Skip to main content

A Quick Introduction to the Epsom Derby, a Jewel of the Horse Racing World

Investec Derby Day 2017

Here in the States, the Kentucky Derby is the “granddaddy of all races.” However, the U.K.’s Epsom Derby, which takes place on the first Saturday of every June, is considered one of the most prestigious and toughest races in the world.

Recommended Videos

Since the Epsom Derby — known officially today as the Investec Derby — began in 1780, colts, fillies, jockeys, and trainers have traveled from all over the globe to compete on the mile-and-a-half track for the Derby Stakes grand prize, which is £1.5 million (USD $ 2,106,240) today. The two-day affair hosts even more than your fair share of racing filled with hopeful and plentiful payouts, dapper morning suits, and bottles of Champagne.

John Walton - PA Images/Getty Images
John Walton – PA Images/Getty Images

Like horse racing at its core, the Epsom Derby has an intoxicating history. The event earned its name from a simple coin toss between the 12th Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury, according to official ferby historian Michael Church. Lord Derby won, which not only resulted in an annual horse race branded with  his name, but the term “derby” is now widely used as a trademark for  thoroughbred flat track sport racing all over the world.

The Investec Epsom Derby attracts crowds of over 125,000 people a year (to put that into perspective, the Kentucky Derby attracts over 150,000). From horse race fanatics, foodies, and history buffs to A-list celebrities and the royal family, everyone’s enjoys celebrating Derby Day in the place where it all started. Some of the festival’s other attractions include a carnival-like atmosphere of vendors; a plethora of eating experiences, from fine dining with panoramic views to a good old picnic; and musical entertainment on Poundland Hill.

For ticket and more information concerning this year’s event, which takes place June 2, 2018, check out the fest’s website. Want to use your winnings to help retired thoroughbreds? See how you can help here.

Bryan Holt
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Bryan Holt is a writer, editor, designer, and multimedia storyteller based in Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate from the…
Don’t ruin your cigars: here’s how to properly season a new humidor
Seasoning secrets every cigar lover could use
faceless man presenting a cigar humidor with cigars inside with gloved hands

If you're a newcomer to the world of cigars or just bought a brand-new humidor, you'll need to season it. And no, I'm not saying to add salt and pepper to it. If you've never heard of it, you might ask, "What is seasoning for a humidor?"

Don't think you need to flavor the box or anything — seasoning is really about getting the wood inside your humidor so as not to rob your cigars of precious moisture. Easy to understand, and getting it done is relatively straightforward as well. The trick is figuring out the "why," and we'll get into that in a bit. But let's first discuss seasoning a humidor.

Read more
The NBA’s ultimate celebration tool: The victory cigar
A look at the players and coaches who smoke to celebrate
Jordan smoking a cigar image on a bag

Sports are synonymous with celebration. After winning the biggest trophy of their lives, athletes want to indulge in the payoff that comes with seeing their dreams realized. Teams go into the locker room, where a waterfall of champagne hits them in the eyes, and swimming goggles seem to be a requirement, lest you walk around on the best night of your life half blind. While drinking is often the activity of choice after winning a championship, the NBA has an alternative symbol of greatness that other sports don't use nearly enough: the victory cigar.

Basketball is a team game, but it's also an individual canvas for solo superstardom. After winning an NBA championship, the coaches and players who sit atop the throne have long smoked a cigar in the locker room, during the parade, or even on the bench before the clock has hit zero. There's nothing quite like a good stogie to signify the ultimate win over the rest of the league, but how did the victory cigar get so ingrained in NBA championship celebrations? We want to take a walk down memory lane and look at some of the historical moments and people who made the cigar what it is within the NBA today.
Red Auerbach's victory cigar on the bench
Red Auerbach: The Story Behind the Victory Cigar + His Disdain of NBA Officials - Red on Roundball

Read more
The best medical shows of all time to binge now
From ER to The Pitt, these are the best medical shows ever made
Noah Wyle in the Pitt

Throughout TV's long history, the medical drama has occupied a somewhat unique place in the landscape. Medical shows are often some of the most reliable on TV precisely because there's so much drama built in to working in a hospital.

Personally, I've found the medical drama to be deeply comforting for years, even if I have no desire to be a doctor myself. Understanding the stress of people in the healthcare profession is fascinating in and of itself.

Read more