Horse racing at the Epsom Derby which is also known as The Derby and The Derby Stakes is prestigious and takes place in June. It's an excellent opportunity to bet on the thoroughbred horse that you think could win! Run on the Epsom Down the race spans a whole mile and The Derby is one of five races known as The Classics.

The Derby began life in the late 1700s when the Oaks Stakes which first ran in 1779 had created interest in the sport. Named after the 12th Earl of Derby the first race at the Epsom track took place in the year 1780, in May and was won by a horse called Diomed.

During the racecourse's history the starting point of the race has been moved twice, the first time it was moved in 1848 and the second time the starting point moved was in the year 1872. As a long standing and inspiring tradition, The Derby has been the basis for lots of similar racecourses and events around the world, including the Irish Derby, Deutsches Derby, Derby Italiano and the Prix Du Jockey Club in France.

Many US racecourses also use the term Derby such as the Kentucky Derby, marking it as one of the most internationally respected racecourses for thoroughbred horses in the world. If you're trying to decide which of The Classics to place a bet on, The Derby is a great choice and it's steeped in history and a legend in its own right.