The Epsom Derby, known in the United Kingdom as The Derby Stakes or simply The Derby, is run at Epsom Downs in Surrey, England on the first Saturday of June. The 1.5 mile race for three-year-olds is Britain’s richest flat race and the most prestigious of the five British Classics, and it’s a popular race for horse racing bettors around the world.

Where To Bet On The Epsom Derby

  • UK and Ireland – Licensed bookmakers and the Tote offer markets on the Derby, with ante-post prices available months in advance.
  • United States – Licensed online horse betting sites such as TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing and Xpressbet often carry UK racing, including Epsom, in the states where they operate.
  • Canada – HPIbet carries a selection of international races.
  • Offshore racebooks also list the race, but they aren’t licensed in the US or Canada.

How To Bet On The Epsom Derby Online

  1. Open an account with a licensed betting site that operates in your country.
  2. Fund your account after verifying your identity, using a debit card or another listed method.
  3. Place your bets. Find Epsom in the racing section and select the Derby. Win and each-way bets are the most common, and ante-post bets placed weeks ahead can offer bigger prices. Set a budget before you bet and stick to it, and use the deposit limits licensed sites offer. Help is available from organizations such as GamCare (UK), Gambling Help Online (Australia), ConnexOntario (Canada) and 1-800-GAMBLER (US).

Epsom Derby Betting Tips

  • Stay Away From The Favourite – The public usually backs the favourite heavily, which shortens its odds. You can often get better value on horses that aren’t at the top of the market but have a realistic chance of winning.
  • Look At The Trials – Most Derby runners will have raced in trials such as the 2,000 Guineas or the Dante Stakes. Use that form, but adjust for Epsom’s 1.5 mile trip and its unusual camber and downhill run to Tattenham Corner.

Epsom Derby History

The Epsom Derby is the original “Derby”. It’s said to have been named after the 12th Earl of Derby, with the first race taking place on May 4th, 1780. The race became 1.5 miles long in 1784, after being 1 mile long for the first four years.

The Epsom Derby is known as “The Derby” in the United Kingdom, while the Kentucky Derby holds that title in North America. Many countries have their own “Derby”, but Epsom’s was the first. To learn more check out the Epsom Derby Wikipedia page.