Q 01/05

The Derby horse race got its name from a coin toss between its founder and which racing figure?

A) Admiral Rous

B) Lord George Bentinck

C) Sir Charles Bunbury

D) Fred Archer

Answer · why

C) Sir Charles Bunbury

Legend says a coin toss settled the name, though Bunbury was Steward of the Jockey Club and may simply have deferred to his host.

Q 02/05

Which horse won the inaugural running of the Epsom Derby in 1780?

A) Eclipse

B) Highflyer

C) Herod

D) Diomed

Answer · why

D) Diomed

Diomed, owned by Sir Charles Bunbury, was the first horse to cross the finish line and win the historic Epsom Derby in its debut year, 1780.

Q 03/05

What is the approximate distance of the Epsom Derby?

A) 1 mile

B) 1 mile, 2 furlongs

C) 2 miles

D) 1 mile, 4 furlongs

Answer · why

D) 1 mile, 4 furlongs

The exact length was only pinned down in 1991: one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards.

Q 04/05

The city of Derby, known for its industrial heritage, is located in which English county?

A) Nottinghamshire

B) Derbyshire

C) Staffordshire

D) Leicestershire

Answer · why

B) Derbyshire

Derby is a cathedral city and unitary authority area located on the River Derwent in the heart of Derbyshire, England.

Q 05/05

Which railway company made Derby its engineering headquarters after its 1844 formation?

A) Midland Railway

B) Great Northern Railway

C) London and North Western Railway

D) Great Western Railway

Answer · why

A) Midland Railway

The Midland Railway, formed in 1844 by merging three lines that met at Derby, kept its headquarters and locomotive works in the town for the rest of t...