THE DERBY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 119, 5 June 1937, Page 14

THE DERBY

How It Originated The English Derby had its origin in an after-dinner carouse among a number of sportsmen who were dining with the twelfth Earl of Derby. One of them suggested that such a race should be established and be called by the name of their host. This being put and carried the official announcement ran: "Thursday, May 4, 1780. The Derby Stakes of 50gns. each, half forfeit, for three-year-old colts 8.0, and fillies 7.11, one mile (36 subscribers)." For this first Derby on record there was a field of nine, and the race waa carried off by the favourite Diomed. Shortly afterwards the victor was sold for- a modest 50gns., and went to the United States to become the "Father of the Ameriean Turf." In he rubric of the first Derby no money was allottod to the - second and third horses. In 1782 the second received 100gns., • but several years elapsed before the third received anything. Hennit's Year The Derby of 1867, won by Hermit, has probably led to more writing than any other classic race figuring in the calendar, Hermit, who was owned by Mr Henry Chaplin — subsequentiy Viscount Chaplin— was extensively backed by his owner, but was said to have broken a blood-vessel in training, with the result that he was knocked out to long odds. On the day of the raco snow fell at Epsom, and when Hermit came out of the paddoelt with the coat looking as though it had been groomod the wrong way he was fairly seouted. Hermit beat the field of 29 by which he was opposed amid intense excitement. Mr Chaplin was creditd with a win of £150,000 by the success of his colt. On the other hand, the Marquess of Hastings, who made a set against Hermit, was cast in liabilities that, it was coraputed, amountcd to more than £100,000 j aud wrought his financial ruin.