The Epsom Classics: An Introduction

Features | 1st July 2020

The Investec Derby is the most valuable race in Britain and the most prestigious of the five Classics run in Britain. It is run at Epsom Downs racecourse over a mile and a half and is open to three-year-old colts and fillies.

Although, the last filly to run in the race was 1,000 Guineas winner Cape Verdi in 1998. The top class fillies tend to head to the Investec Oaks which is run over the same distance but is only open to three-year-old fillies. These two races would ordinarily take place on the first Friday and Saturday in June, but due to the coronavirus pandemic they have been rescheduled to be run on the same day this coming Saturday! What makes these race’s such heralded prizes within the British calendar?

Why they are so important…

The duo form part of the British “Classics”. A title given to five long-standing Group 1 horse races run during the Flat racing season. They are only open to three-year-old horses and traditionally represent the pinnacle of achievement for any British-trained racehorse. As such, victory in any classic marks a horse as amongst the best of their generation and in turn will often provide them with a retirement career breeding future champions of the sport!

What makes them so difficult…

The Derby and Oaks are a unique test of the thoroughbred, requiring a rare blend of speed, stamina and good balance to negotiate the undulating terrain on the Epsom Downs; including a sharp downhill run and then a stiff uphill climb in the home straight. A huge degree of skill is required in the saddle to guide the horse through such a difficult test. For a jockey to win it is often seen as the crowning achievement of their career. The most famous riders in the sport like Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore have won the race multiple times and will be aiming for yet more glory come Saturday.

The Race Everyone Wants To Win…

No matter if you are a trainer, jockey, or owner this is the one race you want to win above all others. Veteran Irish trainer Dermot Weld reflected on his 2016 win, “I suppose not winning the Derby has been nagging away at me for a bit. It was the one race I needed to win. Quite often, though, you do not have a good enough horse to run in the race, let alone win it. You have to make every opportunity count when you do.” It is truly an unforgettable experience to be involved in a Derby win.

Who is running in the 2020 Investec Derby…

The runners and riders for the Derby are not yet fully confirmed but English King, Kameko and Russian Emperor currently lead the market as the favoured contenders. English King has received plenty of plaudits in the build-up and has received another boost with the Jockey booking of Frankie Dettori. Kameko on the other hand has the best form in the race having won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and will be partnered by reigning champion jockey Oisin Murphy. Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has had a great deal of success in the race; his first success coming back in 2001 when the great Galileo won in ultra impressive fashion. Galileo’s legacy has since gone on to be far broader than that having sired an incredible four Derby winners since becoming a stallion. He has no less than six sons entered to run in this Saturday’s renewal, all trained again by O’Brien, so it would come as little surprise to see that legacy cemented yet further.

Who is running in the 2020 Investec Oaks…

Like the Investec Derby, the runners and riders for the Oaks are not yet fully confirmed but 1000 Guineas winner Love and impressive Royal Ascot winner Frankly Darling will likely lead a strong field to post. Love, just like Kameko, is stepping up in trip having won the fillies’ Classic of the season at Newmarket last time out. The horse certainly has the right man in her corner as master trainer Aidan O’Brien has saddled 7 winners of the race over his career. Frankly Darling also has history in her favour as last year’s winner Anapurna and 2017 winner Enable were trained and ridden by her handling team of John Gosden and Frankie Dettori. Will history repeat itself yet again this year? Tune into ITV1 from 1:25 pm this Saturday for what will undoubtedly be an afternoon of unmissable action!