Now in its 246th running, the Epsom Derby remains the crowning jewel of the British Classic season — a race steeped in tradition, prestige, and racing folklore.
Once again on Saturday, a field of elite three-year-olds will line up on the sacred Downs, aiming to etch their name into history.
Much of the focus this year centres on Aidan O’Brien’s powerful team and the all-important riding decision of Ryan Moore. With no clear standout, the 2025 Derby shapes up as a wide-open contest — one that will be decided by tactics, pedigree, and perfect timing.
The Sporting News has all the best form, tips and expert predictions to help you bet on the big race.
When is the Betfred Epsom Derby 2025?
The 2025 Betfred Epsom Derby is scheduled for Saturday, June 7 at 3:30pm (BST), taking place over 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards on the turf at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Betfred Derby 2025 expert tips, predictions & betting guide
Can O’Brien pull off a hat-trick of comeback wins?
Aidan O’Brien is the undisputed master of the Derby with 10 previous victories. Notably, his two most recent winners have defied defeat in their final preps. In 2023, Auguste Rodin rebounded from a 12th-place finish in the 2000 Guineas, and in 2024, City of Troy stormed back from ninth in the same race. These examples showcase the Ballydoyle maestro’s unmatched ability to have his horses peak on the day that matters.
Carrying that baton in 2025 is The Lion In Winter (13/2, Bet 365). The Sea The Stars colt was a disappointing sixth in the Dante Stakes on seasonal return, but that run looks more like a stepping stone than a red flag. Bred for the Derby, he hails from one of Europe’s bluest bloodlines—by Sea The Stars, out of What A Home, from the famed Inchinor/Inchmurrin family that produced Venus De Milo, a dual G1 runner-up. There’s every reason to believe the best is yet to come.
Delacroix: The polished package, but does he stay?
Delacroix (10/3, Bet365) comes into the Derby off a commanding victory in the Leopardstown Derby Trial and is widely regarded as the most 'complete' horse in the lineup. He boasts a regal pedigree — by U.S. Triple Crown winner Justify and out of multiple G1-winning mare Tepin.
However, questions linger over the trip. Tepin’s sire, Bernstein, and granddam's sire, Stravinsky, both leaned toward sprinting, which casts doubt on Delacroix’s stamina over 1m4f. Moreover, Ryan Moore’s Derby mount remains unconfirmed, with Ballydoyle also fielding The Lion In Winter and the improving Lambourn. Moore’s eventual pick could offer vital clues.
Other Horses to Watch:
Ruling Court (2000 Guineas Winner, 4/1 with AK Bets)
Claimed the first British Classic of the season with a potent turn of foot over a mile. While stamina is a concern on pedigree, his class and momentum demand respect. Should the 2000 Guineas hero double up at Epsom, he would become the first to complete the Guineas-Derby double since Camelot achieved the feat in 2012.
Pride Of Arras (Dante Stakes Winner, 5/1 with betway)
Just two starts under his belt, yet unbeaten. His Dante Stakes win was eye-catching — bursting through a wall of horses with tenacity. Still unexposed, and the distance looks within reach. The Dante Stakes has produced 11 Epsom Derby winners in the past, with the most recent being Desert Crown in 2022.
Damysus (Dante Stakes Runner-up, 12/1 with AK Bets)
Outran expectations to take second in the Dante, ahead of The Lion In Winter. A tough and progressive type who could feature prominently if the race turns tactical.
Lambourn (Chester Vase Stakes Winner, 10/1 Bet365)
Unheralded but dangerous. Broke through with a Group 3 win over the Derby distance last time. Previously ran close to Delacroix, and being a son of Australia (himself a Derby winner by Galileo), a classic success for three generations could be on the cards. Wings of Eagles, runner-up in the Chester Vase Stakes, defied expectations to land Derby glory in 2017.
TSN's Betfred Derby 2025 selections
◎ The Lion In Winter
Strong middle-distance credentials from his sire, backed by the Ballydoyle second-up strategy. The Dante loss looks like a prep—he’s primed to emulate O’Brien’s last two Derby winners who struck back after defeat.
○ Delacroix
The most polished runner in the field. Tactically versatile and mentally mature. If he stays the trip, he could simply outclass his rivals—but that “if” looms large.
▲ Pride Of Arras
Showed fierce determination to punch through traffic and win the Dante Stakes. That grit bodes well for the Epsom cauldron.
△ Lambourn
Steadily rising through the ranks. Gutsy Group 3 winner last out and nearly toppled Delacroix before. Could spring a surprise.
Final Thoughts
Delacroix brings form and flair, but The Lion In Winter may have been primed for this day all along. In a wide-open year, the key lesson from past Derbies is clear: don’t dismiss a Ballydoyle colt off a single defeat. The future —not past results — could hold the answer to who wears the crown in 2025.
2025 Epsom Derby — Date, Time & Distance
- Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
- Post Time: 3:30pm (BST)
- Distance: 1 mile 4 furlongs and 6 yards
Betfred Epsom Derby 2025 best free bets and sign-up offers
You can bet online at several of TSN's selected partners on lots of different sports, and the 2025 Derby is no exception.
