The Epsom Derby stands as one of the most prestigious events in British horse racing, drawing immense attention from the sporting media and punters alike.
Held annually at Epsom Downs, this classic race showcases the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds competing over a challenging 1 mile, 4 furlongs, and 6 yards. The 2025 edition looks set to bring more thrilling action, with top contenders vying for glory and a share of the substantial prize purse.
With the excitement building, the best horse racing bookmakers are offering a range of enticing promotions to attract bettors. Here, I’ll go into the best free bet offers currently available for the Epsom Derby 2025, providing a comprehensive guide to maximise your betting experience
Best bookie offers for Epsom Derby: A closer look
In anticipation of the Epsom Derby, several leading bookmakers have unveiled special promotions to enhance your betting opportunities. Below is a detailed overview of the top offers:
Tote
- Free bet offer value: £30 in free bets + 20 free spins
- Minimum deposit: £10
- Minimum odds: Evens (1/1)
- Number of Derby betting markets: Extensive coverage
- Cash-out availability: Yes
Tote, renowned for its horse racing heritage, offers new customers £30 in free bets and 20 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza when you place a £10 bet at evens or greater for the Epsom Derby.
SBK
- Free bet offer value: £40 in tiered free bets
- Minimum deposit: £10
- Minimum odds: 2.0 (Evens)
- Number of Derby betting markets: Competitive range
- Cash-out availability: Yes
SBK provides a £40 free bet package upon staking £10 at minimum odds of 2.0. The offer includes a £10 Football Bet Builder, a £10 Multiple, a £5 Horse Racing Multiple, a £5 Football Bet Builder after 24 hours, and a £10 Multiple token after 48 hours, so you can use the £5 Horse Racing Multiple for the Epsom Derby.
BetVictor
- Free bet offer value: £30 in free bets
- Minimum deposit: £10
- Minimum odds: 1/1 (Evens)
- Number of Derby betting markets: Wide selection
- Cash-out availability: Yes
BetVictor grants £30 in free bets after placing a £10 bet on horse racing markets at odds of 1/1 or greater. The free bets are divided into a £10 Lengthen the Odds Free Bet, a £10 Racing In-Play Free Bet, and a £10 Any Horse Racing Free Bet, which can be used on the Epsom Derby.
Ladbrokes
- Free bet offer value: £20 in free bets
- Minimum deposit: £5
- Minimum odds: 1/2 (1.5)
- Number of Derby betting markets: Comprehensive coverage
- Cash-out availability: Yes
Ladbrokes offers new customers £20 in free bets when they place a £5 bet at minimum odds of 1/2. This promotion provides flexibility across various betting markets but is great for the Epsom Derby specifically.
bet365
- Free bet offer value: 300% in bet credits
- Minimum deposit: £10
- Minimum odds: 1/5 (1.2)
- Number of Derby betting markets: Extensive options
- Cash-out availability: Yes
bet365 presents a 300% match in bet credits upon placing a £10 bet at odds of 1/5 or greater. The bet credits are valid for seven days, offering ample time to explore various betting opportunities like the Epsom Derby.
Epsom race schedule
The Epsom Festival is a two-day event held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, featuring top-tier flat racing. Ladies Day on Friday, June 6th 2025, showcases elite fillies in the Oaks, while Derby Day on Saturday, June 7th 2025, presents the prestigious Epsom Derby.
Epsom Derby Ladies Day
| Time | Race | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01:30 | Nyetimber Surrey Stakes | 7f | Listed |
| 02:00 | Betfred British EBF Woodcote Stakes | 6f | Conditions |
| 02:35 | Trustatrader Handicap Stakes | 1m 2f | Handicap |
| 03:10 | Betfred Coronation Cup | 1m 4f | Group 1 |
| 03:45 | Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap Stakes | 1m 2f | Handicap |
| 04:30 | Betfred Oaks | 1m 4f | Group 1 |
| 05:15 | Aston Martin Surrey Stakes | 7f | Listed |
| 05:50 | Molson Coors Handicap Stakes | 1m 2f | Handicap |
Epsom Derby Day
| Time | Race | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01:25 | Hong Kong Jockey Club Lester Piggott Stakes | 1m 2f | Handicap |
| 02:00 | Princess Elizabeth Stakes | 1m ½f | Group 3 |
| 02:35 | Betfred Diomed Stakes | 1m ½f | Group 3 |
| 03:10 | Betfred 3YO Dash Handicap Stakes | 5f | Handicap |
| 03:45 | Aston Martin Dash Handicap Stakes | 5f | Handicap |
| 04:30 | Betfred Derby | 1m 4f | Group 1 |
| 05:15 | Long Shot Northern Dancer Handicap Stakes | 1m 4f | Handicap |
| 05:50 | JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap Stakes | 1m 2f | Handicap |
Types of free bet offers for Epsom Derby
When betting on the Epsom Derby, various free bet promotions can enhance your experience. Understanding these offers helps in selecting the most suitable one for your betting strategy.
- Bet £10, get £30/£50 free bets: A prevalent offer where placing a £10 bet qualifies you for £30 or £50 in free bets. These are often distributed as multiple smaller bets, allowing flexibility across different markets.
- No deposit free bets: These offers provide free bets without requiring an initial deposit. They are rare and typically come with specific terms and conditions.
- Money back as free bet: If your bet loses, the stake is refunded as a free bet. This reduces the risk associated with your initial wager.
