2023 Epsom Derby Betting Offers & Expert Tips
Welcome to our Epsom Derby betting guide! This page contains everything you need to know about betting on the UK’s richest flat race. We provide everything from expert tips and betting offers to information on previous winners and an overview of records. Keep reading and let us help you pick the winner of the Epsom Derby.
Where to Bet on the 2023 Epsom Derby
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Features of the Best Epsom Derby Betting Sites
If you have experience with betting on horses in general, you’ll understand that odds vary significantly from one bookmaker to another – and there’s no exception for the Epsom Derby. Betting with one online bookie will reap bigger rewards than placing the same bet somewhere else.
In addition to odds, the user experience is far superior at certain sites. This could mean watching live races, betting in-play, getting best odds guaranteed, and more. These features all combine to give you a completely different experience when betting on the Derby.
Here are three features to look out for when deciding where to bet on the Epsom Derby:
Betting App
Mobile betting apps heavily divide opinion in the betting community. Some people swear by them, and others go out of their way to avoid using them. But a slick betting app is very helpful for checking odds quickly and efficiently. This is particularly useful for Epsom Derby betting, because odds change regularly due to the high quantity of betting attention it receives.
Race Coverage
Does the bookmaker offer daily horse racing betting markets, or do they just show up for major events like the Epsom Derby? Betting with an online bookmaker that has accumulated a lot of experience in horse racing will generally give you a better overall experience, as they’ll have a more thorough understanding of what customers betting on Epsom Derby really look for.
Live Streaming
Horse racing is a hugely popular sport for live streaming, as you can watch a short build up before the starter gives the green light for the race to begin. If this is an important feature to you, ensure the Epsom Derby betting site you use provides live streams of races. It’s much more common these days, but there are still some bookmakers which don’t support this feature.
Epsom Derby – Bet on the UK’s Richest Flat Race
If this is your first time betting on the Epsom Derby, the name itself may be a tad confusing. The race goes by quite a few different monikers including the Derby Stakes, the English Derby, or just the Derby. You might even hear of it as the ‘Blue Riband’, but they’re all one and the same.
Five famous races are collectively known as the Classics in British horse racing: the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, 1,000 Guineas Stakes, The Oaks, St Leger Stakes, and the Derby.
Of those five, the Epsom Derby is ranked as the most prestigious and coveted of the lot. And, on top of all that, it’s the richest race in Britain. In other words, it’s a really big deal!
How to Bet on the Epsom Derby Online
The prestige of the Epsom Derby means it’s a popular event not only with horse racing enthusiasts but also casual punters who are intrigued by the race’s reputation. If you’re considering betting on the Derby for the first time but don’t know how to begin, follow the five steps below.
Step 1
Choose a Bookmaker
The first step is to decide where to bet on the Epsom Derby. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to where you should sign up, but you’ll be in safe hands with any of the bookmakers listed on this page. We only recommend licensed bookmakers with a rich reputation.
Step 2
Do Your Research
Check out the list of horses, jockeys and trainers to make an informed decision on who will win the 2023 Epsom Derby. In the next section we discuss the benefits of Epsom Derby ante post betting, but you can also wait until just before the off to place your bets.
Step 3
Compare the Latest Odds
Before you place your bets, take some time to compare Derby betting odds between a few of the top bookmakers. Odds shorten and drift in the blink of an eye, especially in the run up to start time. If you’re placing a significant bet on the Epsom Derby, we recommend using a bookie which offers best odds guaranteed.
Step 4
Place your Bets
Once you’re happy with your selections, it’s time to bet on the Derby. If you’ve followed the previous steps, this should ensure you’re getting some of the best odds available on the Epsom Derby.
Step 5
Watch the Race
Once your bets are placed, you should be able to watch the race live on the site itself, if you’re using one of the top Epsom Derby betting sites. There will usually be in-race commentary available, and you can view the in-play odds or even cash out if your horse moves into a prominent position.
Epsom Derby Ante-Post Betting
Although it might sometimes seem that way, bookies don’t simply know who will win a competition. When they’re pricing up a horse, it’s based on many factors. Initially, some of this will be their own data and expert analysis. But the price of the horse is also heavily dictated by the market.
