Epsom Downs Racecourse: The Derby, Facts and Betting Guide
Epsom is where the Derby was born in 1780. Its U-shaped course, Tattenham Corner and cambered straight make it unlike anywhere else. Here are the big races, the history, how to get there and how betting works on course.
Biggest races at Epsom Downs
Epsom’s year revolves around two days in early June.
The Derby Festival
- The Derby (Group 1, about 1m 4f), Saturday
- The Oaks (Group 1, fillies), Friday
- Coronation Cup over the same course and distance
- 2027 dates: Friday 4 and Saturday 5 June
Other Epsom meetings
- Flat racing through spring, summer and autumn
- The 5f course is one of the fastest sprint tracks in the world
2026 Derby
- Won by Christmas Day (7/1), ridden by Ronan Whelan
- Aidan O’Brien’s 12th Derby, a record, and his fourth in a row
- A record £2m in prize money
Epsom Downs facts and history
The race that gave its name to sporting contests all over the world.
The track
Epsom is a left-handed, undulating course shaped like a U rather than a full circuit. The Derby course climbs early, then sweeps left and downhill around Tattenham Corner into a straight that runs mostly downhill before a sharp rise to the line.
The home straight has a pronounced camber. On soft ground runners tend to switch towards the stands’ side rail.
The stands are the Queen Elizabeth II Stand and the Duchess’s Stand, which opened in 2009.
Getting to Epsom Downs
By train
Tattenham Corner station is about half a mile away, around a 10-minute walk. Epsom Downs station is about a mile away. Epsom station, with trains from London Waterloo and Victoria, is about 10 minutes by taxi or bus.
Shuttle buses run during the Derby Festival.
By road
The course is on the B290 Epsom Downs Road, just off the M25 at junction 9.
Betting at Epsom Downs
You can bet three ways at Epsom: with the bookmakers in the betting ring, on the Tote, or on your phone using the free Wi-Fi.
On your phone
All Jockey Club racecourses, Epsom included, offer free Wi-Fi on course. The Jockey Club says you can use it to bet with the bookmakers it lists as partners.
Get your app set up and logged in before you travel, so you are not trying to verify an account in a queue.
In the betting ring and on the Tote
On-course bookmakers stand in the betting ring, and the Jockey Club says you can bet with them in cash. Their prices can differ from the apps, so it is worth comparing.
The Tote runs pool betting on course, with a £2 minimum stake. It takes cash and card. Jockey Club courses also have on-site betting shops. Read our guide to betting at the racecourse for how it all works.
Betting on your phone at the track?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store, Google Play and Trustpilot ratings.
Epsom Downs FAQs
Where is Epsom Downs Racecourse?
Epsom Downs Racecourse is at Epsom, Surrey KT18 5LQ, just off junction 9 of the M25. It is run by Jockey Club Racecourses.
When is the 2027 Derby?
The 2027 Derby is on Saturday 5 June 2027. The Oaks is the day before, Friday 4 June.
Who won the 2026 Derby?
Christmas Day won the 2026 Derby at 7/1, ridden by Ronan Whelan and trained by Aidan O’Brien.
When was the first Derby?
The first Derby was run at Epsom on 4 May 1780 and won by Diomed.
What is the nearest station to Epsom Downs Racecourse?
Tattenham Corner station is about half a mile away, around a 10-minute walk.
Who has ridden the most Derby winners?
Lester Piggott, with nine.
Sources: Wikipedia: Epsom Downs Racecourse · Wikipedia: Epsom Derby · Jockey Club: The Derby · Jockey Club: betting on course. Facts checked October 2026; fixtures and travel details can change, so check with the course before you go.
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