Betfred Derby 2025 Draw Confirmed: Final Field Declared for Epsom’s Iconic Classic
Race Time: 3:30pm Saturday, 7th June 2025, Epsom Downs
The field is set, the draw has been made, and the countdown to the 2025 Betfred Derby is very much on. Yes, the 246th running of the Epsom Classic now has its cast of characters, minus one Puppet Master who bowed out at the eleventh hour like a magician with stage fright. But make no mistake – there’s no shortage of drama in store.
For those seeking a flutter, William Hill’s ever-popular Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets welcome offer provides the perfect excuse to go in on a front-runner, a dark horse, and maybe even something daft at 100/1. Because this is Epsom, and stranger things have happened.
Ruling Court Leads the Cast – but Can He Reign Again?
The headline act is undoubtedly Ruling Court, fresh from his victory in the 2000 Guineas and now gunning for the double that’s seen stars like Sea The Stars and Camelot cement their place in turf folklore. William Buick takes the ride for Charlie Appleby, and Godolphin’s confidence appears high. But so are expectations, and Epsom is not in the habit of being kind to favourites.
Saeed bin Suroor also throws his silks into the ring with Tornado Alert, who represents the second Godolphin string. Less hype, perhaps, but this is no mug.
Ballydoyle Reloads: Delacroix, The Lion In Winter and Lambourn
While Puppet Master has exited stage left, Aidan O’Brien remains well stocked with three intriguing runners. Delacroix, one of the ante-post favourites, looks to silence the doubters who question his staying power. The Lion In Winter – who threw away his lines in the Dante – is back for another take. And Lambourn, steady and genuine, might be the one to grind it out if it becomes a test of mettle.
Beckett and the Boys: Pride Of Arras and Stanhope Gardens
Ralph Beckett doesn’t arrive at Epsom to make up the numbers. Pride Of Arras, after that stylish Dante victory, has been quietly buzzing in ante-post circles and goes under Rossa Ryan. Then there’s Stanhope Gardens, an enigmatic sort with old form lines linking him to both Ruling Court and Delacroix. Form nerds, take note.
Gosden Duo Bring Balance and Intrigue
John and Thady Gosden have two darts to throw. Damysus, second in the Dante and clearly on the upgrade, looks the more obvious player. But Nightwalker, quietly impressive in fifth that day, is no forlorn hope. If he’s improved even a touch since York, don’t be shocked if he’s rattling home late.
Les Français Arrivent: Midak and New Ground Supplemented
Bonjour! For the first time since Pour Moi in 2011, we’ve got serious Gallic interest. Midak, under Mickael Barzalona, and New Ground, piloted by Alexis Pouchin, were supplemented earlier this week. A bold move that speaks volumes about their camps’ ambitions. Could we be in for a cross-Channel upset?
Longshots, Late Surges and Local Hopefuls
Every Derby needs its characters. Enter Tennessee Stud, Tuscan Hills, and Lazy Griff – three that may not top many lists but will have their backers nonetheless. Then there’s Al Wasl Storm, Sea Scout, Nightime Dancer, Rogue Impact, and Green Storm, all looking to grab a slice of Classic glory, even if only briefly.
Betfred Derby 2025 Runners & Riders
- Al Wasl Storm (David Probert)
- Damysus (James Doyle)
- Delacroix (TBC)
- Green Storm (Billy Loughnane)
- Lambourn (TBC)
- Lazy Griff (Christophe Soumillon)
- Midak (Mickael Barzalona)
- New Ground (Alexis Pouchin)
- Nightime Dancer (Jamie Spencer)
- Nightwalker (Tom Marquand)
- Pride Of Arras (Rossa Ryan)
- Rogue Impact (Luke Morris)
- Ruling Court (William Buick)
- Sea Scout (Harry Davies)
- Stanhope Gardens (Hector Crouch)
- Tennessee Stud (TBC)
- The Lion In Winter (TBC)
- Tornado Alert (Oisin Murphy)
- Tuscan Hills (David Egan)
