
Pink, black sleeves White, scarlet V and cap Black, white chevron hoop and cap
Snow Knight Imperial Prince Giacometti
1973
Salmon pink, grey sleeves, quartered cap Royal blue, white hoop on body, striped cap Chocolate, gold braid and sleeves, quartered cap
Morston Cavo Doro Freefoot
1972
Fawn, brown sleeves, quartered cap, brown pompon Royal blue, gold sash and sleeves White, red stars on body, royal blue cap
Roberto Rheingold Pentland Firth
1971
Black, gold cross, cuffs and stripe on cap Cherry, black sleeves and cap Black and yellow (halved), sleeves reversed, hooped cap
Mill Reef Linden Tree Irish Ball
1970-1961
1970
Forest Green, yellow sleeves, scarlet sash Canary yellow, chocolate sleeves and cap White and chocolate hoops, white cap
Nijinsky Gyr Stintino
1969
Salmon pink, grey sleeves, quartered cap Emerald Green and Royal Blue (halved horizontally), royal blue sleeves, quartered cap Yellow, green sleeves, yellow armlets, green cap
Blakeney Shoemaker Prince Regent
1968
Chocolate, pale blue hoops and cap Black, scarlet cap Grey, pink sleeves, check cap
Sir Ivor Connaught Mount Athos
1967
Black, scarlet cap Forest Green, yellow sleeves, scarlet sash Pale blue, yellow and white check cap
Royal Palace Ribocco Dart Board
1966
Green and yellow (halved), sleeves reversed, yellow cap Champagne, tangerine cross-belts and cap Gold, black sleeves and diagonal stripes, black cap, gold diamond
Charlottown Pretendre Black Prince II
1965
Green, black cap Powder blue and scarlet hoops, powder blue cap with scarlet spots Yellow, black spots, yellow sleeves and cap
Sea Bird Meadow Court I Say
1964
Black, green hooped sleeves, gold star, green cap Forest Green, yellow sleeves, scarlet sash Yellow, blue sash, blue sleeves with yellow spots and cuffs, blue cap
Santa Claus Indiana Dilettante
1963
Grey, pink cap Dark blue, red and light blue sash, white cap White, Robertson tartan sash and cap
Relko Merchant Venturer Ragusa
1962
Chocolate, blue hoops and cap Orange, grey cap White, red hoops, white sleeves and cap
Larkspur Arcor Le Cantilien
1961
Light blue, scarlet spots White and red hoops, white sleeves and cap Gold and royal blue halved (horizontally), royal blue cap
Psidium Dicta Drake Pardao
1960-1951
1960
Peacock blue, old gold hoops and sleeves Black and flame (halved), sleeves and cap reversed Emerald green, gold braid and tassel on cap
St Paddy Alcaeus Kythnos
1959
Scarlet & white (vertically halved) back & front reversed, opposing sleeves, quartered cap White and chocolate hoops, white cap Dark blue, yellow cap
Parthia Fidalgo Shantung
1958
Peacock blue, old gold hoops and sleeves Emerald green, black diamonds, orange cap Light blue, scarlet spots
Hard Ridden Paddy's Point Nagami
1957
Peacock blue, old gold hoops and sleeves White, red old english 'B', cuffs, cap and striped sleeves, black armlets Dark blue, light blue cross-belts, dark blue sleeves, white cap
Crepello Ballymoss Pipe of Peace
1956
Royal blue, white seams, white sleeves and cap Yellow, light blue cross-belts, dark blue sleeves, yellow cap Green, red seams and cap
Lavandin Montaval Roistar
1955
White, red hoops, white sleeves and cap Green, red seams and cap Black, white cap
Phil Drake Panaslipper Acropolis
1954
Cerise and grey stripes, quartered cap, light blue sash Green, pink hoops, green sleeves, quartered cap White, black hoop and cap
Never Say Die Arabian Night Darius
1953
Peacock blue, old gold hoops and sleeves Purple, gold braid, scarlet sleeves, black velvet cap, gold fringe Red and white stripes, red cap
Pinza Aureole Pink Horse
1952
Green and chocolate hoops, chocolate cap Royal blue and primrose (quartered), primrose sleeves, royal blue cap Grey, pink cap
Tulyar Gay Time Faubourg
1951
Green, red seams and cap Black, white sash and sleeves, gold cap Blue and white (halved), red sleeves, white cap
Arctic Prince Sybil's Nephew Signal Box
1950-1946
1950
Orange, grey cap White, red spots, black cap Green and yellow (halved), sleeves reversed, yellow cap
Galcador Prince Simon Double Eclipse
1949
Cerise, white hoops, blue sleeves, white cap White, cerise hoops, white sleeves and cap Black, White cap
Nimbus Amour Drake Swallow Tail
1948
Green and chocolate hoops, chocolate cap White, ceise hoops, white sleeves and cap Green and chocolate hoops, chocolate cap
My Love Royal Drake Noor
1947
White, black hoop, white sleeves and cap Green and chocolate hoops, chocolate cap Light terracotta, crimson chevrons and cap
Pearl Diver Migoli Sayajirao
1946
Green, pink hoops, green sleeves, quartered cap Black, white cap White, scarlet V and cap
Airborne Gulf Stream Radiotherapy
 

