derby (DUR-bee, British: DAHR-bee) noun
1. An annual race event for three-year-old horses, held near London, England.
2. Any of various similar horse races, e.g. Kentucky Derby.
3. Any race or other contest open to all.
4. A stiff felt hat with a round crown and a narrow brim.
[After Edward Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (1752-1834), who founded the English Derby in 1780.]
"He admitted that (movie star) FPJ's entry into the presidential derby would make the 2004 election more interesting to watch." Willy Cacdac; Enrile Certain FPJ Will Run Next Year; Manila Times (Philippines); Nov 18, 2003.
"Newly installed Jets bigwig Robert Wood Johnson can still hold out hope that New York will win the 2012 Olympics derby over the likes of Beijing, Rome, and Plant City, Florida (again: yes, Plant City)." Jockbeat; Village Voice (New York); Jun 6, 2000.
This week's theme: Earls who became words (or places that became words).
X-Bonus
Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions; but those who kindly reprove thy faults. -Socrates, philosopher (469?-399 BCE)