The Epsom Derby Festival stands as one of the most anticipated events in the British sporting calendar, drawing fans of flat racing, fashion, and spectacle to the historic Epsom Downs Racecourse.
In 2025, the festival runs from Friday, 6 June to Saturday, 7 June, promising two days packed with top-class racing, high drama, and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter, a racing enthusiast, or simply curious about the running order, here’s your comprehensive guide to every race, every day, with all the key times and TV details you need to follow the action live.
Friday 6 June 2025 – Ladies’ Day
Ladies’ Day at Epsom Downs is a vibrant celebration of style and sport, setting the scene for the festival with a blend of high fashion and high stakes.
The day is anchored by two Group 1 races – the Coronation Cup and the Betfred Oaks – each carrying its own legacy and attracting the best horses, trainers, and jockeys.
The racecourse comes alive from late morning, with gates opening at 11am and the first race scheduled for 1:30pm.
Below is the full running order for Friday, with a brief look at what makes each race special.
Friday Race Schedule
| Time | Race Name |
|---|---|
| 1:30pm | Nyetimber Surrey Stakes |
| 2:05pm | Betfred British EBF Woodcote Stakes |
| 2:40pm | Coronation Cup (Group 1) |
| 3:15pm | Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap Stakes |
| 4:00pm | Betfred Oaks (Group 1) |
| 4:35pm | Trustatrader Handicap |
| 5:10pm | Debenhams Handicap |
Kicking off the festival, the Nyetimber Surrey Stakes is a Listed contest for three-year-olds over seven furlongs.
This race often serves as a proving ground for progressive milers, offering a glimpse of future stars as they test their mettle on Epsom’s unique undulating track.
2:05pm – Betfred British EBF Woodcote Stakes
The Woodcote Stakes is one of the oldest two-year-old races in the UK.
Over six furlongs, this sprint showcases some of the most precocious juveniles of the season.
It’s a race where raw talent and early speed come to the fore, and many past winners have gone on to greater success later in the summer.
2:40pm – Coronation Cup (Group 1)
Open to older horses, the Coronation Cup is a Group 1 contest run over the same mile-and-a-half trip as the Derby and Oaks.
This race brings together proven middle-distance performers, often featuring Derby alumni returning as four-year-olds or older.
The Coronation Cup’s roll of honour is studded with champions, making it a highlight for racing purists.
3:15pm – Betfred Nifty Fifty Handicap Stakes
This competitive handicap over ten furlongs is a puzzle for punters, with a large field of seasoned handicappers.
The Nifty Fifty Handicap is known for its tight finishes and the opportunity it gives lesser-known horses and jockeys to shine on a big stage.
4:00pm – Betfred Oaks (Group 1)
The Oaks is the first Classic of the festival and the premier test for three-year-old fillies.
Run over a mile and a half, the race is a true examination of stamina, class, and temperament.
The 2025 renewal features leading contenders such as Desert Flower and Whirl, with Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby’s fillies expected to play a major role.
For many, the Oaks is the emotional centrepiece of Ladies’ Day, with its blend of tradition and high stakes.
4:35pm – Trustatrader Handicap Stakes
A fast-paced handicap that often rewards tactical riding, the Trustatrader Handicap provides a lively interlude following the Oaks.
It’s a chance for up-and-coming jockeys to make a name for themselves and for punters to find value among a competitive field.
5:10pm – Debenhams Handicap Stakes
Closing the card, the Debenhams Handicap is another fiercely contested race, typically drawing a large field of sprinters or middle-distance specialists.
It’s a fitting finale to a day that celebrates both fashion and the thrill of the turf.
Saturday 7 June 2025 – Derby Day
Derby Day is the focal point of the festival and the wider British flat racing season.
The atmosphere is electric as the best three-year-old colts and fillies line up for the Derby, Britain’s richest flat race and a contest steeped in history.
Gates open at 10:30am, with the first race off at 1:00pm and the Derby itself set for 3:30pm.
Here’s the full running order for Saturday, with insights into each race.