Records

Leading jockey (9 wins)

  • Lester Piggott – Never Say Die (1954), Crepello (1957), St. Paddy (1960), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), Empery (1976), The Minstrel (1977), Teenoso (1983)

Leading trainer (9 wins)

  • Aidan O'Brien – Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Camelot (2012), Ruler of the World (2013), Australia (2014), Wings of Eagles (2017), Anthony Van Dyck (2019), Serpentine (2020), Auguste Rodin (2023)

Leading owner (10 wins): (includes part ownership)

  • Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor – Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Pour Moi (2011), Camelot (2012), Ruler Of The World (2013), Australia (2014), Wings of Eagles (2017), Anthony Van Dyck (2019), Serpentine (2020), Auguste Rodin (2023)

Dams of two winners

Other records

  • Fastest winning time (at Epsom) – 2m 31.33s, Workforce (2010)
  • Widest winning margin – 10 lengths, Shergar (1981)
  • Longest odds winners – Jeddah (1898), Signorinetta (1908), Aboyeur (1913), 100/1
  • Shortest odds winner – Ladas (1894), 2/9
  • Most runners – 34 (1862)
  • Fewest runners – 4 (1794)

Winners

Year
 Winner
 Jockey
 Trainer
 Owner
 Dist.
Time
1780 Diomed Sam Arnull R. Teasdale Sir Charles Bunbury
1781 Young Eclipse Charles Hindley Dennis O'Kelly
1782 Assassin Sam Arnull Frank Neale 3rd Earl of Egremont
1783 Saltram Charles Hindley Frank Neale John Parker
1784 Serjeant John Arnull Dennis O'Kelly
1785 Aimwell Charles Hindley John Pratt 1st Earl of Clermont
1786 Noble J. White Frank Neale Tommy Panton
1787 Sir Peter Teazle Sam Arnull Saunders 12th Earl of Derby
1788 Sir Thomas William South Frank Neale Prince of Wales
1789 Skyscraper Sam Chifney Matt Stephenson 5th Duke of Bedford
1790 Rhadamanthus John Arnull John Pratt 1st Earl Grosvenor
1791 Eager Matt Stephenson Matt Stephenson 5th Duke of Bedford
1792 John Bull Frank Buckle John Pratt 1st Earl Grosvenor
1793 Waxy Bill Clift Robert Robson Sir Ferdinand Poole
1794 Daedalus Frank Buckle John Pratt 1st Earl Grosvenor
1795 Spread Eagle Anthony Wheatley Richard Prince Sir Frank Standish
1796 Didelot John Arnull Richard Prince Sir Frank Standish
1797 Colt by Fidget John Singleton, Jr. Matt Stephenson 5th Duke of Bedford
1798 Sir Harry Sam Arnull Frank Neale Joseph Cookson
1799 Archduke John Arnull Richard Prince Sir Frank Standish
1800 Champion Bill Clift Tom Perren Christopher Wilson
1801 Eleanor John Saunders J. Frost Sir Charles Bunbury
1802 Tyrant Frank Buckle Robert Robson 3rd Duke of Grafton
1803 Ditto Bill Clift John Lonsdale Sir Hedworth Williamson
1804 Hannibal Bill Arnull Frank Neale 3rd Earl of Egremont
1805 Cardinal Beaufort Dennis Fitzpatrick Dixon Boyce 3rd Earl of Egremont
1806 Paris John Shepherd Richard Prince 3rd Baron Foley
1807 Election John Arnull Dixon Boyce 3rd Earl of Egremont
1808 Pan Frank Collinson John Lonsdale Sir Hedworth Williamson
