Some facts about Saturday’s Group One $500,000 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm.
* First run in 1868 when won by Hermit.
* From 1868-70 run at Gayndah.
* In 1870, a second Derby was run at Toowoomba – both were won by Grafton.
* Not held in 1873-77, in World War II between 1942-45 and 1972.
* In 1912, King Cleo won a run-off after a dead-heat with Koatanui.
* Notable winners include Lough Neagh (1931); Spear Chief (1937); Tulloch (1957); Persian Lyric (1960); Royal Sovereign (1964); Tails (1968); Silver Sharpe (1970); Analie (1973); Double Century (1979); Kingston Town (1980); Strawberry Road (1983); Handy Proverb (1986); Rough Habit (1990); Yippyio (1997); Dodge (1998), Freemason (2000); County Tyrone (2002).
* Winning trainers in the last 20 years with a runner this year: Peter Moody – Turnitup (Riva San 2008).
* Jockeys who have won the race in the last 20 years with a ride on Saturday:- Michael Rodd – Shootoff (Dariana 2010); Corey Brown – Diamond Jim (Toulouse Lautrec 2004, County Tyrone 2002); Chris Munce – Mr Light Blue (Valance 1996); Jim Byrne – Heidilicious (Riva San 2008).
AAP TURF
