When it comes to Epsom Derby betting in the UK, all the bookies take this very seriously indeed. This is because Flat racing in Britain arguably doesn’t have a more important turf race than it. For all things related to The Derby betting, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Epsom Derby Betting Sites
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- Derby odds all year round
- Ante post specials
- Price Promise covers Epsom
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- Full ante post Derby odds
- Classic specials feature The Derby
- BOG from day before race
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- Ante post market for The Derby
- Free bet refund deals
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Already claimed these betting offers? Check out all the latest best betting sites.
Why The Derby Betting is So Important
Betting on the Epsom Derby needs no introduction to older punters. They call this horse racing event the premier Classic, that is a race specifically held with the future of the thoroughbred in mind. Open to three-year-old colts (and fillies) only, this is the most valuable contest for horses in the UK and one of the highlights of the Flat season.
The winner is guaranteed a career at stud once their racing days are over. Epsom Derby betting attracts plenty of interest because of the race’s high profile. Held over a distance of 1m 4f 6y on the first Saturday in June, it is now the highlight of a two-day Festival named after the race.
Betting for the Epsom Derby goes right back to the very beginning of its history. The race was first held in 1780 on Epsom Downs over a mile with the current distance adopted four years later. Only the St Leger at Doncaster and The Oaks, also held at Epsom, are older among the five British Classics.
Popular 2022 Epsom Derby Betting Offers
One thing all good Epsom Derby betting sites have in common are offers and promotions for the big race. These target both new and existing customers. All of the best horse racing betting sites in the UK make some promotions available to all. This ensures that nobody feels left out when betting on The Derby.
- Best Odds Guaranteed – Visit Bet365 and BoyleSports
- Non Runner No Bet – Check out QuinnBet for this deal
- Money Back as a Free Bet – Bet Goodwin offer this on nose defeats at Epsom
- Bet or Odds Boosts – Look at Betfair and William Hill for this
- Extra Places – Betfred pledge more extra place races than ever before
Most of the best Epsom Derby betting offers are for everyone. That is only fair as the big race attracts much wider public interest than the average horse racing event. Let’s take a look at the kind of offers you can get in more detail:
Best Odds Guaranteed
Getting the Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) means any Epsom Derby betting you do covers a bigger starting price (SP) than the odds taken. You don’t miss out on a better SP with BOG. Any Epsom Derby betting site worthy of your business offers this. It’s just a matter of when the guarantee comes into effect.
SportsLens experts report Bet365 and BoyleSports as the best for this. While most bookies that offer The Derby betting don’t have BOG until the day of the race, these two go further. BoyleSports start their guarantee the day before. You can’t beat Bet365 for Epsom Derby betting in this regard, though, as it’s from final declarations – 48 hours ahead of the race – with them.
Non Runner No Bet
There also comes a certain stage in the build-up to betting on The Derby where the bookies go Non Runner No Bet (NRNB) on the race. It’s at this point that you’re guaranteed a run for your money or the stake back in full as cash.
Once the final field of horses competing are known, then NRNB should apply to all Epsom Derby betting you do. Some of the top betting sites in the UK may even offer this before then. Check out QuinnBet and many others in the days just before the race.
Money Back as a Free Bet
As you can see elsewhere on site there are many other Epsom Derby free bets available to both new and existing customers. These deals are most common in the form of returning losing stakes. Certain conditions when betting on the Epsom Derby must be met, and these depend on the deal in question.
These may be, for example, if the horse you back finishes second to the SP favourite. Alternatively, a narrow margin of defeat in the Epsom Derby betting – losing by a neck, head or a nose – could see stakes refunded as free bets to soften the blow. New UK online bookmaker Bet Goodwin offer this on nose defeats on any British or Irish horse race.
Bet or Odds Boosts
How great would it be if you could increase the price on the horse that you fancy for The Derby? Now you can with William Hill’s daily Bet Boost. This isn’t the bookies pushing certain horses but leaving the choice entirely in your hands. It gives you an enhanced price with a stake of up to £20.
Betfair with their MyOddsBoost promotion go to £25, or £12.50 each way. As Epsom Derby betting offers go, these deals are pretty neat. There is nothing to stop you backing the same horse again the next day if you want more money on it too. Bet and Odds Boosts make you feel like you’re getting better value.
Extra Places
If The Derby attracts a large field, and over the last nine years the average is 14 runners, then the bookies will give the race the extra places treatment. This tactic increases betting turnover as, if fourth and even fifth place pays out on each way bets, that acts an incentive for punters to place wagers.
Betfred have really ramped up the number of extra place races they offer in recent times. Provided the field size stays in double figures, the Epsom Derby looks sure to be among the events they offer this on come the big day. You only need a big-priced outsider to run into the first four and an each way bet could be just as rewarding as backing the winner!
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out all our betting offers from the best betting sites in the UK.
Latest Epsom Derby Betting Odds
Betting odds for the Epsom Derby should be available throughout the year. This again reflects the importance of the race. Up until final declarations, this is in the form of Epsom Derby ante post betting where you are not guaranteed a run for your money unless the bookie states otherwise in their market.
