Kris Kin but he recovered quickly after treatment and was allowed to run. At Epsom, the colt was strongly supported, being backed down from 14-1 to 6-1 on the course, with the money reportedly coming from ordinary members of the public rather than professional gamblers. He started the race as fourth favourite behind three Irish-trained colts, Refuse To Bend, Alamshar and Brian Boru. Ridden for the first time by Kieren Fallon, Kris Kin seemed to be struggling in the early stages, and turned into the straight in eighth place. As at Chester, he began to make rapid progress after being switched to
Epsom Derby be named in his honour). According to legend the decision was made by the toss of a coin, but it is probable that Bunbury, the Steward of the Jockey Club, deferred to his host. The inaugural running of the Derby was held on Thursday 4 May 1780. It was won by Diomed, a colt owned by Sir Charles Bunbury, who collected prize money of £1,065 15s. The first four runnings were contested over 1 mile, but this was amended to the current distance of 1½ miles in 1784. Lord Derby achieved his first success in the event in 1787, with