The Epsom Derby is one of the highlights of the British racing calendar, attracting 200,000 spectators. It was first run in 1780 and remains the UK's richest horse race with a purse of over $2 million.
The Epsom Derby —
The Epsom Derby is one of the highlights of the British racing calendar, attracting 200,000 spectators. It was first run in 1780 and remains the UK's richest horse race with a purse of over $2 million.
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Britain's Queen Elizabeth is a regular visitor to the Epsom Derby, seen here at the racecourse in 1957. She will take in the 2012 Derby as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
By Royal appointment —
Britain's Queen Elizabeth is a regular visitor to the Epsom Derby, seen here at the racecourse in 1957. She will take in the 2012 Derby as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
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The Derby attracts most of the Royal family, and Princes Harry (L) and William can be seen at last year's race, along with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
A family affair —
The Derby attracts most of the Royal family, and Princes Harry (L) and William can be seen at last year's race, along with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
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Ian Balding (L) with his son Andrew at a recent race meet. The pair are hoping their colt Bonfire can claim Epsom Derby glory like Mill Reef did for them back in 1971.
Balding's backing Bonfire —
Ian Balding (L) with his son Andrew at a recent race meet. The pair are hoping their colt Bonfire can claim Epsom Derby glory like Mill Reef did for them back in 1971.
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Bonfire (R) on his way to winning the Dante Stakes in May, a triumph that secured his Derby place.
Upping the Dante —
Bonfire (R) on his way to winning the Dante Stakes in May, a triumph that secured his Derby place.
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Jockey Geoff Lewis takes Mill Reef across the finish line at the famous Prix De l'Arc de Triomphe at the Longchamps racecourse in 1971. He was thought by many to be the greatest racehorse of his generation.
Mill Reef —
Jockey Geoff Lewis takes Mill Reef across the finish line at the famous Prix De l'Arc de Triomphe at the Longchamps racecourse in 1971. He was thought by many to be the greatest racehorse of his generation.
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Andrew Balding tasted immediate success after taking over the racing side of father Ian's operations as Casual Look won The Oaks at Epsom in 2003 -- the fillies' equivalent of the Derby.
Casual Look —
Andrew Balding tasted immediate success after taking over the racing side of father Ian's operations as Casual Look won The Oaks at Epsom in 2003 -- the fillies' equivalent of the Derby.
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