I was a hyper-active child and brought up, for a large part, by my Gran, with whom we lived. She was as mad as a box of frogs and taught me numbers through playing cards, and sums by working the odds out on horses. 
One of the horse races that she followed was the Derby Stakes, or Epsom Derby as it is better known, the greatest of England’s five Classic races, which was first run today 4th May back in 1780.
It was named after the 12th Earl of Derby, a year after he had established the Oaks. He and Sir Charles Bunbury are said to have tossed a coin to see whose name should be attached to it. Lord Derby won the toss, but it was Sir Charles’ horse Diomid that won the race!
One of the horse races that she followed was the Derby Stakes, or Epsom Derby as it is better known, the greatest of England’s five Classic races, which was first run today 4th May back in 1780.
It was named after the 12th Earl of Derby, a year after he had established the Oaks. He and Sir Charles Bunbury are said to have tossed a coin to see whose name should be attached to it. Lord Derby won the toss, but it was Sir Charles’ horse Diomid that won the race!