Originally run at a distance of 1+1⁄2 miles, in 1972 it was changed to 2,400 metres to conform to the metric system. It was changed again in 1973 to its present distance of 2,500 metres.[2]
First run in 1855, the first three editions were won by fillies but the last time a filly won was in 1923 when Frances Tressady claimed victory.[3] In its history, only one horse has ever won the Victoria Derby more than once. Fireworks accomplished the feat, winning back-to-back runnings in November 1867 and again in 1868 after a change of the race date to New Year's Day.[3] Between 1931 and 1956 geldings were not permitted to compete.[3]
Three horses have won their first race with a win in the Victoria Derby. In 1883, the New Zealand-bred horse Martini Henry won the Victoria Derby at his first start. Fire Oak in 1990, Redding in 1992 and Preferment in 2014 are the only other maidens to win the Victoria Derby.[4]
In 2005, Clare Lindop became the first female jockey to ride in the Victoria Derby and became the first female to win in 2008. Gai Waterhouse became the first woman to train a winner when Nothin' Leica Dane won the 1995 running.[4]
Distance
1855–1971 - 11⁄2 miles (~2400 metres)
1972 – 2400 metres
1973 onwards - 2500 metres
Grade
1855–1978 - Principal Race
1979 onwards - Group 1
1933 and 1953 racebooks
Front cover of the 1933 VRC Derby racebook
Starters and jockeys showing the winner, Hall Mark
Back cover showing train timetables
Front cover 1953 VRC Derby racebook
1953 VRC Derby raceday officials
Starters and results showing the winner, Prince Morvi
1953 VRC Derby starters and results
Back cover showing railway and admission charges
1954 racebook
Front cover 1954 VRC Derby racebook
1954 VRC Derby raceday officials
Starters and results 1954 VRC Derby
Starters and results showing the winner, Pride of Egypt
Back cover showing enclosure information for visitors
While the major focus of AAMI Victoria Derby Day is the racing (since it is the only race day in Australia where each and every race has Group Status), in recent years the annual Fashions on the Field held on the fourth and last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival celebrations have shared the limelight.[5]
Derby Day has become Men's Day in the Fashion Stakes, and every year increasing numbers of fashionable gentlemen competing for prizes and a spot in the social columns.[6] Traditionally black and white are worn on this day by women and morning dress by men.[7] The flower of the day is a blue cornflower. The idea of wearing a cornflower on Derby Day was introduced in 1962 by Mrs Sheelah Wood, wife of prominent VRC committeeman of the time, Mr Samuel Richard Creswick Wood.[8]
The 2006 Victoria Derby drew the event's largest crowd, with 129,069 in attendance.[9]
