Epsom was originally prepared by boiling down mineral waters which sprung at Epsom. The town's market is built on the pond that existed in the Middle Ages. Within the centuries-old boundaries is Epsom Downs Racecourse which features two of the five English Classic horse races; "The Derby" and "The Oaks", which were first run in 1780 and 1779 respectively. On 4 June 1913, Emily Davison, a militant women's suffrage activist, stepped in front of King George V's horse running in the Derby, sustaining fatal injuries. The British Prime Minister and first chairman of the London County Council, Lord Rosebery, was sent
2001 Epsom Derby 2001 Epsom Derby The 2001 Epsom Derby was a horse race which took place at Epsom Downs on Saturday 9 June 2001. It was the 222nd running of the Derby, and it was won by the pre-race joint favourite Galileo. The winner was ridden by Michael Kinane and trained by Aidan O'Brien. The other joint favourite Golan finished second. Further details of the winner, Galileo: Notable runs by the future Derby participants as two-year-olds in 2000. Early-season appearances in 2001 and trial races prior to running in the Derby. Group 1 / Grade I victories after running in the Derby.