This means Epsom Derby ante-post betting is an opportunity for you to get bigger odds than punters who bet closer to the time of the race.
Epsom Derby ante-post betting consists of bets placed months in advance of the race. There are downsides: the horse could pull out, the dynamic of the race could change, or their odds could drift. But if you make informed decisions, you could end up betting on the favourite at odds far greater than its starting price, because you got your bet on before the market had a chance to influence the price.
There are also some solid indicators to tip you off for Epsom Derby ante-post betting specifically. For instance, the winner of the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy, which is held way back in October, almost invariably ranks among the favourites for the Epsom Derby by the time the race is held. Getting in there ahead of the crowd can prove fruitful.
2023 Epsom Derby Betting Tips & Predictions
From the moment the very first few horses enter the Epsom Derby, ante-post betting begins and speculation builds over the eventual winner. This months-long process can take many twists and turns, but our horse racing experts have analysed the available data and identified three horses they think could win the Epsom Derby this year.
Here are our three top tips for the Epsom Derby winner:
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin
This is not a particularly difficult shout, as Auguste Rodin is favourite in the latest Epsom Derby betting odds and the pick of many horse race betting experts. The horse has proven class, showcased in October at the G1 Vertem Futurity Stakes in Doncaster. And as we mentioned earlier in this Epsom Derby betting review, the winner of that race is always a favourite.
But for us, it’s the trainer who is even more convincing. Aidan O’Brien has presided over a record-breaking eight winners at Derby over the last two decades. Can he strike for a ninth time?
Al Riffa
Al Riffa
Those put off by the already-short odds of Auguste Rodin may find value in backing Al Riffa, ironically trained by Aidan O’Brien’s son, Joseph. The two-time former winner will have glorious memories of the Epsom Derby from his time as a jockey, and it’s clear that horse racing is in his blood. But can he dethrone his own father in the training arena?
Some questions linger over whether Al Riffa has what it takes to hold out for the mile and a half, but the horse’s form in a win at the G1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes win gives a lot of reason to believe.
Silver Knott
Silver Knott
Drag your eyes away from the O’Brien super stable and you’ll see that Charlie Appleby is just as active, with the likes of Imperial Emperor and Flying Honours in the running.
But it’s Silver Knott who our experts are putting under the lens, largely due to a very impressive showing at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Ultimately, Silver Knott just missed out, and while this could be a sign of weakness it also means that the odds are significantly lengthened.
If you’re in the market for a horse which has all the potential to win if it can just overcome O’Brien’s favourites, Silver Knott deserves to be in your thinking.
Epsom Derby Betting Offers Explained
Whether you’re signing up at a new bookie or using one you’re already a member with, you can take advantage of several Epsom Derby betting offers. It’s such a big race with so many punters interested that online bookies are more or less obligated to deliver some kind of special offer, or they’ll get pushed out in favour of other Epsom Derby betting sites.
But how exactly do all these offers work? Here’s a quick overview of the most popular Epsom Derby betting offers:
Welcome Offers
Welcome Offers
Welcome packages can consist of free bets on the Epsom Derby, first deposit bonuses, and more. If you’re looking to sign up at a new betting site for the Epsom Derby, make sure you choose one with an offer which is valid on this race.
Price Boosts
Price Boosts
For a limited time, price boosts will give you better odds than were previously available. For example, if Auguste Rodin is 3/1 to win the Epsom Derby, betting odds could be increased to 5/1 with a price boost.
Best Odds Guaranteed
Best Odds Guaranteed
This particular Epsom Derby offer is excellent if you’re placing your bets early. With best odds guaranteed, if your horse is available at a higher starting price than the odds you received, you’ll be paid at the better odds.
Extra Places
Extra Places
Another betting offer which is ideal for the Epsom Derby due to the number of runners in the race. Extra places paid means you’ll get paid for each-way bets in more positions. For example, if most bookies are paying out the top five positions, a site with extra places paid may offer six or seven.
Non-Runner No Bet
Non-Runner No Bet
If you’re placing a large sum, especially on a favourite for the Epsom Derby, non-runner no bet could provide some important insurance. If, for any reason, your horse doesn’t participate, you’ll receive a full refund of your stake.
