This, so called 'New Derby Stakes', was run on Wednesday 12th June 1940 at Newmarket because of World War II, and the winner was bred by Henry Morriss and trained by Fred Darling at Beckhampton. There were 16 runners from an initial entry of 78. The winner won by 3 lengths, with a short head between second and third. The winners time was 2 mins 30.8 secs. The winner won a first prize of £5,892 10s, (The equivalent of £313,600 in today's terms based on Bank of England inflation calculator).

THE DERBY 1940

The British Pathe website and bank of film clips provide excellent coverage of the Epsom Derby. The link below is a 53 second clip of the Derby. http://www.britishpathe.com/video/the-derby-field-for-1940-newmarket/query/derby+1940

PONT L'EVEQUE SR 1974