Epsom Derby

The Derby is the richest race in Britain and the most prestigious of the five Classics. It is staged on the first Saturday in June at Epsom Downs racecourse and is run over a mile and a half. It is a unique test of the thoroughbred, requiring a rare blend of speed, stamina and good balance to negotiate the undulating terrain and left-hand camber. While it is often regarded as a Classic for colts, the Derby is open to both sexes and is occasionally contested by a filly. Cape Verdi is the last to have tried when sent off favourite for the Derby in 1998, only to finish ninth of the 15 runners. The Derby is part of the British Champions Series and is sponsored by Investec.

• Length of the race – A mile and a half.
• Where to watch – RTV and ITV.
• When to watch – Saturday, June 1, at 4.30pm.
• Prize-money – The race is worth £1.5 million, with £850,650 going to the winner.
• Course – The race is run at Epsom Downs racecourse.
• Race type – The Derby is a Group 1 contest open to three-year-old colts and fillies.
• Weights – Colts carry 9st while fillies carry 8st 11lb.
• Ages – The Derby is open to three-year-olds only.
• Sponsor – The race has been sponsored by Investec since 2009.

Race stats

• Adjusted RPR of at least 128, 9/10
• Rated within 8lb of RPR top-rated, 9/10
• Achieved best RPR last time, 9/10
• By a sire with a stamina index of 1m1f+, 9/10
• Not out of first three on all starts after debut, 8/10
• From the top three in the market, 8/10
• Won over at least 7f as a juvenile, 8/10
• Drawn between stall four and ten, 8/10 
• Made debut at a Group 1 track, 6/10
• Won last time out, 6/10

Other factors

Four of the five winners who contested a Group race as juveniles were successful over 7f or a mile.