1809 Pope Tom Goodisson Robert Robson 3rd Duke of Grafton nk
1810 Whalebone Bill Clift Robert Robson 3rd Duke of Grafton
1811 Phantom Frank Buckle James Edwards Sir John Shelley hd
1812 Octavius Bill Arnull Dixon Boyce Robert Ladbroke hd
1813 Smolensko Tom Goodisson Crouch Sir Charles Bunbury 1
1814 Blucher Bill Arnull Dixon Boyce 2nd Baron Stawell
1815 Whisker Tom Goodisson Robert Robson 4th Duke of Grafton shd
1816 Prince Leopold Will Wheatley William Butler Duke of York ½
1817 Azor Jem Robinson Robert Robson John Payne
1818 Sam Sam Chifney, Jr. William Chifney Thomas Thornhill ¾
1819 Tiresias Bill Clift Richard Prince 4th Duke of Portland nk
1820 Sailor Sam Chifney, Jr. William Chifney Thomas Thornhill 2
1821 Gustavus Sam Day Crouch John Hunter ½
1822 Moses Tom Goodisson William Butler Duke of York hd
1823 Emilius Frank Buckle Robert Robson John Udny 1
1824 Cedric Jem Robinson James Edwards Sir John Shelley
1825 Middleton Jem Robinson James Edwards 5th Earl of Jersey
1826 Lap-dog George Dockeray R. Stephenson 3rd Earl of Egremont
1827 Mameluke Jem Robinson James Edwards 5th Earl of Jersey
1828 Cadland Jem Robinson Dixon Boyce 5th Duke of Rutland dh
1829 Frederick John Forth John Forth William Gratwicke hd
1830 Priam Sam Day William Chifney William Chifney 2
1831 Spaniel Will Wheatley J. Rogers Viscount Lowther
1832 St. Giles Bill Scott J. Webb Robert Ridsdale 2
1833 Dangerous Jem Chapple Isaac Sadler Isaac Sadler 1
1834 Plenipotentiary Patrick Conolly George Payne Stanlake Batson 2
1835 Mündig Bill Scott John Scott John Bowes nk
1836 Bay Middleton Jem Robinson James Edwards 5th Earl of Jersey 2
1837 Phosphorus George Edwards John Doe Lord Berners nk
1838 Amato Jem Chapple Ralph Sherwood Sir Gilbert Heathcote
1839 Bloomsbury Sim Templeman William Ridsdale William Ridsdale 1
1840 Little Wonder William Macdonald John Forth David Robertson 1
1841 Coronation Patrick Conolly Ben Painter Abraham Rawlinson 3
1842 Attila Bill Scott John Scott George Anson 2
1843 Cotherstone Bill Scott John Scott John Bowes 2
1844 Orlando Nat Flatman W. Cooper Jonathan Peel
1845 The Merry Monarch Foster Bell John Forth William Gratwicke 1
1846 Pyrrhus The First Sam Day John Day John Gully nk 2:55
1847 Cossack Sim Templeman John Day T. H. Pedley 1 2:52
1848 Surplice Sim Templeman John Kent, Jr. 3rd Viscount Clifden nk 2:48
1849 The Flying Dutchman Charles Marlow John Fobert 13th Earl of Eglinton snk 3:00
1850 Voltigeur Job Marson Robert Hill 2nd Earl of Zetland 1 2:50
1851 Teddington Job Marson Alec Taylor, Sr. Sir Joseph Hawley 2 2:51
1852 Daniel O'Rourke Frank Butler John Scott John Bowes ½ 3:02
1853 West Australian Frank Butler John Scott John Bowes nk 2:55
1854 Andover Alfred Day John Day John Gully 1 2:52
1855 Wild Dayrell Robert Sherwood John Rickaby Francis Popham 1 2:54
1856 Ellington Tom Aldcroft Tom Dawson Octavius Vernon Harcourt 1 3:04
1857 Blink Bonny Jack Charlton William I'Anson William I'Anson nk 2:45
