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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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The Derby
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Britain's foremost flat race, for 3-year-old colts and fillies, run over 2.4km/1.5m at *Epsom on the first Wednesday in June. The race was first run in 1780, taking its name from the 12th earl of Derby (1752–1834) who was prominent among those promoting it. The *suffragette Derby took place in 1913.
The day has a more festive atmosphere than any other in Britain's racing calendar, with vast crowds and the mood of a fun fair. The tradition derives from Victorian times when it was seen as an unofficial holiday for Londoners of all classes – an occasion captured in minute detail in William *Frith's Derby Day.
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