THE DERBY
Why do they come on that June afternoon
To the top of a hill, at the Capital’s edge
Why sit in traffic for half of the day
Why are they here; well they’ve gathered to pledge
An allegiance to one and for centuries they’ve come
To witness the run of the boy who’ll be king
Who’s name could be sung, for as long as men sing
Who’s proved that he holds all the aces you need
Assuming the mantle that greatness bestows
By placing himself at the head of his breed
To put to the sword the most worthy of foes
Why do the names of the victors stand tall
When a name as a name can mean nothing at all
Ask when you walk down your street or afar
Have you heard of Nijinsky, Mill Reef or Shergar
D’you know what I mean when I speak in hushed tones
D’you know what I mean when you can’t describe joy
D’you get what they get when one rises alone
Why the blood still runs fast at the mention of Troy
This is the Derby and this is the race
That the rest of the World, through its name find a place
For their own measurement, for their own litmus test
To find a Horse worthy of calling the best
And it all started here upon high Epsom Downs
Where the greatest still fight for the greatest of crowns
Where men stand as one, whether blue blood or red
Whether born of the street, or in purple are bred.
And they stand here to cheer and they stand here to call
And they stand to acclaim one who rose above all
This is the Derby and this is the race
This the Kingmaker; hold tight, take your place
©Henry Birtles