1858 Beadsman John Wells George Manning Sir Joseph Hawley 1 2:54
1859 Musjid John Wells George Manning Sir Joseph Hawley ½ 2:59
1860 Thormanby Harry Custance Mathew Dawson James Merry 1½ 2:55
1861 Kettledrum Ralph Bullock G. Oates Charles Towneley 1 2:45
1862 Caractacus John Parsons Robert Smith Charles Snewing nk 2:45
1863 Macaroni Tom Chaloner James Godding Richard Naylor hd 2:50
1864 Blair Athol Jim Snowden William I'Anson William I'Anson 2 2:43
1865 Gladiateur Harry Grimshaw Tom Jennings, Sr. Frédéric de Lagrange 2 2:46
1866 Lord Lyon Harry Custance James Dover Richard Sutton hd 2:50
1867 Hermit John Daley G. Bloss Henry Chaplin nk 2:42
1868 Blue Gown John Wells John Porter Sir Joseph Hawley ½ 2:43
1869 Pretender John Osborne Jr. Tom Dawson John Johnstone shd 2:52
1870 Kingcraft Tom French Mathew Dawson 6th Viscount Falmouth 4 2:45
1871 Favonius Tom French Joseph Hayhoe Mayer A. de Rothschild 1½ 2:50
1872 Cremorne Charlie Maidment William Gilbert Henry Savile hd 2:45
1873 Doncaster Fred Webb Robert Peck James Merry 1½ 2:50
1874 George Frederick Harry Custance Tom Leader W. S. Cartwright 2 2:46
1875 Galopin Jack Morris John Dawson Gusztáv Batthyány 1 2:48
1876 Kisber Charlie Maidment Joseph Hayhoe Alexander Baltazzi 5 2:44
1877 Silvio Fred Archer Mathew Dawson 6th Viscount Falmouth ½ 2:50
1878 Sefton Harry Constable Alec Taylor, Sr. William Stirling Crawfurd 1½ 2:56
1879 Sir Bevys George Fordham Joseph Hayhoe Lionel de Rothschild ¾ 3:02
1880 Bend Or Fred Archer Robert Peck 1st Duke of Westminster hd 2:46
1881 Iroquois Fred Archer Jacob Pincus Pierre Lorillard IV nk 2:50
1882 Shotover Tom Cannon, Sr. John Porter 1st Duke of Westminster ¾ 2:45
1883 St. Blaise Charles Wood John Porter Sir Frederick Johnstone hd 2:48
1884
(dh) 		Harvester
St. Gatien 		Sam Loates
Charles Wood 		James Jewitt
Robert Sherwood 		Sir J. Willoughby
Jack Hammond 		dh 2:46
1885 Melton Fred Archer Mathew Dawson 20th Baron Hastings hd 2:44
1886 Ormonde Fred Archer John Porter 1st Duke of Westminster 1½ 2:45.6
1887 Merry Hampton John Watts Martin Gurry George Alexander Baird 4 2:43
1888 Ayrshire Fred Barrett George Dawson 6th Duke of Portland 2 2:43
1889 Donovan Tommy Loates George Dawson 6th Duke of Portland 1½ 2:44
1890 Sainfoin John Watts John Porter James Miller ¾ 2:49
1891 Common George Barrett John Porter Sir Frederick Johnstone 2 2:56
1892 Sir Hugo Fred Allsopp Tom Wadlow 3rd Earl of Bradford ¾ 2:44
1893 Isinglass Tommy Loates James Jewitt Harry McCalmont 1½ 2:43
1894 Ladas John Watts Mathew Dawson 5th Earl of Rosebery 1½ 2:45
1895 Sir Visto Sam Loates Mathew Dawson 5th Earl of Rosebery ¾ 2:43
1896 Persimmon John Watts Richard Marsh Prince of Wales nk 2:42
1897 Galtee More Charles Wood Sam Darling John Gubbins 2 2:44
1898 Jeddah Otto Madden Richard Marsh James Larnach ¾ 2:47
1899 Flying Fox Morny Cannon John Porter 1st Duke of Westminster 2 2:42
1900 Diamond Jubilee Herbert Jones Richard Marsh Prince of Wales ½ 2:42
