What a Derby day

The days when half a million people flocked to Epsom Downs for the Derby may be over, but initiatives are under way to reinvigorate a racing fixture seldom lacking in thrilling spectacle. Jack Watkins picks the 10 most memorable races of all

- Jack Watkins

1909 Minoru

As Prince of Wales, Edward VII owned and bred Derby winners—Persimmon (1896) and Diamond Jubilee (1900)—but his triumph with Minoru is the only one by a reigning monarch. The favourite, the American-bred Sir Martin, stumbled around the notoriously tight downhill run to Tattenham Corner, leaving the royal horse to prevail. The King was roundly cheered as he led Minoru into the winner's enclosure.

1913 Aboyeur

The Suffragette Derby is so named because, as the field came around Tattenham Corner, campaigner Emily Davison suddenly ducked under the rails and into the path of the horses. She collided with royal runner Anmer, was knocked unconscious and died in hospital four days later. The sprawling Anmer's jockey Herbert Jones was also badly injured, the horrific event captured on newsreel. The drama didn’t end there. Craganour was first past the post, but was disqualified for bumping Aboyeur ‘so as to prevent his winning’, with the latter awarded the spoils.

1945 Dante

As Epsom Downs was on the path of Second World War enemy bombers, Newmarket's July course staged the Derby from 1940-45. On the final occasion, shortly after VE Day, a huge, happy crowd watched 27 runners fan across the track before Dante, handsome but partially blind, powered home in a fast time. Trained by Matt Peacock at Middleham, North Yorkshire, and ridden by Billy Nevett—who also rode for Peacock’s father and son—Dante was the last northern-produced winner.