Today, English Derby is accepted as the most well-known horse race around the globe. English Derby has been conducted since 1780, and takes place on Epsom Downs, near London over 14 furlongs (2,420 meters). It is said to be the world’s best-known sporting occasion, an event that is for many the only time they ever watch a horse in action. It is also one that has spawned a whole raft of similar races the world over; including the USA’s most renounced, on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby.
The England race was the stepping stone for the 12th Earl of Derby, Edward Smith Stanley, after looking at the successful inauguration of the Oaks at Epsom the Precious year. Lord Derby and his good friend Sir Charles Bunbury lived together when the new style of the horse race was being planned and legend has it that those two gentlemen tossed a coin to decide the title of this newest enterprise. Ironically if Mr. Derby may have lost the toss, we would have to call it the Bunbury today.
Fun Fact, Bunbury was not at a total loss as the first Derby race was won by the Bunbury horse named Diomed. The Derby signifies the part of the English Triple Crown but there has not been a winner of the colt’s version in the UK since 1971. However, a filly won the female style of Derby named as ‘Oak’s’ in 1985. The filly who won in 1985 was named ‘Oh So Sharp’ and she was ridden by Steve Cauthen, who also won the Derby that year on the horse named ‘Slip Anchor’.
Cauthen, who is born and bought up in Kentucky, is the only individual who has successfully won a Triple Crown on the two ends of the Atlantic. He managed to throughout utter sensation when piloting affirmed to take the U.S.A title in1978 after a series of epic battles with Alydar, ridden by the older and wiser Jorge Velasquez. But Cauten is not the first American to win either the English Derby or the Triple Crown that accomplishment goes to Danny Maher, who had been known as the champion jockey in the states before a change in state betting policies.
With the change enacted in the US, many trainers and jockeys felt the urge to cross the Atlantic. Maher scored the Triple Crown title at the Rock Sand in 1903 and added two more victories in the race before he retired. Heading back to the Derby, fillies may run in the race, but generally, avoid talking about their bigger stronger rivals. Some people have done so, just as they do in Kentucky, and turned out victorious in both the arenas.
Unfortunately for American racing, a change was introduced to the qualifying conditions for the Churchill Downs, which resulted in fillies at a disadvantage, and unless amended are introduced no filly is likely to join the winner’s roster.
Still, there are a few other notable differences between racing on each side of the Atlantic that non-racing people might not understand. American race courses are known for their flat and uniform turf, on the other hand, UK tracks appear to have plopped in a clear space on a wealthy landowner’s estate. If one looks for winning at Epsom, a horse must be able to cope with a mild right-hand bend. The famous left-hand bend of Tattenham Corner, stretches uphill, downhill stretches and a steep camber on the home straight.
Nobody will at any point know precisely how Emily Davison had as a primary concern on June 8, 1913. However, as the ponies flew round Tattenham Corner (onto that superfast downhill stretch), she ventured onto the track and endeavored to get or obstruct the pony of King Edward VII, Amner. The pony and the suffragette crashed into each other and both fell, yet just Amner and his rider got up once more.
This made title news around the world and keeping in mind that her activities were not thoroughly examined, Davison’s passing gave her objective some exposure among individuals who in any case had not considered the issue. To know more interesting horse racing news, tips and stories do visit www.nicheracing.com.