It’s almost time for the great and the good of the flat game to embark on Epsom Downs for the most prestigious prize in Great British horse racing.
A cool £637,988 is on offer to connections of the Epsom Derby winner from a total prize pot of £1.125million, making it the most valuable race on the British calendar.
The 1m 4f Derby track at the iconic Surrey racecourse presents a unique challenge because of the climb to the top of the hill, rapid left-turn descent towards the straight and sharp ascent in the final furlongs. An Epsom Derby runner pretty much needs to combine raw speed with stamina to stand a chance of proving they’re the best of their generation.
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Open to three-year-old colts and fillies, it’s the fourth of the five English Classics in the calendar after the 2000 Guineas and the fillies-only 1000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks.
You’re probably sick to death of hearing about coronavirus but last year’s Epsom Derby was rescheduled from its traditional slot on the first Saturday of June to July 4 due to the pandemic. The master trainer Aidan O’Brien saddled his eighth winner with 25/1 shot Serpentine first past the post.
You won’t want to miss a second of this year’s race so read on for the all important date and start time.
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EPSOM DERBY 2021 DATE AND START TIME
The Epsom Derby is set to take place at 4.30pm BST on Saturday June 5, 2021 at Epsom Downs. It’s the second of the Epsom Classics to be run after the Oaks – exclusively open to three-year-old fillies – on Friday June 4.
EPSOM DERBY 2021 BETTING
Bolshoi Ballet is Paddy Power’s betting market leader for the Epsom Derby after a 6l victory in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown. A son of 2001 winner Galileo, Bolshoi Ballet is aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps having also won the Ballysax Stakes on his seasonal reappearance.
Hurricane Lane has climbed to second in the betting with the track expected to dry out after nearly 12mm of rain fell on Friday. The Dante Stakes winner is currently available at 6/1.
John Leeper and Irish 2000 Guineas champ Mac Swiney follow at 8/1 while Mohafeeth has drifted to 9/1 as a result of yesterday’s showers.
The rest of the 12-strong field are available from 12/1. Head over to paddypower.com to see the betting market in full for the Epsom Derby.
EPSOM DERBY FACT FILE
Last 5 Winners: Serpentine (2020), Anthony Van Dyck (2019), Masar (2018), Wings Of Eagles (2017), Harzand (2016)
Leading Jockey: Lester Piggott (9 wins – 1954, 1957, 1960, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1983)
Leading Trainer: Aidan O’Brien (8 wins – 2001, 2002, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Fastest Winning Time (at Epsom): 2m 31.33s – Workforce (2010)
Widest Winning Margin: 10l – Shergar (1981)
READ MORE ON THE EPSOM DERBY
- Paddy Power’s ultimate runner-by-runner guide to the Epsom Derby
- Epsom Derby latest odds as runners and riders for Saturday’s big race
- Which horse will win the Epsom Derby?
- Ruby Walsh’s Saturday cheat sheet at Epsom
- Paddy Power pundits’ cheat sheet for Epsom Derby Day at Epsom
The Paddy Power Guide To Responsible Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