1901 Volodyovski Lester Reiff John Huggins William C. Whitney ¾ 2:40.8
1902 Ard Patrick Skeets Martin Sam Darling John Gubbins 3 2:42.2
1903 Rock Sand Danny Maher George Blackwell James Miller 2 2:42.8
1904 St. Amant Kempton Cannon Alfred Hayhoe Leopold de Rothschild 3 2:45.4
1905 Cicero Danny Maher Percy Peck 5th Earl of Rosebery ¾ 2:39.6
1906 Spearmint Danny Maher Peter Gilpin Major Eustace Loder 1½ 2:36.8
1907 Orby John Reiff Fred McCabe Richard Croker 2 2:44
1908 Signorinetta Billy Bullock Edoardo Ginistrelli Edoardo Ginistrelli 2 2:39.8
1909 Minoru Herbert Jones Richard Marsh King Edward VII shd 2:42.7
1910 Lemberg Bernard Dillon Alec Taylor, Jr. Alfred Cox nk 2:35.2
1911 Sunstar George Stern Charles Morton Jack Barnato Joel 2 2:36.8
1912 Tagalie John Reiff Dawson Waugh Walter Raphael 4 2:38.8
1913 Aboyeur Edwin Piper Tom Lewis Alan Cunliffe nk 2:37.6
1914 Durbar Matt McGee Tom Murphy Herman Duryea 3 2:38.4
1915 Pommern Steve Donoghue Charles Peck Solomon Joel 2 2:32.6
1916 Fifinella Joe Childs Dick Dawson Sir Edward Hulton nk 2:36.6
1917 Gay Crusader Steve Donoghue Alec Taylor, Jr. Alfred Cox 4 2:40.6
1918 Gainsborough Joe Childs Alec Taylor, Jr. Lady James Douglas 1½ 2:33.2
1919 Grand Parade Fred Templeman Frank Barling 1st Baron Glanely ½ 2:35.8
1920 Spion Kop Frank O'Neill Peter Gilpin Giles Loder 2 2:34.8
1921 Humorist Steve Donoghue Charles Morton Jack Barnato Joel nk 2:36.2
1922 Captain Cuttle Steve Donoghue Fred Darling 1st Baron Woolavington 4 2:34.6
1923 Papyrus Steve Donoghue Basil Jarvis Ben Irish 1 2:38
1924 Sansovino Tommy Weston George Lambton 17th Earl of Derby 6 2:46
1925 Manna Steve Donoghue Fred Darling Henry E. Morriss 8 2:40.6
1926 Coronach Joe Childs Fred Darling 1st Baron Woolavington 5 2:47.8
1927 Call Boy Charlie Elliott John E. Watts Frank Curzon 2 2:34.4
1928 Felstead Harry Wragg Ossie Bell Sir Hugo Cunliffe-Owen 1½ 2:34.8
1929 Trigo Joe Marshall Dick Dawson William Barnett 1½ 2:36.4
1930 Blenheim Harry Wragg Dick Dawson Aga Khan III 1 2:38.2
1931 Cameronian Freddie Fox Fred Darling Arthur Dewar ¾ 2:36.6
1932 April the Fifth Fred Lane Tom Walls Tom Walls ¾ 2:43.2
1933 Hyperion Tommy Weston George Lambton 17th Earl of Derby 4 2:34
1934 Windsor Lad Charles Smirke Marcus Marsh Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla 1 2:34
1935 Bahram Freddie Fox Frank Butters Aga Khan III 2 2:36
1936 Mahmoud Charles Smirke Frank Butters Aga Khan III 3 2:33.8
1937 Mid-day Sun Michael Beary Fred Butters Lettice Mary Miller 1½ 2:37.6
1938 Bois Roussel Charlie Elliott Fred Darling Peter Beatty 4 2:39.2
1939 Blue Peter Eph Smith Jack Jarvis 6th Earl of Rosebery 4 2:36.8
1940 Pont l'Eveque Sam Wragg Fred Darling Fred Darling 3 2:30.8
1941 Owen Tudor Billy Nevett Fred Darling C. Macdonald-Buchanan 1½ 2:32
1942 Watling Street Harry Wragg Walter Earl 17th Earl of Derby nk 2:29.6
1943 Straight Deal Tommy Carey Walter Nightingall Dorothy Paget hd 2:30.4