Previous Winners of the Epsom Derby
As you’ll have seen in this Epsom Derby betting guide, history matters. Whether it’s the horse’s previous races or the trainer’s pedigree in winning the Epsom Derby before, past results can help guide us in the direction of the next winner.
With that in mind, here are the winners of the Epsom Derby dating back to 2010:
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Desert Crown | Richard Kingscote | Sir Michael Stoute | 2:36:38 |
| 2021 | Adayar | Adam Kirby | Charlie Appleby | 2:36:85 |
| 2020 | Serpentine | Emmet McNamara | Aidan O’Brien | 2:34:43 |
| 2019 | Anthony Van Dyck | Seamie Heffernan | Aidan O’Brien | 2:33:38 |
| 2018 | Masar | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | 2:34:93 |
| 2017 | Wings of Eagles | Padraig Beggy | Aidan O’Brien | 2:33:02 |
| 2016 | Harzand | Pat Smullen | Dermot Weld | 2:40:09 |
| 2015 | Golden Horn | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden | 2:32:32 |
| 2014 | Australia | Joseph O’Brien | Aidan O’Brien | 2:33:63 |
| 2013 | Ruler of the World | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien | 2:39:06 |
| 2012 | Camelot | Joseph O’Brien | Aidan O’Brien | 2:33.90 |
| 2011 | Pour Moi | Mickael Barzalona | André Fabre | 2:34:54 |
| 2010 | Workforce | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute | 2:31:33 |
Epsom Derby Records
Aside from just giving you a good overview of the history of the race, checking out the records can also help inform decisions on your Epsom Derby betting.
Here are some of the most useful records to be aware of when betting on the Epsom Derby:
Leading Jockey
Leading Jockey
Lester Piggott is the all-time star jockey in the Epsom Derby race with nine victories. Remarkably, these wins were spread over 29 years, starting with Never Say Die in 1954 and ending with Teenoso in 1983, demonstrating his immense longevity.
Leading Trainer
Leading Trainer
It’s that man again. Aiden O’Brien is the current record holder for Epsom Derby winners having managed his way to eight wins. That includes that famous victory as his son Joseph romped home on Camelot, becoming the first father-son duo to take down the Epsom Derby.
Leading Owner
Leading Owner
Sue Magnier and Michael Tabor hold the record for the most wins as owners (or joint-owners) including recent wins with Wings of Eagles (2017), Anthony Van Dyck (2019) and Serpentine (2020) as part of the popular ‘super stables’ which produce regular winners.
Fastest Winning Time
Fastest Winning Time
At 2:31:33, the name Workforce was the perfect fit for a new winning-time record at the Epsom Derby. That horse was trained in 2010 by Sir Michael Stoute, who recently won it again in 2022.
Widest Winning Margin
Widest Winning Margin
You have to go back to 1981 to find the most one-sided victory in Epsom Derby history as Shergar eased home at a distance of 10 lengths. A hot 10/11 favourite, the horse was trained by Sir Michael Stoute – once again demonstrating his pedigree in the Epsom Derby.
Longest Odds Winners
Longest Odds Winners
Imagine backing a 100/1 horse and it landing in your next Epsom Derby bet! That’s exactly what happened not once, not twice, but three times in the past. It was quite some time ago, though, with outsiders Jeddah (1898), Signorinetta (1908) and Aboyeur (1913) all taking the crown at triple-digit odds.
Shortest Odds Winner
Shortest Odds Winner
Conversely, there was no upset when Ladas won this prestigious race back in 1894. Epsom Derby betting saw odds as short as 2/9 ahead of the race. As unappealing as that may sound, it still proved a savvy bet as the thoroughbred – who was famously owned by then-Prime Minister Lord Rosebery – delivered the goods.
Ready to Bet on the Epsom Derby?
Now that you know all there is to know about Epsom Derby betting, it’s time to sign up at one of the best online bookmakers and bet on the UK’s richest flat race.
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About the author
Alan Penny
Editor-in-Chief
Alan hails from Northern Ireland and is an avid fan of all sports. He has been with us since 2017 and serves as SBO’s Editor-in-Chief. Alan passionately covers everything from the latest regulatory developments across the globe to tips on the latest football matches.
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