As with any horse race, all prices can and do change. This may be because of defections or withdrawals, defeats for horses in the race results of recognised trials (more on those later) and injury. These factors all influence the market right up until the horses come out of the stalls at the top of Epsom Downs and the race is off.
Whether you bet ante post, wait for final decs or just pick your horse on the day, Epsom Derby betting odds matter to so many. These are a measure of implied probability of winning the race. Outsiders can upset the Epsom Derby odds as favourites don’t have the best recent record. View the latest Epsom Derby betting below…
2022 Cazoo Derby Betting Show
- Desert Crown (9/4)
- Stone Age (11/4)
- Piz Badile (8/1)
- Changingoftheguard (8/1)
- United Nations (14/1)
- Walk Of Stars (16/1)
- Star Of India (16/1)
- Eydon (20/1)
- Westover (20/1)
- Royal Patronage (25/1)
- Nahanni (25/1)
- Bar (33/1)
Betting on the Epsom Derby – Past Winners & Results
Now that you’ve seen the ante-post betting for the Epsom Derby this year, it’s time to look at past winners. Although horses can only be successful in this race once, knowing which trainers and jockeys have won it recently can act as a guide. Before looking at the betting odds for the Epsom Derby, the table below shows no favourite winning since 2015. Check out past Epsom Derby results in more detail too:
Year | Derby Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Epsom Derby Betting Odds |
2021 | Adayar | Adam Kirby | Charlie Appleby | 16/1 |
2020 | Serpentine | Emmet McNamara | Aidan O’Brien | 25/1 |
2019 | Anthony Van Dyck | Seamie Heffernan | Aidan O’Brien | 13/2 |
2018 | Masar | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | 16/1 |
2017 | Wings of Eagles | Padraig Beggy | Aidan O’Brien | 40/1 |
2016 | Harzand | Pat Smullen | Dermot Weld | 13/2 |
2015 | Golden Horn | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden | 13/8 F |
2014 | Australia | Joseph O’Brien | Aidan O’Brien | 11/8 F |
2013 | Ruler of the World | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien | 7/1 |
2012 | Camelot | Joseph O’Brien | Aidan O’Brien | 8/13 F |
2011 | Pour Moi | Mickael Barzalona | Andre Fabre | 4/1 |
2010 | Workforce | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute | 6/1 |
2009 | Sea The Stars | Mick Kinane | John Oxx | 11/4 |
2008 | New Approach | Kevin Manning | Jim Bolger | 5/1 |
2007 | Authorized | Frankie Dettori | Peter Chapple-Hyam | 5/4 F |
2006 | Sir Percy | Martin Dwyer | Marcus Tregoning | 6/1 |
2005 | Motivator | Johnny Murtagh | Michael Bell | 3/1 F |
2004 | North Light | Kieren Fallon | Michael Stoute | 7/2 JF |
2003 | Kris Kin | Kieren Fallon | Michael Stoute | 6/1 |
2002 | High Chaparral | Johnny Murtagh | Aidan O’Brien | 7/2 |
2001 | Galileo | Mick Kinane | Aidan O’Brien | 11/4 JF |
2000 | Sinndar | Johnny Murtagh | John Oxx | 7/1 |
Check out all the Epsom Derby betting odds from the best betting sites in the UK.
Pros & Cons of Epsom Derby Ante Post Betting
There are upsides and drawbacks to ante-post betting on the Epsom Derby and this is no different from any other race. It’s a discussion our experts are often asked about by punters. In order that you have a balanced view of The Derby betting, here are the many advantages and disadvantages of going ante post wagers:
Pros:
- Likely better odds by betting in advance
- Greater value in the market available
- Some bookies may let you cash out
Cons:
- Not guaranteed a run for your money
- Better place terms not available until later
- Bets not covered by BOG and NRNB
Trials That Shape the Betting for the Epsom Derby
With over 240 years of history behind the race, a number of key trials have developed down the decades which influence The Derby betting market. That means there are certain results and piece of form you should pay attention to.
