Derby (horse race)

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.

[1] That was in turn named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, who inaugurated the race in 1780.

[2] Perhaps the best-known example after the original is the Kentucky Derby in the United States.

[3][4] Traditionally, the term "derby" is used strictly to refer to races restricted to three-year-olds,[citation needed] as the English and U.S.

[citation needed] In Scandinavian harness racing Derby is restricted to four-year-olds.