Most bookmakers also offer special welcome bonuses for new customers, which you can also take advantage of to get free bets and winnings boosts, as described above. Here's a selection of some of the best offers right now, which have been validated by our experts:
- Paddy Power: Bet £5 and get £30 in free bets
- Betfair: Get £50 in free bets for a £10 stake
- betway: £30 matched free bet if first acca loses + £30 Uber Eats voucher
- AK Bets: Up to £100 winnings boost on your first acca bet
- 10bet: 100% up to £50 welcome bonus when you sign up
- Spreadex: Bet £10 and get £60 in free bets
- Copybet: Bet £20 and get £60 in three free bets
Remember though that terms and conditions apply for all promotions — click the links above for details on how each one works. And always gamble responsibly and within your limits.
Epsom Derby: Winners by category (2005–2024)
Trainers
Trainer | Wins (2005–2024) | Notable Winners (Year) |
Aidan O'Brien | 8 | Camelot (2012), Ruler Of The World (2013), Australia(2014), Wings Of Eagles(2017), Anthony Van Dyck (2019), Serpentine (2020), Auguste Rodin (2023), City of Troy (2024) |
Charlie Appleby | 2 | Masar (2018), Adayar (2021) |
Sir Michael Stoute | 2 | Workforce (2010), Desert Crown (2022) |
John Gosden | 1 | Golden Horn (2015) |
J S Bolger | 1 | New Approach (2008) |
André Fabre | 1 | Pour Moi (2011) |
J. Oxx | 1 | Sea The Stars (2009) |
P W Chapple-Hyam | 1 | Authorized (2007) |
M P Tregoing | 1 | Sir Percy (2006) |
Michael Bell | 1 | Motivator (2005) |
Dermot Weld | 1 | Harzand (2016) |
Jockeys
Jockey | Wins (2005–2024) | Notable Winners (Year) |
Ryan Moore | 4 | Workforce (2010), Ruler Of The World (2013), Auguste Rodin (2023), City of Troy (2024) |
Frankie Dettori | 2 | Authorized (2007), Golden Horn (2015) |
Joseph O'Brien | 2 | Camelot (2012), Australia (2014) |
Seamie Heffernan | 1 | Anthony Van Dyck (2019) |
Pat Smullen | 1 | Harzand (2016) |
William Buick | 1 | Masar (2018) |
K J Manning | 1 | New Approach (2008) |
Mickael Barzalona | 1 | Pour Moi (2011) |
Adam Kirby | 1 | Adayar (2021) |
Richard Kingscote | 1 | Desert Crown (2022) |
Emmet McNamara | 1 | Serpentine (2020) |
Padraig Beggy | 1 | Wings Of Eagles (2017) |
Mick Kinane | 1 | Sea The Stars (2009) |
Martin Dwyer | 1 | Sir Percy (2006) |
John Murtagh | 1 | Motivator (2005) |
Draw
Draw | Wins (2005–2024) | Winning Years |
1 | 2 | 2024, 2021 |
2 | 0 | |
3 | 1 | 2008 |
4 | 1 | 2009 |
5 | 2 | 2012, 2005 |
6 | 0 | |
7 | 2 | 2019, 2011 |
8 | 2 | 2015, 2010 |
9 | 1 | 2016 |
10 | 4 | 2023, 2018, 2013, 2006 |
11 | 0 | |
12 | 3 | 2022, 2020, 2014 |
13 | 0 | |
14 | 2 | 2017, 2007 |
15–20 | 0 |
Epsom: Derby Past Winners (2005–2024)
Year | Winner | Trainer | Jockey | Draw |
2024 | City of Troy | Aidan O'Brien | Ryan Moore | 1 |
2023 | Auguste Rodin | Aidan O'Brien | Ryan Moore | 10 |
2022 | Desert Crown | Sir Michael Stoute | Richard Kingscote | 12 |
2021 | Adayar | Charlie Appleby | Adam Kirby | 1 |
2020 | Serpentine | Aidan O'Brien | Emmet McNamara | 12 |
2019 | Anthony Van Dyck | Aidan O'Brien | Seamie Heffernan | 7 |
2018 | Masar | Charlie Appleby | William Buick | 10 |
2017 | Wings of Eagles | Aidan O'Brien | Padraig Beggy | 14 |
2016 | Harzand | Dermot Weld | Pat Smullen | 9 |
2015 | Golden Horn | John Gosden | Frankie Dettori | 8 |
2014 | Australia | Aidan O'Brien | Joseph O'Brien | 12 |
2013 | Ruler of the World | Aidan O'Brien | Ryan Moore | 10 |
2012 | Camelot | Aidan O'Brien | Joseph O'Brien | 5 |
2011 | Pour Moi | André Fabre | Mickael Barzalona | 7 |
2010 | Workforce | Sir Michael Stoute | Ryan Moore | 8 |
2009 | Sea The Stars | John Oxx | Michael Kinane | 4 |
2008 | New Approach | J S Bolger | K J Manning | 3 |
2007 | Authorized | P W Chapple-Hyam | Frankie Dettori | 14 |
2006 | Sir Percy | M P Tregoning | Martin Dwyer | 10 |
2005 | Motivator | Michael Bell | John Murtagh | 5 |