Derby (horse race) facts for kids
A derby is a special type of horse race. These races are usually for young horses, often three years old. The name "derby" comes from a very old and famous race in England.
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What is a Horse Derby?
A derby is a specific kind of horse race. It's named after the Derby Stakes race in England. This race was first held in 1780. One of the most famous derbies, besides the original, is the Kentucky Derby in the United States.
Where Did the Name "Derby" Come From?
The original Derby Stakes race was created in 1780. It was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby. He helped start the race at Epsom Downs Racecourse in England.
Who Can Race in a Derby?
Traditionally, most derbies are only for horses that are three years old. This is true for many big races, like those in the Triple Crown series in England and the U.S.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, the Hong Kong Derby and Singapore Derby are for four-year-old horses. In Scandinavian harness racing, derbies are usually for four-year-olds. The Finnhorse Derby is even for five-year-old horses.
Famous Derby Races Around the World
Many countries have their own famous derby races. These races are often important events in the horse racing world. They bring together some of the best young horses.
| Name | Place | Distance | Horse Age | First Race | When It Happens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Derby | Arlington Park, Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA | 1+3⁄16 miles (1900 m) | 1884 | ||
| Australian Derby (also known as AJC Derby) | Randwick Racecourse, Sydney | 2400 metres (1.5 miles) |
3 yr olds | 1861 | Late March or early April |
| Bangalore Derby | Bangalore Turf Club | 2,000 metres | 4 yr olds & up | Mid July | |
| Epsom Derby (also known as The Derby or English Derby) | Epsom Downs Racecourse, England | 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards (2423 metres) |
3 yr olds colts and fillies | 1780 | 1st Saturday in June |
| French Derby (more often known as Prix du Jockey Club) | Chantilly Racecourse | 2100 metres (1.30 miles; 10.44 furlongs) |
3 yr olds colts and fillies | 1836 | Early June |
| German Derby (Deutsches Derby) | Horner Rennbahn, Hamburg | 2,400 metres (1.5 miles) | 3 yr olds colts and fillies | 1869 | Early July |
| Hong Kong Derby | Sha Tin Racecourse | 2,000 metres | 4 yr olds | 1873 | Mid March |
| Hungarian Derby (Magyar Derby) | Kincsem Park, Budapest | 2,400 metres | 3 yr olds | 1921 | Early July |
| Italian Derby (Derby Italiano) | Capannelle Racecourse | 2200 | 1884 | ||
| Indian Derby | Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | 2,400 metres | 4 yr olds | 1943 | 1st Sunday in Feb. |
| Irish Derby | The Curragh, County Kildare, Ireland | 1+1⁄2 miles (2.4 km) | 3 yr olds | 1866 | Last Sunday in June |
| Kentucky Derby | Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, USA | 1+1⁄4 miles (2 km) | 3 yr olds | 1875 | 1st Saturday in May |
| New Zealand Derby | Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland | 2400 metres (1.5 miles; 12 furlongs) |
3yr olds | 1860 | 1st Saturday in March |
| Queensland Derby | Eagle Farm Racecourse, Brisbane | 2400 metres (1.5 miles; 12 furlongs) |
3yr olds | 1868 | June |
| Singapore Derby | Kranji Racecourse | 1,800 metres | 4 yr olds | 1880 | Mid July |
| Swedish Trotting Derby (Svenskt Travderby) | Jägersro Racetrack, Malmö | 2640 metres (1.64 mi; 13.12 furlongs) | 4yr olds | 1928 | 1st Sunday in September |
| Tokyo Yushun Japanese Derby |
Tokyo Racecourse | 2,400 metres | 3 yr olds colts and fillies | 1932 | Late May or Early June |
| Victoria Derby | Flemington Racecourse | 2,500 metres | 3 yr olds | 1855 | |
| WATC Derby | Ascot Racecourse, Perth | 2,400 metres | 3yr olds | 1888 | New Years Day or nearby Saturday |
See also
- American Classic Races
- British Classic Races
- French Classic Races
- Thoroughbred horse racing
- Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing
In Spanish: Derby (hípica) para niños
