The Derby is a prestigious horse race originally referring to the Epsom Derby (or Derby Stakes) in England. It is a Group 1 flat horse race open to three- year-old colts and fillies, traditionally run over about 1½ miles at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The Epsom Derby is the original race that inspired many others worldwide, including the Kentucky Derby in the United States.
The Kentucky Derby, often called "The Run for the Roses," is an American Grade I stakes race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is for three-year-old Thoroughbreds and runs over 1¼ miles. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown.
In summary, "the Derby" most commonly refers to either:
- The Epsom Derby in England, the historic and original race for three-year-olds over 1½ miles.
- The Kentucky Derby in the United States, the famous American race for three-year-olds over 1¼ miles.
The term "Derby" broadly indicates a race limited to three-year-old thoroughbreds and has many international variants.
