The Epsom Derby
With a purse of over £1.4 million, The Epsom Derby is the most lucrative horse race in the UK. Held on the first Saturday of June at Epsom, it is one of the biggest events on the British sporting calendar, and brings in viewers from all over the world.
Open to three-year-old colts and fillies, the Derby takes place at Epsom Downs. It is rich with history, and is the second leg of the Triple Crown. Millions of people watch the race from all over the world. In the UK, it ranks as one of the best-attended sporting events, with tens of thousands catching the action live.
Lester Piggott is the most successful jockey in Derby history with nine wins between 1954 and 1983. Aidan O’Brien (eight wins) and Sue Magnier (nine wins) are the most successful trainers and owners respectively.
The Derby 2023
The Derby takes place on Saturday, June 3, on the second day of the Festival. Ladies Day, June 2, will see two further Group 1 races, the Oaks and the Coronation Cup.
Security Step Up After National Protest
Following the disturbances at the Grand National, which resulted in a delayed start, when 118 protesters were arrested having tried to glue themselves to some of the fences, the Jockey Club has stated that they would have “robust” security measures in place for this year’s race after animal rights protesters said they would target the event.
Derby Scheduled to start at 1:30pm
This year the Derby will get underway earlier than usual to avoid clashing with the FA Cup final, which also takes place on June 3.
How many are in the field?
No more than 20 thoroughbreds will run in the race on June 3 from an original entry of up to 400. If there are more than 20 horses still aiming to race in the week of the Derby the lower ranked ones drop out, with the final field being declared on the Thursday before the race.
Epsom Derby 2023 Latest Odds
Five pairs of brothers have won the Derby, but not within living memory with Persimmon (1896) and Diamond Jubilee (1900), the last.
The 123-year wait may come to an end at Epsom this year. Military Order, brother of Adayar, the winner two years ago, is the current favourite. Trainer Charlie Appleby of Godolphin will be looking for a third Derby win since 2018, however, Aiden O’Brien, the most successful Derby trainer of all time with eight winners will, as usual, provide a stiff challenge. Auguste Rodin could provide serious opposition.
| Auguste Rodin | 4/1 | Betfred/Coral/Ladbrokes/10bet/ Unibet/bet365/William Hill/Betfair/Paddy Power/ BoyleSports |
| Arrest | 9/2 | Coral/Ladbrokes/10bet/bet365/BetUK/ William Hill/Unibet/SpreadEx |
| Military Order | 9/2 | Coral/Ladbrokes/10bet/Betfred William Hill/Unibet/BoyleSports/BetVictor |
| Passenger | 7/1 | Coral/Ladbrokes/bet365/ William Hill |
| The Foxes | 12/1 | Coral/Ladbrokes/10bet/BetUK/ William Hill/Betfair/Paddy Power/ BetVictor/Betfred/SpreadEx/BoyleSports |
| Sprewell | 12/1 | Coral/Ladbrokes/10bet/BetUK/ William Hill/Betfair/Paddy Power/ Betfred/SpreadEx/BoyleSports |
| White Birch | 14/1 | bet365/William Hill/ SpreadEx/BoyleSports |
Tip: Military Order each way, 9/2 William Hill. E/W 1-4 places, odds 1/5
Odds correct as of 03.06.23, 08:59. Odds subject to change.
For more odds and for more on the other races in the festival visit one of Betting.com’s picks for the best Epsom Derby betting sites in the UK:
Alternatively Betting.com’s list of the best horseracing betting sites will also provide great value:
