A derby (UK: /ˈdɑːrbi/ DAR-bee, US: /ˈdɜːrbi/ DUR-bee) is a type of horse race named after the Derby Stakes run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in England. That was in turn named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, who inaugurated the race in 1780.
What kind of race is the Derby?
flat horse race
The Derby Stakes, also known as the Epsom Derby or the Derby, and currently as the Cazoo Derby for sponsorship reasons, is a Group 1 flat horse race in England open to three-year-old colts and fillies.
What is horse race called?
horse racing, sport of running horses at speed, mainly Thoroughbreds with a rider astride or Standardbreds with the horse pulling a conveyance with a driver. These two kinds of racing are called racing on the flat and harness racing, respectively.
What are the 3 horse races called?
the Triple Crown
What is the Triple Crown? The Kentucky Derby (first run in 1875), the Preakness Stakes (1873) and the Belmont Stakes (1867) make up the Triple Crown series for 3-year-old thoroughbreds.
What does Derby mean in racing?
der·by ˈdər-bē especially British ˈdä- plural derbies. : any of several horse races held annually and usually restricted to three-year-olds. : a race or contest open to all comers or to a specified category of contestants.
What makes a horse race a Derby?
The Derby is the name of a race for three-year-old horses that takes place each year. In the United States, it refers particularly to the Kentucky Derby. A derby is a sports competition or race where there are no restrictions or limits on who can enter.
Is the Derby only for stallions?
Which horses can race in the Derby at Epsom? The Derby is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, although few fillies contest the race. This is because they have their own Classic, the Oaks, which is restricted to just fillies. Only entire male horses are eligible – geldings may not take part.
What is the difference between a horse race and a derby?
Traditionally, the term “derby” is used strictly to refer to races restricted to three-year-olds, as the English and U.S. Triple Crown races all are.
What are the two kinds of horse racing?
There are two types of horse races, jumps and Flat, and each one incorporates different classes and types of races.
What are the 5 Classic horse races?
English Classics, in horse racing, five of the oldest and most important English horse races. They are the Derby, the Oaks, the One Thousand Guineas, the Saint Leger, and the Two Thousand Guineas (qq. v.).
What is the biggest horse race called?
the Kentucky Derby
That’s why the Kentucky Derby tops our chart as the biggest horse race on Earth!
What is the biggest horse race in the world called?
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, which runs on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, is arguably the biggest race on the planet. Called the “fastest two minutes in sports,” the purse for those taking part in the action on the track is $3 million, with the race eagerly anticipated year on year.
What are famous horse races?
Kentucky Derby
Our credibility would have crumbled if we didn’t put the planet’s most famous horse race on the number 1 spot. The Kentucky Derby started in 1875, is the primary leg of the Triple Crown, and is held on the first Saturday of May every year.
Why do they call it derby?
Why is it called the Derby? It’s named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby. In 1780, he co-founded this classic 1.5-mile race for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies with his friend, the Jockey Club steward Sir Charles Bunbury.
Why is a derby called a derby?
Why Is a Derby Called a ‘Derby’? It is widely believed that the phrase ‘derby’ stems from the town of Ashbourne in Derbyshire, England.
How many horses run in the Derby?
20 horses
20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby, which is a larger field size than most horse races; where on average 8 horses race against one another.
Do derby horses fly?
While specific transportation varies by owner, high-value horses (racing, jumping, you name it) typically fly with similar amenities from event to event.
Are all derby horses male?
The Derby, however, is open to eligible colts, geldings or fillies. While non-male horses are able to compete in the Kentucky Derby race, it’s an oddity in the sport. For reference, colts and geldings normally carry 126 pounds, while fillies typically carry 121 pounds. The two races are also run at different lengths.
How fast is a derby horse?
around 37 mph
The speed of the Kentucky Derby horses is typically around 37 mph. The world record for top speed by a thoroughbred is 43.97 mph, though this was not clocked at the Kentucky Derby.
Has the Queen had a Derby winner?
Horseracing was an active passion of Her Majesty The Queen and she enjoyed great success throughout the years, winning every Classic except the Derby at Epsom.
Has a filly won the Derby?
Winning Colors (1988), Genuine Risk (1980) and Regret (1915) are the only fillies to win the Kentucky Derby. Each raced against males in advance of running in the Kentucky Derby. Winning Colors and Genuine Risk are the only two fillies to compete in all three Triple Crown races.