The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious Flat race in the UK and is a British Classic for three-year-olds, taking place over one mile and four furlongs.
The race brings together the leading colts from the UK, Ireland, France and sometimes further afield to test their credentials on what is a far from flat and straightforward race track.
The race is also open to three-year-old fillies, although it’s a rare occurrence when they feature, with Cape Verdi the last filly to run in the race way back in 1998.
The Epsom Derby takes place on Saturday, 1st June. It will be the 245th renewal of the annual contest. It is scheduled to take place at 16:30 UK time.
The Epsom Derby is run at Epsom Downs in Surrey. It is one of the most unique racecourses in the world, as the undulations, twists and turns and camber make it such a tough test for not just a horse’s ability but their constitution and temperament.
This race often attracts the leading 1m4f horses from the UK, Ireland, France and it’s a dream of everyone involved to win this historic race.
The Epsom Derby will be shown live on ITV in the UK, while punters can also catch the action from Epsom via our Sports Live Streaming platform.
Like many of the British Classics, that honour is held by Aidan O'Brien (2001, 2002, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023).
The Ballydoyle maestro has been successful with Galileo, High Chaparral, Camelot, Ruler of the World, Australia, Wings Of Eagles, Anthony Van Dyck, Serpentine and Auguste Rodin, and it’s not uncommon for O’Brien to have two, three, or four or even more runners in a single running of Flat racing’s showpiece event.
Sir Michael Stoute struck with Desert Crown in 2022 to take his tally to six Derby victories, and the ten-time British champion trainer is also synonymous with the great race.
With an incredible nine victories, it is Lester Piggott. The Hall of Fame jockey first won the race in 1954 with Never Say Die.
He then prevailed on board Crepello (1957), St. Paddy (1960), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), Empery (1976), The Minstrel (1977) and Teenoso (1983).
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The record for the fastest time in the Epsom Derby is held by Workforce. Sir Michael Stoute's runner blew his rivals away by seven lengths with a time of 2:31:33 in 2010.
The widest margin came in 1981 when Shergar prevailed by 10 lengths on the Downs at Epsom.
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2010 | Workforce | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute |
2011 | Pour Moi | Mickael Barzalona | Andre Fabre |
2012 | Camelot | Joseph O'Brien | Aidan O'Brien |
2013 | Ruler Of The World | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien |
2014 | Australia | Joseph O'Brien | Aidan O'Brien |
2015 | Golden Horn | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden |
2016 | Harzand | Pat Smullen | Dermot Weld |
2017 | Wing Of Eagles | Padraig Beggy | Aidan O'Brien |
2018 | Masar | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
2019 | Anthony Van Dyck | Seamie Heffernan | Aidan O'Brien |
2020 | Serpentine | Emmet McNamara | Aidan O'Brien |
2021 | Adayar | Adam Kirby | Charlie Appleby |
2022 | Desert Crown | Richard Kingscote | Sir Michael Stoute |
2023 | Auguste Rodin | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien |
Due to his success in the race, any of Aidan O'Brien's runners will usually sit at the front of the market, including unraced two-year-old Diego Velazquez.
The son of Frankel could be the next big name out of O'Brien's stable, but he will need to prove himself over the next few months. Charlie Appleby's Ancient Wisdom has already done that, winning at Haydock in June.
He beat Under The Sun by five lengths and could become a big player in the Epsom Derby if he stays fit.
Stablemate By The Book also won at Haydock in June, and the son of Frankel is another Godolphin-owned horse that could be in the frame in the upcoming Epsom Derby.
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