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.
Epsom Derby Date and Time
The Epsom Derby takes place on Saturday 5th June 2027. It is scheduled to take place at 16:00 BST.
Epsom Derby Venue
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.
Epsom Derby Previous Winners
2000 - Sinndar (Johnny Murtagh)
2001 - Galileo (Michael Kinane)
2002 - High Chaparral (Johnny Murtagh)
2003 - Kris Kin (Kieren Fallon)
2004 - North Light (Kieren Fallon)
2005 - Motivator (Johnny Murtagh)
2006 - Sir Percy (Martin Dwyer)
2007 - Authorized (Frankie Dettori)
2008 - New Approach (Kevin Manning)
2009 - Sea the Stars (Michael Kinane)
2010 - Workforce (Ryan Moore)
2011 - Pour Moi (Mickael Barzalona)
2012 - Camelot (Joseph O'Brien)
2013 - Ruler of the World (Ryan Moore)
2014 - Australia (Joseph O'Brien)
2015 - Golden Horn (Frankie Dettori)
2016 - Harzand (Pat Smullen)
2017 - Wings of Eagles (Padraig Beggy)
2018 - Masar (William Buick)
2019 - Anthony Van Dyck (Seamie Heffernan)
2020 - Serpentine (Emmet McNamara)
2021 - Adayar (Adam Kirby)
2022 - Desert Crown (Richard Kingscote)
2023 - Auguste Rodin (Ryan Moore)
2024 - City Of Troy (Ryan Moore)
2025 - Lambourn (Wayne Lordan)
2026 - Christmas Day (Ronan Whelan)
*Winners since 2000
Who is the most successful Epsom Derby trainer?
Like many of the British Classics, that honour is held by Aidan O'Brien (2001, 2002, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026).
The Ballydoyle maestro has been successful with Galileo, High Chaparral, Camelot, Ruler of the World, Australia, Wings Of Eagles, Anthony Van Dyck, Serpentine, Auguste Rodin, City Of Troy, Lambourn and Christmas Day 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 10-time British champion trainer is also synonymous with the great race.
Who is the most successful Epsom Derby jockey?
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).
Which horse ran the fastest ever Epsom Derby?
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.
Who are the leading contenders in 2027?
It's very early to be looking at Derby prospects for next season, however, it's always important to keep an eye on this season's two-year-old races with the Epsom Classic in mind.
The 2026 first, second and third all made their debuts towards the back end of their juvenile campaign, so over the next couple of months, there should be some contenders ready to emerge.
