The anticipation is building for the 2024 Epsom Derby, the 245th running of this prestigious horse race. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1st, because that’s when history will be made at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England. This year, the race will be known as the Betfred Derby, marking the first time the bookmaker sponsors the event.
The Derby is more than just a race; it’s a festival. The festivities kick off on Friday, May 31st, with Ladies Day, known for its vibrant fashion and lively atmosphere. Throughout the weekend, racegoers can enjoy a variety of entertainment options alongside the thrilling competition on the track.
The main event, of course, is the Derby itself. This grueling 1.5-mile race is a test of both horse and jockey. Three-year-old thoroughbreds will battle it out for the coveted title and a chance to etch their names in racing history. Experts are already pouring over race records and form, trying to predict which horse will emerge victorious.
This year’s race promises to be particularly interesting. Will there be a new champion, or will a previous contender rise to the occasion? Trainers are keeping their cards close to their chests, but some horses are already generating buzz. City of Troy, with its impressive Dewhurst Stakes win, is a potential frontrunner. But don’t discount contenders like Ancient Wisdom, with its strong showing in the Autumn Stakes.
Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the 2024 Epsom Derby is an event not to be missed. Witness the drama unfold as these magnificent creatures thunder down the track, vying for glory. So, get ready for a weekend of excitement, fashion, and top-class horse racing at the Betfred Derby Festival.
When Is The Derby Festivals 2024?
The Betfred Derby Festival 2024 will begin on Friday 31st May at Epsom Downs Racecourse, with the first event being the popular Ladies Day. The Derby Day date is Saturday 1st June. Derby Day features seven races, including the Greatest Flat Race in the World.
What Time Does The Derby Start?
The Betfred Derby 2024 will be run at 4.30pm BST on Saturday 1st June at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
United States: 11:30 am EDT Time
Canada: 11:30 am EDT Time
Australia: 1:30 am AEST 2 June
What TV channel is it on?
The race will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage also available on the subscription service Racing TV. By law, the Derby is one of only two races that must be shown on free-to-air television in the UK. The other is the Grand National.
Runners Guide
Provisional timings for Derby Day are below.
GATES OPEN 11AM
FIRST RACE 1:25PM
LAST RACE 5:50PM
AFTER PARTY AT THE REKORDERLIG BAR WITH VERNON KAY 6PM – 7:30PM
Access to the After Party is for; Hospitality guests, Queen Elizabeth II Stand, Duchess’s Reserved Seating, Cedric’s and Grandstand customers only.
| START TIMES | RACE | DISTANCE |
| 1.25pm | The Hong Kong Jockey Club Lester Piggott Handicap Stakes | 1M 2F |
| 2.00pm | The Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored by My Pension Expert) (Group 3) | 1M 4F |
| 2.35pm | The Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3) | 1M 113Y |
| 3.10pm | The Betfred 3 Year Old ‘Dash’ Handicap Stakes | 5F |
| 3.45pm | The Aston Martin ‘Dash’ Handicap Stakes | 5F |
| 4.30pm | The Betfred Derby (Group 1) | 1M 4F |
| 5.15pm | The Long Shot Northern Dancer Handicap Stakes | 1M 4F |
| 5.50pm | The JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap Stakes | 6F |
Prediction about 2024 Epsom Derby
Predicting the outcome of a specific sporting event like the 2024 Epsom Derby is inherently speculative, as it depends on numerous factors such as the condition of the horses, the strategies employed by their trainers and jockeys, and even unforeseen variables like weather conditions on race day. However, I can offer some general predictions based on historical trends and the state of the sport at the time.
- Competitive Field: The 2024 Epsom Derby is likely to feature a highly competitive field, with top trainers and owners vying for the prestigious title. Expect to see horses with impressive pedigrees and promising racing records competing for the win.
- International Contenders: The Epsom Derby has increasingly attracted entries from around the globe, and this trend is likely to continue in 2024. Look for horses from various countries, including traditional racing powerhouses like the UK, Ireland, and the United States, as well as emerging racing nations, to compete for glory.
- Trainer and Jockey Dynamics: The success of a horse in a race as demanding as the Epsom Derby often depends on the synergy between the trainer and the jockey. Expect to see established partnerships between top trainers and jockeys, as well as potential surprise pairings that could shake up the competition.
- Innovation and Strategy: Horse racing is a sport that constantly evolves, with trainers and owners always seeking new ways to gain an edge. Whether it’s through innovative training techniques, strategic race planning, or advancements in horse health and performance, expect to see elements of innovation and strategy play a role in the 2024 Epsom Derby.
- Unpredictability: Despite all efforts to predict the outcome, horse racing remains inherently unpredictable. Factors like track conditions, post position draw, and even the temperament of individual horses on race day can all influence the result. Therefore, while there may be favorites leading up to the event, the actual outcome of the 2024 Epsom Derby is anyone’s guess until the horses cross the finish line.