Some are from the year before when very young Flat horses run aged two. Others take place during springtime in the weeks leading up to The Derby. The table below contains all the recognised trials which impact the Epsom Derby betting today:
Derby Trial | Track | Distance | Class of Race | Month | Winner |
Futurity Stakes | Curragh | 7f | Group 2 | August | Point Lonsdale |
Solario Stakes | Sandown | 7f | Group 3 | September | Reach For The Moon |
Beresford Stakes | Curragh | 1m | Group 2 | September | Luxembourg |
Champions Juvenile Stakes | Leopardstown | 1m | Group 2 | September | Atomic Jones |
National Stakes | Curragh | 7f | Group 1 | September | Native Trail |
Autumn Stakes | Newmarket | 1m | Group 3 | October | Coroebus |
Zetland Stakes | Newmarket | 1m 2f | Group 3 | October | Goldspur |
Dewhurst Stakes | Newmarket | 7f | Group 1 | October | Native Trail |
Vertem Futurity Trophy | Doncaster | 1m | Group 1 | October | Luxembourg |
Ballysax Stakes | Leopardstown | 1m 2f | Group 3 | April | Piz Badile |
Feilden Stakes | Newmarket | 1m 1f | Listed | April | Eydon |
Blue Riband Trial | Epsom | 1m 2f 17y | Listed | April | Nahanni |
Sandown Classic Trial | Sandown | 1m 1f 209y | Group 3 | April | Westover |
Newmarket Stakes | Newmarket | 1m 2f | Listed | May | Nations Pride |
2000 Guineas | Newmarket | 1m | Group 1 | May | Coroebus |
Dee Stakes | Chester | 1m 2f 70y | Listed | May | Star Of India |
Chester Vase | Chester | 1m 4f 63y | Group 3 | May | Changingoftheguard |
Lingfield Derby Trial | Lingfield | 1m 3f 133y | Listed | May | United Nations |
Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial | Leopardstown | 1m 2f | Group 3 | May | Stone Age |
Dante Stakes | York | 1m 2f 56y | Group 2 | May | Desert Crown |
Fairway Stakes | Newmarket | 1m 2f | Listed | May | Ottoman Fleet |
Cocked Hat Stakes | Goodwood | 1m 3f 44y | Listed | May | TBD |
Top Epsom Derby Betting Tips
Now it’s time to pick up some advice on The Derby at Epsom betting with some helpful hints from our experts. These are gambling pros who have bet on all the Classics for many years. Check out their top three Epsom Derby tips for your reference:
Follow Trials Carefully
The key to successful Epsom Derby online betting is keeping up to date with the form. When it comes to the recognised trials for the race, it isn’t necessarily the winner who is the one to take out of the race. This is because very few races used as prep for The Derby are actually over the distance.
That means you want a horse finishing off a race over 1m 2f or 1m 3f strongly. In another furlong or so’s time and granted further improvement from the run, they may well have their head in front. It’s an unknown element with Epsom Derby betting tips that every punter has to look at, and it’s called potential.
Respect Irish Raiders
A glance at the past winners table above tells us that seven of the 10 most recent Derby victors were trained in Ireland. The Emerald Isle has a great record of producing the Epsom hero, then. All bar one of these was in training at Ballydoyle with Aidan O’Brien. Anything he sends over for the Epsom Derby commands tons of respect, then.
Followers of jumps horse racing know Willie Mullins has often been the dominant force at the Cheltenham Festival in recent years too. If the best horses are over in Ireland, then it’s foolish to ignore them. Stats and trends like these can’t guarantee that you’ll back the winner in the Epsom Derby betting but you can at least make better informed choices.
Know Your Pedigrees
With getting the trip a relative unknown element for The Derby betting contenders, there is one way to help your surmise what horses are capable of. Check their pedigrees. A combination of speed and stamina is ideal breeding for this supreme test. Thoroughbred racehorses need the perfect mix of those facets to enjoy success here.
Just like with Grand National betting over jumps, where you look for stamina and endurance in a pedigree, studying sires and dam can help with The Derby. If the horse is by or out of a previous winner of this race or the Epsom Oaks, then that is a very good sign. Checking if the parents or grandparents won over 1m 4f makes sense. That is one of our best Epsom Derby betting tips without doubt.
Betting for Epsom Derby Day – All Races
The best Epsom Derby betting sites won’t just have a market on the big race but on the entire card. Derby day offers plenty more action on the track. There are other events at Epsom across the two days of the Festival including The Oaks 24 hours or so earlier that may interest this.
Look out for Epsom Derby betting offers on other races besides the main event as well. From extra places to money back deals, there could be extra incentive to wager on the supporting card. This is the current race schedule for Derby day, which also contains two Group 3s and a Heritage Handicap:
Derby Day Race | Distance | Class of Race | Horses open to |
World Pool Handicap | 1m 2f 17y | Class 2 | 3yos 0-105 |
Princess Elizabeth Stakes | 1m 113y | Group 3 | 3yos+ fillies and mares |
Diomed Stakes | 1m 113y | Group 3 | 3yos+ |
Epsom Dash | 5f | Heritage Handicap | 3yos+ |
The Derby | 1m 4f 6y | Group 1 | 3yos colts and fillies |
Northern Dancer Handicap | 1m 4f 6y | Class 2 | 4yos+ rated 0-105 |
Tokyo Trophy Handicap | 6f 3y | Class 2 | 4yos+ rated 0-105 |
The Last Word
That’s pretty much it from our guide to betting sites for the Epsom Derby in the UK. This incredibly important race for the future of thoroughbred horses has wider implications than just taking a punt. Now that you know all about Epsom Derby betting from every angle, please gamble responsibly and enjoy the action.
Best UK Betting Site for the Epsom Derby
Bet £10 Get £50 In Free Bets
- Derby odds all year round
- Ante post specials
- Price Promise covers Epsom