- Enhanced odds or price boosts: Bookmakers offer increased odds on specific outcomes, providing higher potential returns for the same stake. These are often available for new customers or on selected events like the Epsom Derby.
- Multi-bet/accumulator bonuses: Additional bonuses are awarded when placing accumulator bets, especially if all selections win. This can lead to significantly higher returns.
- Risk-free first bet: Your first bet is insured; if it loses, you receive a refund in the form of a free bet. This allows you to place your initial wager without the risk of losing your stake.
- Loyalty or reload free bets: Regular customers receive periodic free bets or bonuses as part of loyalty programs or promotional campaigns. These rewards encourage continued engagement with the bookmaker.
Epsom Betfred Derby runners and odds
The 2025 Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs promises a thrilling race with a strong lineup of 20 three-year-old colts. Leading contenders include Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix, Charlie Appleby’s Ruling Court, and Ralph Beckett’s Pride Of Arras. Below is a snapshot of the main runners and their current odds:
| Runner | Odds |
|---|---|
| Delacroix | 3/1 (Ladbrokes) |
| Ruling Court | 7/2 (BetVictor) |
| Pride Of Arras | 5/1 (bet365) |
| The Lion In Winter | 6/1 (Ladbrokes) |
| Midak | 16/1 (Betfred) |
| Lambourn | 27/4 (SBK) |
Delacroix
- Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- Jockey: Ryan Moore (expected)
- Form: 212-11
Delacroix enters the Derby as the favourite, boasting two impressive wins this season, including a dominant performance in the Leopardstown Derby Trial. His consistent form and strong pedigree make him a leading contender.
Bet on Delacroix to win at Ladbrokes
Ruling Court
- Trainer: Charlie Appleby
- Jockey: William Buick
- Form: 1-13
Ruling Court, the 2,000 Guineas winner, has demonstrated both speed and stamina. His ability to handle the step up in distance will be tested at Epsom, but his class is undeniable.
Bet on Ruling Court to win at BetVictor
Pride Of Arras
- Trainer: Ralph Beckett
- Jockey: Rossa Ryan
- Form: 1-21
Pride Of Arras secured victory in the Dante Stakes, a key Derby trial. His proven ability over the distance and strong finishing kick position him as a serious threat.
Bet on Pride of Arras to win at bet365
The Lion In Winter
- Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- Jockey: TBC
- Form: 11-6
Once the winter favourite, The Lion In Winter’s sixth-place finish in the Dante Stakes has raised questions. However, his juvenile form suggests he cannot be discounted.
Bet on The Lion in Winter to win at Ladbrokes
Midak
- Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
- Jockey: TBC
- Form: 111
The unbeaten French colt Midak was supplemented into the Derby for £75,000. His smooth victory in a Group 3 at Saint-Cloud marks him as a dark horse.
Bet on Midak to win at Betfred
Lambourn
- Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- Jockey: TBC
- Form: 115-21
Lambourn has shown steady improvement, with a recent win indicating readiness for the step up in class. His progression makes him an intriguing contender in this year’s Epsom.
Epsom Derby tips – Maximise free bets
To make the most of free bet offers during the Epsom Derby, you should really consider the following strategies:
- Compare welcome offers: Different bookmakers provide varying free bet promotions. For instance, Betfred offers a £50 bonus for a £10 bet, while Sky Bet provides £30 in free bets for a minimal stake. Evaluate these offers to determine which aligns best with your betting preferences.
- Understand the terms: Pay attention to the terms and conditions associated with each offer. This includes minimum odds requirements, expiry dates, and any restrictions on eligible markets. Being informed ensures you utilize the free bets effectively.
- Utilise each-way betting: In races like the Epsom Derby, where the field is competitive, placing each-way bets can increase your chances of a return. Some bookmakers also offer enhanced place terms, providing additional value.
- Monitor for enhanced odds: Bookmakers often boost odds for specific horses or outcomes during major events. Keeping an eye out for these promotions can lead to higher potential returns on your bets.
- Leverage accumulator bonuses: If you’re placing multiple bets, consider bookmakers that offer bonuses on accumulators. These can provide extra returns if all your selections win.
- Stay updated on promotions: Bookmakers may release special offers leading up to and during the Epsom Derby. Regularly checking their promotions pages ensures you don’t miss out on valuable opportunities.
- Bet responsibly: Always set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Free bets should be used as a fun addition to your betting strategy, not as a means to chase losses.
Epsom Derby past winners
The Epsom Derby, established in 1780, is one of the most prestigious flat races in the world.
Open exclusively to three-year-old colts and fillies, it is run over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs, and 6 yards (approximately 2,420 meters) at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
All participating horses carry a weight of 9 stone 2 pounds (58 kg), with fillies receiving a 3-pound allowance. Below is a selection of recent winners:
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | City Of Troy | – Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Ryan Moore Notable for a commanding victory by 2¾ lengths, marking O’Brien’s record-extending 10th Derby win. |
| 2023 | Auguste Rodin | – Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Ryan Moore Achieved a half-length victory, showcasing resilience after a previous setback in the 2,000 Guineas. |
| 2022 | Desert Crown | – Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Richard Kingscote Delivered a 2½-length win, contributing to Stoute’s illustrious training career. |
| 2021 | Adayar | – Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Adam Kirby Secured victory, becoming the first Derby winner in 20 years to also triumph in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. |
| 2020 | Serpentine | – Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Emmet McNamara Achieved a front-running win at 25/1 odds, surprising many and adding to O’Brien’s Derby successes. |
About the author
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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