The Early years

The family's association with the Turf can be traced as far back as Ferdinando, the 5th Earl of Derby, who was keenly involved in the Sport during the sixteenth century. Ferdinando built the Octagonal tower at Leasowe Castle on the Wirral in 1593 as a stand for viewing the famous Wallasey races held on the Meols Sands, which was a popular venue for horse racing during the Elizabethan era. Many believe that these races were the true forerunners of the Derby race. Ferdinando's brother, William, the 6th Earl of Derby, is described as a noted sportsman and is remembered as a keen supporter of the Wallasey races.

James, the 7th Earl of Derby, pursued his family's interest in the Turf by instituting races on the Isle of Man (over which he was 'Lord'), during the 17th century, on a piece of land extending rather more than a mile across the peninsula of Langness. A record in the Rolls' Office states that he gave a cup to be run for at these races, thus establishing the 'Manx Derby,' another contender for the claim as the original precursor of The Derby. These races were continued by the 8th Earl by command as follows: 'It is my good will and pleasure ye 2 prizes formerly granted (by me) for hors runing and shouting, shall continue as they did, to be run, or shot for, and so to continue during my good will and pleasure. Given under my hand att Lathom ye 12 of July 1669.'

The rules of this early institution are curious and give an insight into the way it was organised including the cost of the winning plate - 5 pounds - paid to Lord Derby and that the competitors should be bred locally: 'noe horse, gelding, or mair shall be admitted to run for the said plate, but such as was foaled within the said island, or in Calfe of Mann.' Furthermore, the weights of competitors was strictly regulated: 'every horse, mair, or gelding, shall carry horseman's weight, that is to say, ten stone weight, at fourteen pounds to each stone, besides sadle and bridle.'