Irish Derby Irish Derby The Irish Derby (Irish: Dearbaí na hÉireann) is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July. It is Ireland's equivalent of the Epsom Derby, and it is currently held three weeks after the English race. The earliest version of the Irish Derby was an event called the O'Darby Stakes. This was established in 1817, but it was discontinued after
Derby Racecourse Derby Racecourse Derby Racecourse is a former horse racing venue in Derby, England, from 1848 to 1939. It was preceded by two earlier courses, at different locations. Races were first held on Sinfin Moor in the early 18th century, before relocating to The Holmes. It is unknown exactly when horse racing first started in Derby, although a reference to racing in the town occurs in the play "Monsieur Thomas", published in 1639. Races associated with fairs were probably held at a variety of locations, perhaps including Nuns' Green in the modern West End. Sinfin Moor, located some way south of