The Epsom Derby of June 4th, 1913, was forever marred by a dramatic event that thrust the fight for women’s suffrage into the spotlight. Emily Davison, a passionate suffragette, stepped onto the racecourse just as the horses were rounding the final bend. Her intentions remain unclear, though some believe she attempted to attach a banner to the King’s horse. Tragically, she was struck by Anmer, King George V’s horse, and died four days later from her injuries. Davison’s death sparked outrage and renewed calls for women’s voting rights. While her actions were met with mixed reactions, the incident undeniably brought the cause of women’s suffrage to the forefront of public consciousness. It helped pave the way for eventual victory in 1918.
