Doncaster Racecourse

EPSOM	*Badges through the decades*	Brief History
1661 Evidence of early racing on the Epsom Downs on 7th March, a meeting attended by King Charles II, and this is confirmed by Pepys in 1663. 1711 Racing takes place in the vicinity of Epsom at Banstead, with races being run over a 4 mile distance and the horses then being rubbed down at the Rubbing House. There is now a pub which commmorates this event. 1730 From this date there is firm evidence of regular meetings on the Downs, although races are generally run in heats. 1779 The first Oaks takes place on 14th May and is won by Bridget, owned by Lord Derby. 1780 The first Derby Stakes is won by Sir Charles Bunbury's Diomed, ridden by S. Arnull on 4th May 1780. 1827 A famous day in the history of Epsom, and racing in general, when William Dorling produced the first racecard complete with runners, riders, betting forecast and colours. 1831 Lord Lowther's Spaniel wins the Derby in the presence of the future Queen Victoria. 1844 The Derby is awarded to Orlando after the first past the post, Running Rein is discovered to be a 4 year old and is disqualified. 1851 The City and Suburban, a mile and a quarter race, is run for the first time. 1872 The Derby is run on the present day course for the first time and results in a triumph for Mr Savile's Cremorne, ridden by Maidment and trained by Gilbert. 1896 Persimmon provides a Royal victory in the Derby, winning for the Prince of Wales.		1900 The Prince of Wales wins the Derby a second time with Diamond Jubilee. 1907 A third victory for the Prince of Wales, now King Edward VII, when H.Jones rides Minoru to win the Derby. 1912 Tagalie, ridden by J. Reiff, becomes the first grey to win the Derby. Only 2 horses, Mahmoud and airborne, have matched the feat. 1913 One of the most famous and controversial events in Epsoms history when Emily Davison is killed as she runs out in front of the Kings horse. 1915-18 Epsom is used during the War and the Derby is run at Newmarket for 4 years. 1940-45 Epsom is, once again, used for the war effort and the Derby takes place at Newmarket for a 6 year period. 1979 The Willie Carson ridden Troy wins the 200th Derby trained by Major Dick Hern. 1984 The future of Epsom is secured after it is purchased with the help of Lord Wigg.