8 Meetings today with Britain's richest and most prestigious Classic race The Derby run @ 4:00p.m, the race gained its name from a coin toss between the 12th. Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury to decide after whom the race would be titled. Today's thread is dedicated to Lester Piggott who has ridden the most winners of this "Blue Riband" of the English turf season, 9 in all. Crepello 1957 St. Paddy 1960 Sir Ivor 1968 Nijinsky 1970 Roberto 1972 Empery 1976 The Minstrel 1977 Teenoso 1983 Lester Keith Piggot A.K.A. "The Long Fellow", regarded as tall for a jockey at 5'8"/1.73m, rode the first of his 4,493 winners at the age of 12 on a horse called The Chase at Haydock Park 18/8/1948, trained by his father, Keith. "There he goes... Good Old Lester" I recall the rails bookmakers calling out at Chester's May meeting during the 70's, as "The Housewives Favorite" rode past the packed enclosures with his bottom stuck up in the dazzling sunshine, usually on the over-bet, under-priced FAV . The Long Fellow rode his first Derby winner at the age of 18, won the 1954 Champion Hurdle on Prince Charlemagne, was Champion jockey 11 times, and rode the winner of 30 English Classics in all. Epsom Downs Left-handed, Sharp Track 7 Races 1:35-5:25 The Derby @ 4:00p.m. Going Change: As @ After 1st two Races Good (Going Stick 7.5 Overall, Home Straight Stands Side 7.6, Far Side 7.3 as @ 11:30a.m. Saturday) Weather Dry overnight until 6:00a.m., since when some light, patchy rain. Forecastossible showers through the morning, clearing for the afternoon (22C). Latest Weather Update As @ 10:15a.m Heavy Rain Showers in the Epsom Area As @ 11:30am.m. Rain Ceased, Gadolphin Blue Sky's Emerging As @ Post Showers Walking the track after the showers clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said.... "It looks like we have had the worst of the forecast rain and we should be getting better, clear weather from now on. We have had 6mm in total today, 5mm in that heavy shower, I would reckon the first word in the new going description will still be Good". Stalls: Centre for 1Mile 4 Furlong races, the Derby distance. Rails: Rail dolled out up to 6 Yards from 1 Mile out to winning post, adding 17 Yards/16M to race distances, I hope this doesn't make a difference to the result? Doncaster 7 Races 2:00-5.50p.m. Musselburgh 7 Races 1:50-5:40p.m. Hexham National Hunt 7 Races 1:40-5:30p.m. Wocester National Hunt 8 Races 1:55-6:20p.m. Lingfield(E) 7 Race Mixed Turf & All-Weather Card 5:55-8.55p.m. Turf 4 Races 5:55-7.25p.m. All-Weather 3 Races 7.55-8.55p.m Newcastle(E) 7 Races 6:15-9.15p.m. Limerick(IRL)(E) 7 Races 5:35-8.35p.m. Attivo's Sentimental Each Way Bet of the Day (-4.86 Points) Our Channel @100/1 4:00p.m. Epsom Derby Trained by Lester Piggott's son-in-law William Haggas, the only current trainer with a 100% record in The Derby following Shaamit's win in 1996. And a thread dedicated to the Epsom Derby is here
can someone explain why on earth there would be racing down the road at Lingfield Park on the evening of Derby day? this is what increasingly infuriates me about horse racing.
Well done attivo -nice thread -going to go for Flintshire against the other French horse and hot fav C d Aiges -also like Kingston Hill -very impressed with Atzeni!
Away from the derby not a bad card at Worcester.. The Romford Pele looks good to get back on the winning podium again, after a decent performance at Punchestown lto also one at a biggish ew price who on old form should wipe this field Empire Levant who lto on a bumper for jumpers looked to have sparked a revival and at 16/1 looks a decent ew price
Must be mad but I'm going to throw a couple of pounds e/w on a complete outsider in the 2.40 at Epsom. Although BEACON LADY has no chance on the ratings I do see that she has raced at Epsom on 2 occassions and has won them both. I think that many horses don't like the track which could go against some in the race and Osin Murphy is on board who he has ridden this one to a win at Brighton last year. Taken the 40/1, probably will come last but I have been drawn to her.
Going to the Derby tomorrow for the first time in decades. In fact the list time I went I bunked off school. Fingers crossed we don't get the possible soaking. Two fancies tomorrow; EMPIRE LEVANT 4.35 Worcester 16-1 looked a useful prospect a few years ago and I am pinning my hopes that a change of yard will revive his enthusiasm. ELUSIVITY 3.15 Epsom 12-1 could be the sprinter ready to take his turn. I like his better drawn stablemate too but this fella just looks ready to strike.
I'm going to have another attempt at going through the card. 13:35 A win for Stars Over The Sea would be a massive boost for Orchestra in the Derby but I like the New Approach colt Black Shadow 14:05 Baitha Alga 14:40 If it does get soft I'm not sure the fav will relish a full 12f so odds on looks a bit risky. I'll take a chance with Flintshire 15:15 Very speculative ew Barnet Fair 16:00 Previously selected. Australia to win. Orchestra to win without Australia 16:50 Stomachion, Mirsaale ew 17:25 Trickiest race on the card. I have it between Desert Command, Best Trip and Baby Strange. I had Baby strange noted last year and he's let me down since but I'm giving him another chance at these odds. Good luck all.
A few of the specials on offer tomorrow Corals - Place a £10 bet on the derby and get a free £10 bet on the world cup (free bet credited to your account will be available from 14th June) Betfair - Place a £10 single Exchange bet on any horse race on Saturday June 7th & get 100% of your stake back if your bet doesn't come in