1944 Ocean Swell Billy Nevett Jack Jarvis 6th Earl of Rosebery nk 2:31
1945 Dante Billy Nevett Matthew Peacock Sir Eric Ohlson 2 2:26.6
1946 Airborne Tommy Lowrey Dick Perryman John E. Ferguson 1 2:44.6
1947 Pearl Diver Georges Bridgland Percy Carter Baron Geoffroy de Waldner 4 2:38.4
1948 My Love Rae Johnstone Richard Carver Aga Khan III / Volterra 1½ 2:40
1949 Nimbus Charlie Elliott George Colling Marion Glenister hd 2:42
1950 Galcador Rae Johnstone Charles Semblat Marcel Boussac hd 2:36.8
1951 Arctic Prince Chuck Spares Willie Stephenson Joseph McGrath 6 2:39.4
1952 Tulyar Charles Smirke Marcus Marsh Aga Khan III ¾ 2:36.4
1953 Pinza Sir Gordon Richards Norman Bertie Sir Victor Sassoon 4 2:35.6
1954 Never Say Die Lester Piggott Joseph Lawson Robert Sterling Clark 2 2:35.8
1955 Phil Drake Freddie Palmer François Mathet Suzy Volterra 2 2:39.8
1956 Lavandin Rae Johnstone Alec Head Pierre Wertheimer nk 2:36.4
1957 Crepello Lester Piggott Noel Murless Sir Victor Sassoon 1½ 2:35.4
1958 Hard Ridden Charles Smirke Mick Rogers Sir Victor Sassoon 5 2:41.2
1959 Parthia Harry Carr Cecil Boyd-Rochfort Sir Humphrey de Trafford 1½ 2:36.0
1960 St. Paddy Lester Piggott Noel Murless Sir Victor Sassoon 3 2:35.8
1961 Psidium Roger Poincelet Harry Wragg Etti Plesch 2 2:36.4
1962 Larkspur Neville Sellwood Vincent O'Brien Raymond R. Guest 2 2:37.6
1963 Relko Yves Saint-Martin François Mathet François Dupré 6 2:39.4
1964 Santa Claus Scobie Breasley Mick Rogers John Ismay 1 2:41.98
1965 Sea Bird Pat Glennon Etienne Pollet Jean Ternynck 2 2:38.41
1966 Charlottown Scobie Breasley Gordon Smyth Lady Zia Wernher nk 2:37.63
1967 Royal Palace George Moore Noel Murless Jim Joel 2½ 2:38.36
1968 Sir Ivor Lester Piggott Vincent O'Brien Raymond R. Guest 1½ 2:38.73
1969 Blakeney Ernie Johnson Arthur Budgett Arthur Budgett 1 2:40.30
1970 Nijinsky Lester Piggott Vincent O'Brien Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. 2½ 2:34.68
1971 Mill Reef Geoff Lewis Ian Balding Paul Mellon 2 2:37.14
1972 Roberto Lester Piggott Vincent O'Brien John W. Galbreath shd 2:36.09
1973 Morston Edward Hide Arthur Budgett Arthur Budgett ½ 2:35.92
1974 Snow Knight Brian Taylor Peter Nelson Sharon Phillips 2 2:35.04
1975 Grundy Pat Eddery Peter Walwyn Carlo Vittadini 3 2:35.35
1976 Empery Lester Piggott Maurice Zilber Nelson Bunker Hunt 3 2:35.69
1977 The Minstrel Lester Piggott Vincent O'Brien Robert Sangster nk 2:36.44
1978 Shirley Heights Greville Starkey John Dunlop 2nd Earl of Halifax hd 2:35.30
1979 Troy Willie Carson Dick Hern Sobell / Weinstock 7 2:36.59
1980 Henbit Willie Carson Dick Hern Etti Plesch ½ 2:34.77
1981 Shergar Walter Swinburn Michael Stoute Aga Khan IV 10 2:44.21
1982 Golden Fleece Pat Eddery Vincent O'Brien Robert Sangster 3 2:34.27
1983 Teenoso Lester Piggott Geoff Wragg Eric Moller 3 2:49.07
1984 Secreto Christy Roche David O'Brien Luigi Miglietti shd 2:39.12
1985 Slip Anchor Steve Cauthen Henry Cecil Lord Howard de Walden 7 2:36.23
