Saturday, June 7, 2025, promises to be a red-letter day for flat racing fans around the globe. The Epsom Derby has always been an event that draws tremendous attention, bringing together the best three-year-old thoroughbreds to compete for one of the most sought-after crowns in the sport.
In this article, we will look at the history of the Epsom Derby, explain why winning it is such a major milestone, and examine the potential runners for the 2025 race—most notably The Lion In Winter.
By the end, you should have a good sense of what makes this race stand out from other contests, plus some details on which horses to keep an eye on for the 2025 renewal.
The 2025 Renewal: Is The Lion In Winter the One to Beat?
Looking ahead to the big race, the Derby field is still taking shape. However, rumours and early-season trials give us a rough idea of which horses might be showing up at Epsom.
One name that has caught the eye is The Lion In Winter, a colt who has been turning heads in his prep races.
Trained by Aiden O’Brien, The Lion In Winter has already shown a strong turn of foot with wins at The Curragh and York in the Summer of 2024.
He may currently be the ante-post favourite, but he is far from the only real contender in the betting markets.
Ruling Court from Charlie Appleby notched up his first win at Sandown in July 2024, and while he was beaten by The Lion In Winter in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes at York, he did give a good account of himself.
Twain, also from Aiden O’Brien, goes into this race with two wins in the bag. The first was at Leopardstown, and the second was a quick trip to France that resulted in another victory.
The reality is that at least 50 horses are currently in the ante-post mix for the Epsom Derby, and the field will not be set until much closer to the date.
Until the final lineup is declared, the above are the top three in the markets and those being largely discussed by analysts and fans.
Betting Offers and Promotions
As the race draws closer, the betting offers start rolling in, and for punters, the Epsom Derby is one of the biggest betting occasions of the year.
So what kind of promotions can you expect to see?
Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) often appears several weeks before the race. If you place a bet on a horse and it does not end up running, you get your stake back.
The odds will be lower than antepost, but the risk will also be significantly reduced.
Free Bets and promotions such as Bet 10 get 40 will also be on offer, though the terms and amounts will vary depending on which bookmaker you generally use.
It’s a great way to maximise your initial bet, and for a lot of racing fans, it’s a good way to back an outsider without having to spend any of their own money on the long shot.
Some betting firms might pay out on extra places—sometimes four or even five places—especially if a big field lines up. This can be appealing for each-way bettors.
Boosted Odds might offer a better price on a popular selection. For instance, if The Lion In Winter is the favourite, you might see a temporary price boost to bring in fresh wagers.
If you want to have a bet on the Epsom Derby then shop around and read the terms carefully. The race’s popularity means lots of firms want your business, which can work in your favour if you take the time to compare.
A Brief History of the Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby is often called the “Blue Riband” of the turf. It was first run in 1780, which means it has been a central part of British racing for well over two centuries. It is held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England, and is open to three-year-old colts and fillies.
Since its inception, the Derby has been regarded as a key test of both speed and stamina, as horses must tackle Epsom’s unique gradients and tricky turns.
Epsom Downs is situated on a rolling stretch of land, which makes the course challenging. The horses race over a mile and a half (one mile, four furlongs, and six yards to be exact).
That combination of distance and the track’s uphill and downhill sections means that only well-balanced, adaptable horses can truly excel.
Where the Derby Stands in the Ranks of Flat Racing
In British flat racing, the Derby is one of the five Classics. The Classics are a set of races restricted to three-year-olds, and each carries a huge tradition and importance.
The five events include:
- 2000 Guineas (open to colts and fillies)
- 1000 Guineas (restricted to fillies)
- The Derby (colts and fillies, though fillies often choose to run in the Oaks instead)
- The Oaks (restricted to fillies)
- St Leger (colts and fillies)
Among these, the Derby is widely considered the best single test for a three-year-old, combining elements of speed, balance, and staying power.
It forms part of what some call the British Triple Crown for colts: the 2000 Guineas, the Derby, and the St Leger.
However, winning all three in the same season is a rarity in the modern era, largely because trainers and owners tend to specialise their horses more these days.
Despite that, the Derby stands tall as a pinnacle for middle-distance three-year-olds. On a broader scale, many see the Derby as one of the premier races worldwide, on par with the likes of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Kentucky Derby, and other notable international events.
Conclusion
The Epsom Derby is a cornerstone of British racing and one of the most respected events worldwide. Its demanding nature, storied heritage, and role in shaping the thoroughbred breed have combined to make it a major highlight of the flat season.
The winners who have crossed the line first at Epsom are remembered for decades, and breeders often look to Derby champions as future stallions of exceptional quality.
As we look ahead to the 2025 edition, there is a buzz about which horse might seal its place in the history books. The Lion In Winter has been garnering attention for his performances so far, but, as in all horse racing, nothing is guaranteed.
The Derby’s long list of shock results—and the difficulty of handling Epsom Downs—means that unpredictability is always a factor.
By the time the horses pass the winning post, one of them may well secure a spot among the legendary names of the sport. Whether The Lion In Winter is the one to beat or whether another contender swoops in, the Epsom Derby will once again provide a day of high drama.
