The Watford Observer is again delighted to be teaming up with its friends at Watford Museum to take another journey back to the past to recall the key events and dates that helped shape the town’s future.

Part 40 of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford' looks back to when a horse owned in Watford won the world's most famous race, which takes place again at Epsom on Saturday.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "On October 9, 1862, a special dinner and entertainment for 500 working people of Watford was given by Mr Charles Snewing of Holywell Farm in celebration of his horse, Caractacus, winning the Epsom Derby.

"The Derby had been run on June 4 and initially, the ride had been offered to an experienced jockey, James Goater, but he had turned it down in favour of his brother’s horse. Therefore the stable lad John Parsons, who knew the horse extremely well, was chosen as rider.

"Caractacus won by a neck but was almost disqualified as Parsons needed the horse’s bridle to prevent him failing the weigh-in. He is believed to be the youngest jockey to win the Derby as it was reported that the lad was just 16."

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.