1986 Shahrastani Walter Swinburn Michael Stoute Aga Khan IV ½ 2:37.13
1987 Reference Point Steve Cauthen Henry Cecil Louis Freedman 1½ 2:33.90
1988 Kahyasi Ray Cochrane Luca Cumani Aga Khan IV 1½ 2:33.84
1989 Nashwan Willie Carson Dick Hern Hamdan Al Maktoum 5 2:34.90
1990 Quest for Fame Pat Eddery Roger Charlton Khalid Abdullah 3 2:37.26
1991 Generous Alan Munro Paul Cole Prince Fahd bin Salman 5 2:34.00
1992 Dr Devious John Reid Peter Chapple-Hyam Sidney H. Craig 2 2:36.19
1993 Commander in Chief Michael Kinane Henry Cecil Khalid Abdullah 3½ 2:34.51
1994 Erhaab Willie Carson John Dunlop Hamdan Al Maktoum 1¼ 2:34.16
1995 Lammtarra Walter Swinburn Saeed bin Suroor Saeed bin M. Al Maktoum 1 2:32.31
1996 Shaamit Michael Hills William Haggas Khalifa Dasmal 1¼ 2:35.05
1997 Benny the Dip Willie Ryan John Gosden Landon Knight shd 2:35.77
1998 High-Rise Olivier Peslier Luca Cumani M. Obaid Al Maktoum hd 2:33.88
1999 Oath Kieren Fallon Henry Cecil The Thoroughbred Corp. 1¾ 2:37.43
2000 Sinndar Johnny Murtagh John Oxx Aga Khan IV 1 2:36.75
2001 Galileo Michael Kinane Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor 3½ 2:33.27
2002 High Chaparral Johnny Murtagh Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor 2 2:39.45
2003 Kris Kin Kieren Fallon Sir Michael Stoute Saeed Suhail 1 2:33.35
2004 North Light Kieren Fallon Sir Michael Stoute Ballymacoll Stud 1½ 2:33.72
2005 Motivator Johnny Murtagh Michael Bell Royal Ascot Racing Club 5 2:35.69
2006 Sir Percy Martin Dwyer Marcus Tregoning Anthony Pakenham shd 2:35.23
2007 Authorized Frankie Dettori Peter Chapple-Hyam Al Homaizi / Al Sagar 5 2:34.77
2008 New Approach Kevin Manning Jim Bolger Princess Haya of Jordan ½ 2:36.50
2009 Sea the Stars Michael Kinane John Oxx Christopher Tsui 1¾ 2:36.74
2010 Workforce Ryan Moore Sir Michael Stoute Khalid Abdullah 7 2:31.33
2011 Pour Moi Mickael Barzalona André Fabre Magnier / Tabor / Smith hd 2:34.54
2012 Camelot Joseph O'Brien Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor / 5 2:33.90
2013 Ruler of the World Ryan Moore Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor / Smith 1½ 2:39.06
2014 Australia Joseph O'Brien Aidan O'Brien Smith, Magnier, Tabor, Khing 1¼ 2:33.63
2015 Golden Horn Frankie Dettori John Gosden Anthony Oppenheimer 3½ 2:32.32
2016 Harzand Pat Smullen Dermot Weld Aga Khan IV 1½ 2:40.09
2017 Wings of Eagles Padraig Beggy Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor ¾ 2:33.02
2018 Masar William Buick Charlie Appleby Godolphin 1½ 2:34.93
2019 Anthony Van Dyck Seamie Heffernan Aidan O'Brien Smith / Magnier / Tabor ½ 2:33.38
2020 Serpentine Emmet McNamara Aidan O'Brien Tabor / Smith / Magnier 5½ 2:34.43
2021 Adayar Adam Kirby Charlie Appleby Godolphin 4½ 2:36.85
2022 Desert Crown Richard Kingscote Sir Michael Stoute Saeed Suhail 2½ 2:36.38
2023 Auguste Rodin Ryan Moore Aidan O'Brien Tabor / Smith / Magnier / Westerberg ½ 2:33.88

