Historic Shift: 48-Hour Declarations Introduced for 2025 Betfred Derby
Published: 5th May 2025
The 2025 Betfred Derby is poised to make history with a significant change to its declaration process.
For the first time in its 245-year history, the final field will be confirmed 72 hours before the race, providing fans with more time to analyse and anticipate the event.
This adjustment means that the final line-up for the Derby will be known by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, ahead of the race on Saturday, June 7. The move aims to bolster excitement and anticipation for the Classic, offering more certainty around the runners and riders on the day.
Jim Allen, general manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, stated:
“This racecourse has been at the forefront of positive change and new initiatives in British horseracing for generations. We’re delighted to be able to introduce 72-hour declarations for this year’s Betfred Derby, demonstrating that we are always looking for new ways to innovate and ensure that our sport’s most iconic Flat race continues to stand out from the rest.”
The change also includes a new-look draw ceremony, with Epsom and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) using equipment deployed for football’s FA Cup draws. The draw ceremony will take place at Epsom’s Picturehouse cinema, further integrating the local community into the event.
In terms of contenders, Aidan O’Brien‘s The Lion In Winter is the 7-2 ante-post favourite. The colt, unbeaten in both starts as a juvenile, is set to take in the Dante Stakes at York before a potential Derby tilt, allowing O’Brien to assess his stamina over a longer trip.
Hot on his heels is Godolphin‘s Ruling Court, priced at a top of 5-1 after his 2,000 Guineas success at Newmarket on Saturday. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, Ruling Court held off big-race favourite Field Of Gold to give Appleby his third 2,000 Guineas win in four years.
The potential field for the Derby will be narrowed down on Tuesday at the first scratchings stage, with a second stage on May 20 followed by confirmations on June 2. Supplementary entries can be added to the Derby on June 2, although it will cost connections £75,000 to do so.
For more details on the BHA’s announcement, visit the Racing Post’s coverage.
This historic change to the declaration stage is set to enhance the experience for all involved, from trainers and jockeys to punters and fans, marking a new era for the Betfred Derby.
