Derby (horse race) Derby (horse race) A derby ( , ) is a type of horse race named after the Derby Stakes run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in England. That was in turn named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, who inaugurated the race in 1780. Perhaps the best-known example after the original is the Kentucky Derby in the United States. Traditionally, the term "derby" is used strictly to refer to races restricted to three-year-olds, as the English and U.S. Triple Crown races all are. The most notable exceptions to this rule are the Hong Kong Derby and Singapore Derby, restricted to
Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. A Grade II event, it is open to fillies and mares, aged three and older. Contested over a distance of one mile (8 furlongs) on turf, it currently offers a purse of $300,000. In 2009, this race was upgraded from a Grade III to a Grade II event. This race was inaugurated as the Twin Spires Stakes in 1983, and was run again in 1987 under that name. It was renamed Capital Holding