The Epsom Derby

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will begin her Diamond Jubilee celebrations by attending The Epsom Derby on 2nd June 2012. The event is just one of a series of special celebrations marking The Queen's 60th anniversary which gives us an extended weekend with an additional Bank Holiday on Tuesday 5th June. This famous race meeting is one of the oldest and greatest horse races in the world, established by the Earl of Derby in 1779. Today this race for three-year-olds attracts prize money of over a million pounds and crowds approaching 100,000. The rolling hills of the Epsom Downs make this course a unique challenge for horses and jockeys alike. It is also one of the most glamorous events in the international racing calendar. The Queen arrives by carriage, followed by thousands of spectators in their best togs. Racing gets underway at 2pm sharp. The Derby itself takes place on the Saturday, while Friday features a race called The Oaks, and, more importantly, Ladies Day, which is as much a fashion show as a horse race. Last year, Mickael Barzalona riding French trained Pour Moi won the Investec Derby with The Queen's horse, the 5-2 favourite Carlton House, coming in fourth - she'll be hoping she can improve on that in 2012 to mark her special anniversary year.