Epsom Derby Odds
How to Bet on the Epsom Derby
Futures
Bookmakers will have Epsom Derby odds available in their futures section months ahead of the race taking place.
Also known as ante-post betting in the UK and Ireland, placing an Epsom Derby futures bet can secure bettors favourable odds in the right circumstances, especially if a chosen horse gains attention closer to the race and its price shortens.
Some sportsbooks offer a Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) guarantee in the lead-up to the Epsom Derby. This means if you place a futures wager on a horse that doesn’t end up racing, your stake will be refunded.
Always check the terms at your chosen sportsbook before placing any futures bets.
Win
A win bet is the most straightforward betting option - you’re backing a horse to finish first in the Epsom Derby.
If your selection wins, the bet pays out. Any other result and the bet is a loser.
Place
A place bet pays out if your horse finishes in a designated position — typically 1st or 2nd in smaller fields, and sometimes 3rd or 4th, depending on the number of runners and the sportsbook’s terms.
Each-Way
An each-way bet splits your stake equally between a win and a place bet.
If your selection wins the Epsom Derby, both parts of the bet pay out. If the horse only places, you still get a return.
The amount returned on an each-way bet that places is calculated as a fraction of the win odds (such as 1/5 or 1/4).
Each-way betting is a popular option for outsiders at longer Epsom Derby odds, giving bettors a chance of a payout even if their horse doesn’t win outright.
However, depending on the win odds of the horse, you may get back less than you wagered if a horse only places. Make sure you are aware of the potential returns before placing an each-way bet.
(Note: Each-way betting is most common in the UK and Ireland and may not be available at all sportsbooks in the US or Canada.)
How to Read the Epsom Derby Odds
The appearance of Epsom Derby odds is likely to vary depending on which country you are betting in. The three most common odds displays are fractional, decimal and American, and most major sportsbooks will allow you to toggle between these formats.
Fractional odds - used mostly in the UK and Ireland - are displayed as ratios, such as 5/1 or 12/1.
The number to the left of the line is the potential profit from the stake, which is the number on the right. If the odds were 5/1, you’d win 5 units for every 1 unit staked (plus your original stake).
For example, a £10 bet at 5/1 returns £60 in total (£50 profit + £10 stake).
What is the Epsom Derby?
Often described as the ultimate test of a racehorse’s speed, stamina, and composure, the Epsom Derby is the crown jewel of British Flat racing since it’s inaugural running in 1780.
Epsom Derby Facts
- The race is named after Edward Smith-Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby, following a coin toss between him and Sir Charles Bunbury to decide who the race would be named after.
- Held annually in early June at Epsom Downs, England
- Open to three-year-old colts and fillies.
- Run over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards.
- Considered one of the five British Classics and the middle leg of the Triple Crown (2,000 Guineas, Derby, St Leger).
- Famous previous winners include racing legends like Shergar, Sea The Stars, and Galileo.
Comparing Epsom Derby Odds
At Gambling.com, we help you compare the latest Epsom Derby odds from top sportsbooks in real time.
Our odds comparison tool tracks fluctuations in the market, helping you find the best value on a range of bets for the British Classic.
Whether you’re backing the favourite or looking for an outsider with each-way appeal, regularly checking Epsom Derby odds - along with reading Gambling.com’s racing expert analysis - can help you make informed decisions and get maximum value on your selections.