a Winning distances are shown in lengths or shorter (dh = dead-heat; shd = short-head; hd = head; snk = short-neck; nk = neck).

  1. The 1828 race finished as a dead-heat, but Cadland won a run-off against The Colonel by ½ length
  2. The 1844 and 1913 winners were awarded victory after the disqualification of the first-placed horse
  3. The 2020 race was run in July due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
   Wartime substitute race at Newmarket

Timeline

Amato, 1838 Derby winner by John Frederick Herring, Sr
Shirley Heights, 1978 Derby winner by Bob Demuyser (1920–2003)
  • 1805: One of the horses was brought down by a spectator.
  • 1825: Middleton never raced before or after winning the Derby.
  • 1838: Amato never raced before or after winning the Derby.
  • 1844: The original winner Running Rein was disqualified as he was actually an ineligible four-year-old horse named Maccabeus.
  • 1881: Iroquois became the first American-bred to win a leg of the British triple crown.
  • 1884: The race finished with a dead-heat between Harvester and St. Gatien.
  • 1887: Merry Hampton is the most recent horse to win the Derby with no previous victories.
  • 1894: The winner was owned by the Prime Minister at the time, the 5th Earl of Rosebery.
  • 1901: The first year in which a mechanical starting gate was used.
  • 1909: Minoru was the first Derby winner owned by a reigning monarch, King Edward VII, who had previously won twice as Prince of Wales.
  • 1913: The 6/4 favourite Craganour, owned by Charles B. Ismay, brother of J. Bruce Ismay of the Titanic, was controversially disqualified, and the race was awarded to the 100/1 outsider Aboyeur. Suffragette Emily Davison was struck by King George V's horse, Anmer, she died four days later.
  • 1916: Fifinella, who also won The Oaks, is the most recent (as of 2022) of six fillies to win the race. The previous five were Eleanor (1801), Blink Bonny (1857), Shotover (1882), Signorinetta (1908), Tagalie (1912).
  • 1921: The winner Humorist died two weeks after the race.
  • 1927: The first Derby to be broadcast by the BBC.
  • 1931: The first outdoor sporting event ever televised (by John Logie Baird and his company using the BBC's transmitter).
  • 1932: April the Fifth is the most recent winner trained at Epsom.
  • 1946: Airborne is the most recent (as of 2017) of four grey horses to win the Derby.
  • 1953: Pinza was the only winner in the race for the jockey Sir Gordon Richards, after 27 unsuccessful attempts.
  • 1960: Although there had been an experimental TV transmission of the race in the early 1930s, regular television coverage of the Derby began this year, initially on both BBC and ITV.
  • 1962: Larkspur wins at odds of 22/1 after seven horses are bought down nearing Tattenham Corner; one horse is killed and four jockeys are detained in hospital.
  • 1967: Starting stalls used for the first time.
  • 1989: The runner-up Terimon is the longest-priced horse to finish placed in the Derby, at odds of 500/1.
  • 1996: Alex Greaves became the first female jockey to ride in the race. She finished last of the 20 runners on the filly Portuguese Lil.
  • 1998: The most recent (as of 2019) filly to take part, the 1,000 Guineas winner Cape Verdi, started as 11/4 favourite but could only finish ninth.
  • 2006: Martin Dwyer's winning ride on Sir Percy subsequently won the Lester Award for "Flat Ride of the Year".
  • 2007: Authorized provided jockey Frankie Dettori with his first winner in the Derby after 14 previous attempts.
  • 2008: Jim Bolger, the trainer of the winner New Approach, had left the horse entered for the race "by mistake", having not initially intended to run.
  • 2010: Workforce broke the Epsom track record winning in the time 2m 31.33s previously held by Lammtarra who set it in 1995 at 2m 32.31s.
  • 2012: Aidan O'Brien and his 19-year-old son Joseph became the first father-son/trainer-jockey combination to win the race. Hayley Turner became the second female jockey to ride in the race, on Cavaleiro, finishing last of the nine horses which went to post, the lowest number since 1907.
  • 2014: Aidan O'Brien became the first person to train three consecutive winners of the race.
  • 2017: Ana O'Brien, daughter of Aidan, was the third female jockey to ride in the race, on The Anvil. By finishing 17th of the 18 runners, she became the first woman to beat another runner to the line.
  • 2019: Kevin McCarthy and Michael Church (Official Derby Historian), wrote a 17-page Academic Essay to solve the debated question of "Where did the first Derby start from?" (See www.michaelchurchracingbooks.com).Proving it to be from the Mile Post on the old Orbicular or Cup Course - a few yards from today's running rail. Thereafter, a week before the 2019 Derby, the Epsom management put up a plaque to commemorate the starting place of the first Derby.

See also