The Epsom Derby
Britain's oldest and most prestigious Classic race. Since 1780, the ultimate test of the three-year-old thoroughbred over the unique Epsom Downs course.
The History of The Derby
The Derby is the oldest of the five British Classics and has been run at Epsom Downs since 1780. Named after the 12th Earl of Derby, who won a coin toss with Sir Charles Bunbury to have the race named after him, it quickly became the most prestigious flat race in the world.
Originally run over one mile, the distance was extended to the current mile and a half in 1784. The race is restricted to three-year-old colts and fillies, though fillies rarely contest it, preferring the Oaks run the day before.
Legendary winners include Nijinsky (1970), who went on to win the Triple Crown, Sea-Bird (1965), often considered the greatest Derby winner, and more recently Galileo (2001), who became one of the most influential stallions in breeding history.
The Derby has survived world wars, been moved to Newmarket temporarily, and witnessed incredible stories - from suffragette Emily Davison's fatal protest in 1913 to Shergar's record-breaking ten-length victory in 1981.
Key Facts
- First Run 1780
- First Winner Diomed
- Prize Money (2025) ÂŖ1,500,000
- Record Time 2:31.33 (Workforce)
- Record Winning Margin 10 lengths (Shergar)
- Most Successful Trainer Aidan O'Brien (9)
The Unique Epsom Course
Epsom Downs is unlike any other racecourse in the world. Its undulating, left-handed horseshoe track with a severe camber presents challenges that separate the great from the good.
The Uphill Start
The first half-mile rises sharply, climbing over 130 feet. Horses that pull too hard here waste crucial energy needed for the finish.
The Downhill Run
After reaching the highest point, horses descend rapidly toward Tattenham Corner. Balance and agility are essential as the camber pulls horses toward the rail.
Tattenham Corner
The notorious left-hand bend three and a half furlongs from home. Horses on the inside can get squeezed, while those wide lose valuable ground.
The Camber Home Straight
The final three furlongs run downhill with a severe camber toward the stands. Horses need to handle this while sprinting for the line - a true test of class.
What Makes a Derby Winner?
Professor Gerry's analysis of over 100 Derby winners reveals key traits:
- Balance & Agility: More important than raw speed. The undulations demand a horse that can adjust stride length quickly.
- Stamina: Despite being a mile and a half, the uphill start and testing terrain mean true stamina is essential.
- Temperament: Horses that settle early and conserve energy for the final push consistently outperform keener types.
- Experience: Winners often have 3-5 prior runs. Maidens and lightly-raced horses struggle with the unique demands.
- Going Preference: Good to firm suits most winners, though genuine soft ground specialists can excel in wet years.
Best Bookmakers for Derby Betting
These bookmakers offer the best odds, promotions, and features for betting on the Epsom Derby.
Bet365
Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK racing. Live streaming and excellent in-play betting.
Top PickBetfair Exchange
Lay betting and often superior odds. Perfect for ante-post markets.
Best OddsPaddy Power
Money Back as free bet specials. Extra places on Derby betting.
Best PromosWilliam Hill
Enhanced odds for new customers. Strong ante-post markets.
TrustedDerby Betting Tips
The best prices are found months before the race. Trial winners often shorten dramatically.
Most bookies pay 1/4 odds for 4 places. Large fields make each-way value excellent.
Prices can vary by several points between bookies. Always shop around on Derby day.
How to Pick Derby Winners
Professor Gerry's Derby Selection Guide
"After 40 years of studying the Derby, I've identified the key factors that consistently separate winners from also-rans. The Derby is NOT just about form - it's about identifying horses suited to this unique test."
1. Study the Trials
The Dante Stakes at York, Chester Vase, and Lingfield Derby Trial give crucial clues. Look for horses that finish strongly rather than those who lead early.
2. Breeding Analysis
Derby winners need stamina in their pedigree. Galileo, Sadler's Wells, and Montjeu bloodlines excel. Be wary of pure speed breeding.
3. Running Style
Hold-up horses that quicken in the straight have the best record. Front-runners rarely win due to the uphill start.
4. Trainer Records
Aidan O'Brien dominates with 9 wins. John Gosden, Charlie Appleby, and the Coolmore axis are always dangerous.
5. Draw Analysis
Unlike many races, the draw is relatively fair at Epsom. However, high draws can benefit in soft ground when the rail is testing.
6. Avoid These Traps
Don't overreact to Guineas form - many Guineas horses lack stamina for the Derby. Unraced or lightly-raced horses rarely win despite hype.
Previous Derby Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | SP | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Economics | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | 7/2 | 3/4 length |
| 2024 | City of Troy | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 3/1 | 2 3/4 lengths |
| 2023 | Auguste Rodin | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 9/4 | 3/4 length |
| 2022 | Desert Crown | Richard Kingscote | Sir Michael Stoute | 5/2 | 2 1/2 lengths |
| 2021 | Adayar | Adam Kirby | Charlie Appleby | 16/1 | 4 1/2 lengths |
| 2020 | Serpentine | Emmet McNamara | Aidan O'Brien | 25/1 | 5 1/2 lengths |
| 2019 | Anthony Van Dyck | Seamie Heffernan | Aidan O'Brien | 13/2 | 1/2 length |
| 2018 | Masar | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | 16/1 | 1 1/2 lengths |
Note: Aidan O'Brien has won 9 of the last 15 renewals, demonstrating unprecedented dominance of the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 Epsom Derby will be held on the first Saturday of June - Saturday 6th June 2026. The race is traditionally run at approximately 4:30pm as the feature race of the Derby Festival.
The Derby is run over 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards (approximately 2,423 meters). This distance was established in 1784, four years after the inaugural running. The unique Epsom course makes it arguably the toughest mile and a half in racing.
Yes, fillies are eligible to run in the Derby, though they rarely do as the Oaks (run the day before, also at Epsom) is the equivalent Classic for fillies. The last filly to win the Derby was Fifinella in 1916. Fillies receive a 3lb allowance when competing against colts.
Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) means if you take a price and the SP (Starting Price) is higher, you'll be paid at the bigger odds. Most major bookmakers offer BOG on the Derby. For example, if you back a horse at 8/1 and it wins at SP 10/1, you'll be paid at 10/1.
The major Derby trials include: the Dante Stakes (York, May), Chester Vase (Chester, May), Lingfield Derby Trial (Lingfield, May), and the Dee Stakes (Chester, May). The 2000 Guineas at Newmarket (May) also provides pointers, though speed horses from that race often lack stamina for Epsom.
The Derby is broadcast live on ITV in the UK. Many bookmakers also offer live streaming to customers with funded accounts. Tickets to attend in person are available through the Epsom Downs Racecourse website, with the famous hill offering free viewing.