The Derby Stakes, known colloquially as The Derby and internationally as the Epsom Derby, is considered one of the most prestigious flat thoroughbred horse races in the world. The race takes place each year on the first weekend in June at Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom,Surrey, England.

The Derby, pronounced "dar-bee" in British, South African and Australian English and "der-bee" in American English, is one of the five British Classic Races and is the second leg of the English Triple Crown, preceded by the 2,000 Guineas and followed by the St. Leger.

It is a Group 1 race for three-year-old colts and fillies, although the latter have rarely participated in recent years. The equivalent race for fillies only is the Oaks, and for older horses the Coronation Cup, both run over the same course and distance.

Many Derby contenders are prepared for the race by running in one or more of the recognised Derby Trials. Derby winners will often go on to compete for the big international races later in the season, such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France and the Breeders' Cup in the United States.

With thanks to Wikipedia and The Epsom Derby