The days are counting down to one of the richest and most prestigious meetings of the racing
calendar with this year’s hotly anticipated event set to take place on Saturday, June 1st.
Epsom is unique unlike other prestigious races like the Melbourne Cup because you only get one
shot at the Derby so it really is ‘the winner takes it all’.
We’ve seen history made with favourite Tiger Roll winning successive National’s and over the years
we’ve seen some amazing runners claim the title, here’s our lowdown on some of the best horses to
ever take to the Epsom track and we’ve also got a few tips on how you can make a little bit of cash
over the coming weekend.
Sea-Bird-1965
Guided by Aussie jockey Australian jockey Pat Glennon, the French colt steamed to victory after
seeing off the challenge of Meadow Court, a fine horse in his own right, at Epsom in a great race in
the mid-60s. Infact, Sea-bird was unfortunate went so close to finishing his career unbeaten; he
claimed another storming victory against a strong pack in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, winning by 6
lengths in the end. Pundits and experts still debate whether or not he was the best flat horse runner
of the last century and given his strength, speed and power, those on the ‘yes’ side have a good
case.
Nijinsky-1970
Believe or not this horse is the most recent victor of British racing’s prestigious Triple Crown: the
2,000 Guineas, Derby and the St Leger (although this feat is hardly attempted now given the
demands of the season and that record is unlikely to be beaten anytime soon. Bred in North America
but trained in Ireland, Nijinsky is actually named after a Russian ballet dancer- you don’t see that too
often.
Mill Reef-1971
The early 70s were a great period for runners at Epsom and Mill Reef was a dangerous and powerful
contender who demonstrated remarkable speed as a two-year-old and even dismissed any doubts a
about his stamina with a stunning display of power and determination to win the Derby crown.
The only time the horse as beaten that season was by the magnificent Brigadier Gerard in the 2,000
Guineas but in 1971 he went on to win the Eclipse, King George and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe- an
impressive feat.
Sea The Stars- 2009
An apt name for a very impressive horse with amazing stats who pulled off a remarkable streak of six
straight Group 1 wins as a three-year-old. The Derby really bought out the best of him throughout
his dazzling career and in 2009, guided by Mick Kinane he romped home. If it wasn’t for Frankel,
many argue he would be the best horse of this century.
Matched Betting on the Derby
The Epsom Derby is synonymous with having a little flutter and we’ve had many questions about
how to match bet at matched betting sites. What you might not know is that matched betting can
actually, guarantee a profit because you cover all the outcomes of the event you are wagering on via
a back bet and a lay bet.
A back bet is betting on something to happen. I.e. you may put down a back bet on one of the
favourites to win the Derby.
A lay bet is when you wager on something not to happen. If you are in two minds and think your pick
might now win then you would ‘lay’ your chosen horse. This way you are guaranteed profit.
