Back in June 1979, the Epsom Derby, ‘the most famous horse-race in the world’ as Horse & Hound termed it, was celebrating its 200th running and to mark the moment, the magazine produced a very special commemorative edition.
Leafing through the past pages of the magazine, Roger Mortimer produced an excellent look back at some of the race’s finest moments, from royal winners to the King of the course, Lester Piggott.
Richard Pitman took up the Piggott theme in a longer tribute to him while Ivor Herbert penned a brilliant piece about ‘The Dirtiest Derby’, looking back to the incredible shenanigans and skulduggery that surrounded the 1844 running of the Derby. All in all, it’s a terrific issue for any lover of flat racing in general and the Derby in particular.
With the 250th race now just around the corner in 2029, doubtless there are scribes beavering away in Horse & Hounds Towers, already putting a monumental celebration issue in place. In the meantime, you can revel in reading the 200th anniversary issue here.
