The Derby is run on Epsom racecourse, which is on the Downs just to the south of the town. The Epsom Downs are managed under an Act of Parliament by the Conservators, who are drawn partly from the town council and partly from racing interests.
The Derby is run every year in June - in recent years, on the first Saturday of the month. It is the most famous flat race in England, and has given its name to similar high-prestige races in other countries, such as the Kentucky Derby (which is not, however, run on grass)
In 1998, the Oaks will be run on Friday 5th June, and the Derby on Saturday 6th June. The "Derby Day Experience" includes displays, audio-visual presentations, archive films, the changing rooms, and the winning post; it is open to the public on 10 Sundays a year Groups can visit it at other times by prior arrangement
The Derby came into being almost by accident. Some friends gathered at the house of Edward, 12th Earl of Derby, and resolved to name the race after their host. The first Derby was run on Thursday 4th May 1780 over a distance of one mile, with stakes amounting to £1,125. The distance was increased to one and a half miles a few years later. The current course runs in a great horseshoe with the famous Tattenham Corner just before the final straight up to the grandstand. The value of the 1996 Derby was over £800,000.
The first grandstand was built in 1830, and added to in 1879 and 1914. All these buildings were replaced by the 1926 grandstand, part of which was demolished to make way for the new Queen's Stand in 1992. This innovative building has won several awards; it incorporates facilities for conferences and meetings, and also the "Derby Experience" which is open for pre- booked parties and on some Sundays for local residents.
