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The Epsom Derby is one of the best-loved fixtures on the British sporting calendar. Ranking alongside the FA Cup final, Wimbledon, the Boat Race, and the Grand National, the annual running of the Epsom Derby always draws a global crowd.
As we approach the next running of the historic horse race staged in Surrey, England, our content team wanted to celebrate the Epsom Derby. In the latest addition to his popular sports betting series, writer Frank Monkhouse has everything you need to know about the Group 1 spectacle contested on the flat.
Keep reading as we cover the Epsom Derby from several interesting angles. You’ll find information on the race’s rich history, past winners, the most successful names, how to claim a free bet on the Derby and how to wager using your mobile.
Epsom Derby history
Dreamt up by the Earl of Derby and his close associate Sir Charles Bunbury, the Epsom Derby can be traced back to 1780. The first race was run over a mile and won by Diomed, a colt that Bunbury owned at the time.
Despite early success, the race was extended to 1m 4f after just four years, and that distance remains today, offering a test of both speed and stamina to the best-bred racehorses.
Word of the Derby’s excitement and popularity soon spread across the United Kingdom, before crossing oceans. The Derby inspired many races we know and love today, including the Kentucky Derby, which is run annually in the United States.
Most successful runners and riders
The honours roll reads like a who’s who of Great British and Irish horse racing. Some of the most famous names have contested and won the Derby. I’ll now highlight some of my favourites and the most successful in each category.
Most successful jockeys
Lester Piggott boasts nine wins between 1954 and 1983, including Nijinsky and The Minstrel. No jockey has sat on more Derby winners than the great Piggott.
Most successful trainers
The trainer who has sent out more Derby winners than any other is the legendary Aidan O’Brien. He has ten derby champions, and he is the only man to reach double figures for wins. His victories include debut champion Galileo in 2001, Ruler of the World in 2013, and most recently City of Troy in 2024.
Most successful owners
Sue Magnier and Michael Tabor, who have 11 Epsom Derby titles, have set the bar high. The first came in 2001 with Galileo, and the incredible streak includes success for Camelot in 2012, Serpentine in 2020, and Auguste Rodin in 2023.
Race details and how to watch
The Derby Festival from Epsom racetrack in Surrey features both the Derby and The Oaks. The 2025 renewal is staged on June 6th and 7th, and you can follow the race live on ITV and Racing TV. You can also follow the action on the bet365 live stream using your laptop or mobile.
Almost 250 years old, the Derby is a Group 1 flat race over 1m 4f open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It remains Britain’s richest flat race and the best of the British Classics, often referred to as the Blue Riband.
Epsom Derby 2025 betting odds
The 2025 running of the Epsom Derby happens on Saturday, June 7th, with an advertised 15:30 BST. Here's the latest betting odds available now.
The Lion in Winter @ 13/2 (bet365)
Stanhope Gardens @ 16/1 (bet365)
How to bet on the Epsom Derby
Betting on the next Epsom Derby couldn’t be easier. All you need is a funded online gambling account, and you can wager on the winner or play one of many specials at the touch of a button.
Follow these steps to gamble on the Derby.
Click on horse racing.
Select antepost or Epsom.
Locate the Derby Stakes and click the odds attached to your pick.
Input a stake, check the returns and confirm.
Your bet is now live, and a cash-out amount will appear.
5 Epsom Derby betting markets
Here are five popular and exciting betting markets available on the Epsom Derby.
Win: The simplest way to gamble on the race. Pick which horse you expect to win.
Place: Bet on a runner to finish in the major places, either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.
Forecast: Predict which names will finish 1st and 2nd in the correct order.
Winning distance: Predict how many lengths the winner will finish ahead of the second.
Winning trainer: If a trainer has multiple runners, you can cover all bases.
Claiming a free bet on the Epsom Derby
In a bid to entice you to bet on the Epsom Derby with them over the competition, the leading sportsbooks offer a free bet on the race. You can claim your share by creating an account with that betting app, making your first deposit and gambling on racing.
Free bets are reserved for new customers, and you can create an account as follows:
Click any link to your chosen bookmaker on this page or website.
Select the Join button and add your details to the registration form.
Create a username and password.
Deposit £10 or more and gamble on a qualifying sportsbook market.
When your first bet results, you’ll get the free bet tokens.
Ongoing promotions
In addition to the welcome bonus, which is strictly for new arrivals, the best-performing bookies offer a list of recurring promotions available to existing members. These deals help drive repeat business, and I’ve listed some of my favourites.
Deposit-matched free bet: Deposit £10 or more and bet to secure a £10 free bet on horse racing. The more you gamble, the higher the rewards, usually capped at £200.
Enhanced odds: The trading and marketing teams will combine to increase the odds on a popular pick, such as the race favourite.
Cashback: If your horse is a non-runner, for whatever reason, or loses by a small margin, some bookmakers refund your stake.
Profit boost: Place an accumulator on horse racing and the betting app will increase your returns. Mormeanks means a bigger boost.
Extra places each way: Betting on the places is a popular approach in the biggest races, and bookmakers often increase how many places they pay, usually from the first three to four.
Get ready for the off
All eyes are on the next running of the Epsom Derby, and you can claim a free bet on the race now. Choose your preferred bookmaker and join through this page to secure your welcome bonus.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.