TV documentary marks ‘Suffragette Derby’

The 2013 Derby marks 100 years since suffragette Emily Wilding Davison was killed in the race, and a documentary exploring her actions will be broadcast ahead of Britain’s most famous Classic.

This year’s race (Saturday 1 June) is the centenary of the “Suffragette Derby”, when Emily — campaigning for votes for women — stepped into the path of the King’s horse and died.

The incident was caught on camera, and to remember the anniversary a special programme presented by Clare Balding has been filmed.

“Clare and a team of forensic experts have analysed the footage frame by frame, re-examined the evidence and, astonishingly, believe they may have made new discoveriesthat will change our view of what really happened on that fateful summer day,” said a Channel 4 spokesman.

Clare added: “It has been such an extraordinary adventure to discover more about her, about what she stood for and about the suffragette movement. I think it is hugely significant as a moment in history, a moment that absolutely sums up the desperation of women in this country who wanted the vote.”

Clare Balding: Secrets of a Suffragette will be shown at 8pm on Channel 4 on 26 May.

For more on the Suffragette Derby see the H&H Derby preview issue, out on 30 May.

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