The Derby Festival 2025
Friday 6th to Saturday 7th June

RESULTS FOR KEY RACES DURING THE 2025 DERBY FESTIVAL

THE OAKS – 1st MINNIE HAUK @ 9/2, 2nd WHIRL @ 15/2, 3rd DESERT FLOWER @ 11/10

THE DERBY – 1st LAMBOURN @ 13/2, LAZY GRIFF @ 50/1, TENNESSEE STUD @ 28/1

CORONATION CUP – 1st JAN BRUEGHEL @ 10/3, 2nd CALANDAGAN @ 8/13

PRE-EVENT OVERVIEW

The 2025 Epsom Derby Festival promises two days of exhilarating flat racing, drama, and festivity at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June 2025.

Festival Overview

Friday 6 June – Ladies’ Day
The festival kicks off with Ladies’ Day, featuring the prestigious Group 1 Oaks Stakes for three-year-old fillies. This day is renowned for its blend of high fashion and top-tier racing. The Group 1 Coronation Cup, open to older horses, also takes place, showcasing elite talent on the turf.

Saturday 7 June – Derby Day
The highlight of the festival is the Betfred Derby, Britain’s most esteemed flat race, often dubbed “The Greatest Flat Race in the World.” This Classic race draws the finest three-year-old colts and fillies, competing over the challenging Epsom course. The day is filled with anticipation as racing enthusiasts gather to witness history in the making.

Leading Contenders

The Lion In Winter (5/2)* – The Derby
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, this colt was the early Derby favourite after a commanding win in the Acomb Stakes. However, a sixth-place finish in the Dante Stakes has raised questions about his current form.

Pride Of Arras (4/1)* – The Derby
A surprise victor in the Dante Stakes, this Ralph Beckett-trained colt saw his Derby odds dramatically shorten from 50-1 to 4-1, marking him as a serious contender.

Desert Flower (5/2)* – The Oaks
Trained by Charlie Appleby, Desert Flower is the current favourite for the Oaks after a stellar performance in the 1,000 Guineas.

Whirl (9/1)* – The Oaks
Aidan O’Brien’s filly Whirl impressed with a dominant win in the Musidora Stakes, positioning herself as a strong Oaks contender.

*Note: Prices correct at time of posting (19/05/25), Prices subject to fluctuation.

Notable Changes

In a historic move, the 2025 Derby will be the first Group One race in Britain to implement 72-hour declarations, providing earlier clarity on the final field.