Saturday – Derby Day Race Schedule
| Time | Race Name |
|---|---|
| 1:00pm | Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3) |
| 1:35pm | Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3) |
| 2:10pm | Betfred 3YO ‘Dash’ Handicap Stakes |
| 2:45pm | Aston Martin ‘Dash’ Handicap Stakes (Heritage Handicap) |
| 3:30pm | Betfred Derby (Group 1) |
| 4:15pm | Encore Lifestyle Northern Dancer Handicap Stakes |
| 5:00pm | Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Lester Piggott Handicap Stakes |
| 5:40pm | JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap Stakes |
1:00pm – Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3)
This Group 3 contest for fillies and mares over eight and a half furlongs is named after Queen Elizabeth II and is a regular stepping stone for horses aiming for Royal Ascot.
The race often features high-class performers, with its winners frequently progressing to further Group race success.
1:35pm – Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3)
The Diomed Stakes, run over a mile and a half, is named after the very first Derby winner from 1780.
It’s a race that rewards tactical nous and stamina, with older horses often taking on the younger brigade.
The Diomed regularly produces close finishes and is a favourite among racing fans.
2:10pm – Betfred 3YO ‘Dash’ Handicap Stakes
A fast and furious sprint for three-year-olds, the ‘Dash’ Handicap is run over the minimum trip of five furlongs.
The unique downhill run of Epsom’s straight course makes this one of the quickest races in the calendar, where a good draw and a sharp break can make all the difference.
2:45pm – Aston Martin ‘Dash’ Handicap Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
The Aston Martin Dash is widely regarded as the fastest five-furlong race in the world, thanks to Epsom’s downhill stretch.
Open to older horses, this Heritage Handicap is a test of pure speed, and the winner often emerges from a blanket finish.
It’s a race that never fails to get the crowd’s pulse racing.
3:30pm – Betfred Derby (Group 1)
The centrepiece of the festival, the Derby is Britain’s most prestigious flat race, run over a mile and a half for three-year-old colts and fillies.
The 2025 Derby boasts a stellar field of 19 runners, including leading contenders Delacroix, Ruling Court, Pride Of Arras, and The Lion In Winter.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien seeks his record-extending 11th win, with Ryan Moore riding one of the favourites, Delacroix.
The Derby is not just about the prize money, it’s about legacy, with every winner earning a place in racing history.
4:15pm – Encore Lifestyle Northern Dancer Handicap Stakes
Named after the legendary Northern Dancer, this handicap over a mile and a half gives seasoned stayers a chance to shine.
It’s a race that often rewards consistency and experience, and it has produced some surprise results in recent years.
5:00pm – Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Lester Piggott Handicap Stakes
This race honours the late, great Lester Piggott, a Derby legend. It’s a competitive handicap that draws a cosmopolitan field, reflecting the global reach of the festival.
The World Pool sponsorship also means big betting pools and international interest.
5:40pm – JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap Stakes
The final race of the festival is a nod to Epsom’s international connections, sponsored by the Japan Racing Association.
This handicap is a wide-open contest, offering one last chance for punters and jockeys to end the festival on a high.
How to Watch the Epsom Derby Festival 2025
The Epsom Derby Festival enjoys extensive television and online coverage, ensuring fans around the world can follow every moment.
In the UK, ITV1 will broadcast live coverage on both days — Friday from 1pm to 5pm, and Saturday from 12:45pm to 4:15pm.
The Opening Show on ITV4 airs from 9:30am on Saturday, providing previews and expert analysis.
For those with a Racing TV subscription, every race is shown live, including the later races not on ITV.
International viewers can tune in via a record 41 broadcasters, with coverage spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Live streaming is available through ITVX and Racing TV’s online platforms, and BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live commentary for those on the move.
The festival’s global reach is further enhanced by partnerships with ESPN, FanDuel, Viaplay, and other major networks.
Top-Class Racing
The Epsom Derby Festival 2025 promises two days of top-class racing, featuring 15 races that blend tradition, excitement, and world-class competition.
From the glamour of Ladies’ Day and the drama of the Oaks to the spectacle of Derby Day and its supporting contests, every race offers its own story and a chance for new heroes to emerge.
With extensive TV and online coverage, fans everywhere can experience the unique thrill of Epsom, whether they’re trackside, at home, or following from afar.
Get ready for a festival where every race counts, and every moment matters.
BETFRED
