Kiplingcotes Derby 2025: A Sunny Victory at England’s Oldest Horse Race
Report by James Richardson
Photos by Michael Hopps
It was a Sunny occasion in more ways than one when the Kiplingcotes Derby took place for the 506th occasion last Thursday (20th March).
What must have been close to record high temperatures met the hundreds of spectators and 18 runners and riders who met at Londesborough Wold Farm, five miles from Middleton-on-the-Wolds to see and take part in England’s oldest horse race.
And, not for the first time in the race’s long history, there was an appropriately named winner, with Sunny proving to be the brightest of the runners.
Ridden by Sophie Faulkner-Smith, who was competing in the race for the first time, Sunny eased to victory and the 16-year-old looked as though he could have tackled the four-mile course between Etton and Londesborough Wold again.
Second of the 18 horses that were entered in the race was Wounded Warrior, ridden by Alyson Deniel, whilst Cass, the mount of Lauren Tessyman, was third horse home.
Although it was her maiden ride in the race, it was third time lucky for Sophie, with injury preventing her from taking part on two previous occasions.
However, Sophie didn’t think luck was on her side when she was handed number 13 upon her arrival to weigh in.
But after Sunny romped home to victory, 13 is probably going to be Sophie’s lucky number for the rest of her life.
”It feels absolutely fantastic to win the race,” she told the Wolds Weekly. “It has taken me three years to get here for the first time.
“I smashed my collarbone one year and smashed my leg last year, so this is third time lucky.
“Conditions during the race were hot and Sunny was sweating up at the start. He was so excited, but I thought I would jump him off in front, just so I could gain some control as we went over the road.
“He was an absolute little star and could stay all day. I couldn’t pull him up at the end of the race.
“Sunny’s a 16-year-old who was literally given to me from one of the members of our local hunt.
“He came to me free of charge as his owner was moving away. I was told he was called Sunny, and he arrived one day at the yard and that was it.
“When I was walking up from the lorry, I had a feeling I would get number 13. And that’s what happened.
“But it was definitely a lucky number for me today. We’re going back to Skegness to celebrate now.
“We had a whip-round at our local pub, The Blacksmiths Arms in Skendleby, so that all the locals could have a bet, so we’ll be taking their winnings back for them.”
Hundreds of spectators had travelled from near and far to watch a race that is steeped in tradition and history.
The rules dictate that if the Derby does not take place in any given year, it should never take place again.
But there appears to be no danger of the race coming to an end any time, judging by the levels of interest it continues to create.
Large queues of spectators waited to place a bet at the bookies’ stand, whilst the queue for the refreshment stall was so long that some of those in it are likely to have missed the race.
Watching on from the side of the course, just as he has done since he was a young child, was 92-year-old former trustee of the race, Guy Stephenson.
“The weather is perfect today,” said Mr Stephenson. “There are plenty of people here to spectate and plenty of runners too.
“You always want lots of runners to keep the race going. The course is a bit rough in places, especially in the run towards the winning post.
“Quad bikes and God knows what other vehicles have been riding along it, but it could be a lot worse.
“We’re all looking forward to another good day. It’s important to keep the race going as it’s part of history.
“It’s the oldest race in England and we must keep the tradition going for as long as we can.
“You can see by how many people have turned up today that it’s still as popular as ever.
“We’re hopeful the race will continue for many more years.”
To enter the Kiplingcotes Derby, all jockeys must arrive at the course before 11am on the day of the race.
All horses are led out between 12 noon and 1pm and must complete the course by 2pm.
Riders need to weigh 10 stone and the first horse home wins £50 for its jockey. However, one of the quirks of the race sees second place given the remainder of the entry fees, which this year more than the winner’s prize pot.
Another oddity is that it is impossible for spectators to see both the start and finish of the race, with most of the crowd positioning themselves near the winning post.
