The Epsom Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, took place on June 1, 2024, at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England. This year’s race was a thrilling contest, with a field of 16 three-year-old colts vying for the coveted title.
The Race
The 2024 Derby was run over a distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs and 10 yards (approximately 2,414 meters) on ground described as good to soft. The race was a tactical affair, with several horses vying for the lead early on. However, it was Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy, ridden by Ryan Moore, who emerged as the winner, prevailing by a length and a quarter from Ambiente Friendly.
The Runners
The field for the 2024 Derby was a competitive one, with several horses coming into the race with strong form. Some of the notable runners included:
City Of Troy: The eventual winner, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore. City Of Troy was a well-bred colt who had shown plenty of promise in his previous starts.
Ambiente Friendly: The runner-up, trained by James Fanshawe and ridden by Robert Havlin. Ambiente Friendly ran a solid race and was unlucky not to win.
Los Angeles: Another Aidan O’Brien-trained runner, ridden by Wayne Lordan. Los Angeles ran a good race but was ultimately outclassed by the winner.
Deira Mile: Trained by Owen Burrows and ridden by Jim Crowley. Deira Mile ran a respectable race but was never a serious contender for victory.
Sayedaty Sadaty: Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Tom Marquand. Sayedaty Sadaty ran a creditable race but was ultimately outclassed by the winner.
The Race in Review
The 2024 Derby was a thrilling race that lived up to its billing. The winner, City Of Troy, was a worthy champion, and the race provided plenty of excitement for the large crowd in attendance. The Derby is always a highlight of the flat racing season, and this year’s renewal was no exception.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Derby is now over, but the flat racing season is far from over. There are still many big races to come, including the St Leger Stakes, the Irish Derby, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Horse racing fans will be eagerly anticipating these upcoming events.
Additional Information
Here are some additional details about the 2024 Epsom Derby:
The race was sponsored by Betfred.
The prize money for the race was £1,500,000.
The winning time for the race was 2 minutes 35.33 seconds.
The Epsom Derby is one of the five Classic races in British horse racing.
The other four Classic races are the 2000 Guineas, the 1000 Guineas, the Oaks Stakes, and the St Leger Stakes.
FAQs
What is the Epsom Derby?
The Epsom Derby, also known as the Betfred Derby in 2024, is one of the most prestigious flat horse races globally, held annually in Epsom, England. It is a Group 1 race open to three-year-old colts and fillies and runs over 1 mile, 4 furlongs, and 6 yards.
When and where will the 2024 Derby take place?
The 2024 Derby is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The event is part of the British flat racing season and draws significant attention globally.
Who are the leading contenders for the 2024 Derby?
Key names in the race include:
City of Troy: Trained by Aidan O’Brien, known for his juvenile dominance.
Ancient Wisdom: A Godolphin-trained colt aiming to reclaim top form.
Los Angeles: Another O’Brien runner, showcasing stamina and pedigree.
Dancing Gemini: Runner-up in the French 2,000 Guineas, indicating stamina potential
What are the odds for Derby runners in 2024?
The betting market highlights the following odds:
City of Troy: 3-1 favorite.
Dancing Gemini: 10-1, reflecting his recent performance in France.
Dallas Star: 33-1, an outsider despite some strong runs
Which trainers have the most Derby wins?
Aidan O’Brien leads modern trainers with multiple victories, including wins by Galileo and Camelot. Charlie Appleby, representing Godolphin, is also a notable contender with successes in recent years.
What is the significance of the racecourse draw?
Historically, stalls from the higher half of the draw have been favorable. In 2024, Ancient Wisdom benefits from stall 11, while the likes of Dancing Gemini face challenges from stall 15
How is the Derby winner determined?
Like any horse race, the winner is the first to cross the finish line. However, strategic pacing, ground conditions, jockey skill, and horse stamina are all critical factors
What are the track conditions for the 2024 Derby?
The track conditions for 2024 are currently reported as good to soft, with some rain expected before race day. This could influence performance, particularly for horses that excel in softer going.
To conclude
The Epsom Derby remains a jewel in the crown of British horse racing, not just for its history but also for the athletic prowess it showcases. The 2024 edition is particularly exciting, as it features a blend of seasoned trainers, promising young colts, and competitive dynamics that make the race a must-watch.
City of Troy enters the race as the favorite, yet questions linger over his form following a disappointing run earlier in the season. On the other hand, Ancient Wisdom represents the hopes of Godolphin and has the advantage of a favorable draw. Meanwhile, Los Angeles, a sibling to other successful racers, brings resilience and stamina into the equation, making him a strong contender.
Ground conditions often play a pivotal role in the Derby, and the current forecast of “good to soft” might influence trainers’ strategies. Horses like Dallas Star, who has performed well in testing conditions, could surprise punters if rain persists. For jockeys, understanding the nuances of Epsom’s undulating terrain will be crucial, as will their ability to balance their horse’s energy over the 1 mile and 4-furlong distance.
The Derby isn’t just about winning; it’s about legacy. Horses that succeed here often go on to be champions in breeding, passing their superior genes to future generations of racers. For spectators, the Derby offers a chance to witness history in the making, with an electric atmosphere combining tradition, excitement, and high stakes.
To read more , click here
