The Twentieth Century 1900-1950

English royalty has been involved with horse racing ever since James I participated in racing at Newmarket in the 1610s. Charles II was a much more frequent visitor to Newmarket starting in 1666. In any event, a 'royal winner' is always popular on the racecourse, and arguably the three most popular winners occurred around the turn of the century. In 1896 Edward, the Prince of Wales, owned the Derby winner Persimmon. The next year saw the 60th year of Queen Victoria's reign as well as the birth of a colt that would be named Diamond Jubilee. In 1900, the Prince of Wales not only won the Derby (and the Triple Crown) with Diamond Jubilee, but also captured the Grand National (the world's greatest steeplechase race) with Ambush II. After he ascended to the throne, King Edward VII won the Derby for the third time in 1909 with Minoru. (Historical sidelight #3: viewers of the TV series 'Upstairs Downstairs' may recall the King commenting that he had a promising two-year-old named Minoru during his visit to the Bellamy household for dinner.) Alas, Diamond Jubilee ended his stud career in Argentina while Minoru was shipped to Russia where he 'vanished' during the Russian Revolution.

Two of the greatest fillies ever to run on the turf made their mark in the early 1900s; unfortunately they never met so the debate goes on as to who was better. While Pretty Polly did not contest the Derby, Sceptre made the attempt in 1902. Alas, her jockey took the lead too soon, and she could only finish fourth to Ard Patrick. Such was Sceptre's brilliance that she is the only horse to win four English classics. Still another filly gained brief prominence as Singorinetta won both the 1908 Derby (at 100-1) and the Oaks.

1913 witnessed one of the most famous Derbys. After the heavy favorite Craganour won the race, he was all set to enter the winner's enclosure when an objection was lodged. After 30 long minutes the stewards, who did not have access to replay tapes, disqualified Craganour and promoted Aboyeur (100-1) to the winning position. This excitement paled in comparison, however, with the events that occurred at Tattenham Corner. After most of the field had made their way through the bend, Emily Davidson went on to the racecourse and stood in the path of the King's horse Anmer. Anmer escaped unhurt, but Davidson, who was a strong campaigner for women's representation and participation in politics, died of her injuries.

The Derby was televised for the first time in 1931 when Cameronian took the honors. Hyperion set a record time of 2 minutes 34 seconds for the race in 1933. Hyperion would later become the leading sire for six seasons as well as sire the winners of seven classic races. His track record, however, only lasted two years when Mahmoud won the Derby in 2 minutes 4/5 for the Aga Khan (who also owned the second-place Taj Akbar). Mrs G Miller and her mother Mrs Talbot became the first female owners of a Derby winner when Mid-Day Sun was victorious in 1937.

Blue Peter may be the unluckiest horse not to win the Triple Crown. Although he scored victories in the 2000 Guineas and the Derby in 1939, the outbreak of World War II in September necessitated the cancellation of the St. Leger and of Blue Peter's chances (although he may have faced a worthy opponent in the French Derby winner Pharis II.) After wartime renewals were held at Newmarket, the Derby returned to Epsom in 1946 with the aptly named Airborne winning at 50-1 thereby bringing great joy to the allied personnel in attendance (and to those who pick a horse on name alone while disregarding past performances.)

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