PREFACE. 



When the hundredth anniversary of the Derhy fell to 

 be celebrated, I thought we might then see announced 

 a history of the turfs most-coveted prize. But the 

 centenary of the world-renowned race passed over 

 without anyone having ventured to write a sketch 

 of its history. That task has in the meantime been 

 left to me ; and has been a pleasant one, although 

 materials for a chronicle of the earlier contests have 

 proved scarce. 



I have made several vain searches to procure a list 

 of ' entries ' for the first Derby ; fortunately, however, 

 the names of the runners for what proved to be the 

 beginning of a wonderful series of fine races have been 

 preserved, and a competent authority has informed me 

 that the entries for the premier Derby were taken 

 when the horses were ' two-3'^ear-olds,' and that the 

 gentlemen promised to subscribe again. 



