derby

 

(där'bē) , English horse race, instituted (1780) by the 12th earl of Derby and held annually at Epsom Downs, near London. The race is open only to three-year-old colts and fillies that must be entered when yearlings. The original course is still used; it is one yard longer than one and one-half miles. Hundreds of thousands of spectators view the race each year. Other well-known races, notably the Kentucky Derby (dûr'bē), held each year since 1875 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky., have been named for the English classic.

A derby (pronounced "dar-bee" /dɑːbɪ/ in most of the English-speaking world and "dur-bee" /dɚbɪ/ in North American English) is a type of horse race, named after the Epsom Derby, still run at Epsom racecourse in England. It was in turn named for Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, who inaugurated the race in 1780. Probably the best-known example in the United States is the Kentucky 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. The one notable exception to this rule is the Canadian Pacing Derby, an annual harness race for "aged pacers" four years old and up.

The race is also a popular 'upper crust' sport in India, with races being held in Mumbai, Bangalore and Mysore.

By extension from horse racing, derby is also used for any type of individual competitive event, such as a roller derby. In Britain, it is used (often in the form local derby) to mean a football match between local rival teams. For example, the Liverpool derby is Liverpool versus Everton. This usage derives from the traditional rivalry between Derby City and Derby County football teams and their annual match.

See also

Other derby races

• Irish Derby Stakes
• German Derby
• New Zealand Derby
• Victoria Derby
• Prix du Jockey Club (the French Derby)

Other

• American Classic Races
• British Classic Races
• French Classic Races
• Thoroughbred horse racing
• Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing

Further reading

• Major races in India, International Racehorse Owners Association. Mentions the Indian Derby that is run on the first Sunday of February and the Bangalore Derby.

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