BetFred Derby Draw 2025

In a historic first for British horse racing, the draw for the Epsom Derby—the world’s most prestigious flat race—was held 72 hours before the event at a special ceremony hosted at the Epsom Picturehouse in Epsom Square, Epsom, Surrey.

With an audience including horse owners, top trainers, racing journalists, and local business figures, the draw combined heritage with showmanship. Legendary jockey Willie Carson, a four-time Derby winner, and Martin Dwyer, who famously rode Sir Percy to victory in the 2006 Epsom Derby, conducted the draw.

In a unique collaboration with the English Football Association, the Derby utilised the same balls and machine used for FA Cup draws, adding an extra layer of drama and familiarity to proceedings. As tradition and data collided, all eyes were on one number: Stall 10. Since starting stalls were introduced in 1967, no stall has produced more winners—11 in total—than this fabled gate. This went to  Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s runner, Lambourn speculation swirled through the room about how the draw might impact the race outcome.

Following the ceremony, Willie Carson reflected on the enduring challenge of the Derby and the iconic course at Epsom Downs:

“It definitely is the true test of the thoroughbred. The mile and a half, coming down the hill towards Tattenham Corner—you’re at the seven furlongs, 110 feet from the start to the top of the hill. That’s a long way out of it, climbing all the way. Then you come round, and you’re turning from the seven furlongs, slightly left, all the way until you get into the straight.”

Martin Dwyer agreed, noting the unpredictable nature of Epsom’s unique topography:

“Some horses don’t like running downhill—and it’s the steepest hill we’ve got. I’ve ridden horses around Epsom that just don’t act. It’s a challenge of a thoroughbred, challenge of a jockey, and a test of both horse and rider mentality. It is one of the hardest races to win.”

Pressed on their tips for the BetFred Derby 2025, both Carson and Dwyer leaned toward the favorite, Delacroix, while Carson offered Stanhope Gardens as his pick for a valuable each-way bet.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, added a personal touch to the event.

“As someone who grew up in Croydon, to be in charge of the Derby is surreal. I grew up going to the Derby as a kid—it was the only day I’d miss school for. It always was, and still is, the greatest horse race in the world. The track is a rollercoaster. There’s nothing like it anywhere.”

Course conditions were also a hot topic. Andrew Cooper, Clerk of the Course, explained the challenges faced this year:

“It’s been a difficult spring—so dry. This is my 30th Derby, and I’ve never known such a prolonged dry spell from March through May. That said, we could see some heavy showers on Saturday, which could change the going again. We’re monitoring it closely.”

Among the hopefuls is local resident James Rimmer, part-owner of Stanhope Gardens, who shared his excitement ahead of race day:

“I’ll get up there in plenty of time. I can walk to the course—it takes me about 20 minutes. Hopefully we’ll run a nice race and have something to celebrate. It’s a good each-way price anyway. I’ll pop over to the old Amato and see whose name has been written on the well—you never know.”

As the countdown continues to Saturday’s race, excitement is palpable across Epsom and the racing world. With a revamped draw process, a competitive field, and the unpredictable British weather in play, the 2025 BetFred Derby promises all the ingredients for another thrilling chapter in racing history.

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