Epsom Derby 2023: Date, start time and how to follow – iconic horse race moved for FA Cup final

The Epsom Derby is one of the most iconic horse races in the UK and the 240th edition is fast approaching.

The Derby is one of the most lucrative races in the UK and it draws huge crowds every year.

Plus, the winning horse and rider write their names into the history books.

Richard Kingscote on Desert Crown prevailed last year and the other competing jockeys will all hope to replicate their success this time.

The race has been run since 1780 and is a must-see event for all flat racing fans; however, some might find it difficult to get there after the RMT announced Derby Day would clash with planned strike action.

Epsom Derby 2023: Date and start time

The 244th annual running of the signature race will be held on Saturday, June 3, at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.

The start time usually starts at 4:30pm but has been moved this year due to it clashing with the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley.

As a result, it will start at 1:30pm – the earliest in its history.

3

Epsom Derby 2023: How to follow

The Derby will be screened free-to-air on ITV 1.

Alternatively, fans can stream the race through their laptop or mobile device on ITVX.

ITV’s coverage of the event will get underway at 12:50pm.

talkSPORT will have live updates from Surrey through the afternoon, while talkSPORT.com will have all the reaction.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Epsom Derby 2023: Runners and riders

The full list of runners and riders for the Derby are yet to be confirmed, with trials set to be held over the coming weeks.

However, the current favourite, at 5/2, is Aidan O’Brien’s Auguste Rodin.

3

Epsom Derby 2023: Prize money

This year’s edition of the Derby has a prize pot worth £1.5million, with £850,650 going to the winner.

The majority of that fee will go to the owner and trainer, with the victorious jockey only earning eight to nine percent, plus their £120.66 flat race riding fee.

Epsom Derby 2023: What has been said?

Aidan O’Brien believes the change in start time could have an unexpected impact on the potential runners.

He said: “We always bring them over in the morning.

“We haven’t decided anything yet but there is a big chance we wouldn’t be able to do that now.

“That’s the way we’ve always done it but I’d imagine starting that early we wouldn’t be able to do it. It would be a very early start now.

“It’s like everything in life, we’ll have to adapt and that’s just the way it is. Not everything can suit everybody all of the time.”