1947 Derby

Nice one Reebs.

Richards to the camera. "Why don't ya just **** off."

 

Brilliant. Note the crowds lining both sides of the track!

 

The inside of the track was free in those days. Is it still?

The first Derby I recall was Tulyar and Charlie Smirke on dismounting said "What did I Tulyar"

I had a game when I was a kid and it had horses' names on it. Can't remember what the game was but I remember the horses on it: Dante, Airborne, Pearl Diver, My Love, Nimbus, Galcador and I think Arctic Prince

 

Good shots of Pearl Diver, Migoli and Sayajirao in the paddock, the one time leader Tite Street only had one eye.

 

Richards must have known at halfway the game was up.

 

1940 Derby at Newmarket (New Derby)

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/derby-at-newmarket

Winner "Pont L'Eveque" ridden by S.Wragg

Plans for the New Derby were fluid, but after plans to run the race at Newbury were abandoned, it eventually took place at Newmarket on 12 June. Attendance for the race was much smaller than usual, but still substantial, with over 50,000 present.
The French colt Djebel had been able to cross the channel to win the 2000 Guineas but such journeys were no longer possible and Lighthouse II was sent off favourite, with Pont l’Eveque starting at 10/1 in a field of sixteen.
Britain's leading jockey Gordan Richards had been expected to ride Pont l'Eveque, but was transferred to the stables other entry Tant Mieux, leaving the ride to Sam Wragg.Pont l’Eveque was in front before half way. He stayed on strongly up the July Course’s ten-furlong straight and after being briefly challenged by Lighthouse, drew clear to win in "most impressive style" by three lengths from Turkhan.

Pont l’Eveque was then off the course for four months before returning in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket on 30 October. He was expected to win, but failed to reproduce his summer form and finished third to Hippius. He missed an intended run in the substitute "Yorkshire St Leger" at Thirsk, and was then retired to stud.

 

I love these old films, they give a wonderful insight into life at the time. They're national treasures. Below if film of the first Derby after the war. The winner looked a shot duck at Tattenham. Nice to see "the firm" out and about.