Trial Races For The Epsom Derby
The trial races for the Epsom Derby are races used as a prep race and stepping stone to the Derby.
In the 21st century, every Epsom Derby winner has had at least one run that season before Derby victory in June (July in 2020).
15 of those successful at Epsom were winners of their trial race immediately before the Epsom Derby.
Historically, the strongest Derby trial races in the 21st century have been the 2000 Guineas which has been contested by 6 subsequent Derby winners. The Dante Stakes at York, which has produced 5 Derby winners and the Ballysax stakes which has been contested by 4 horses who subsequently went on to Epsom glory.
Running prominently in the 2000 Guineas, one of the key trial races is a positive. Particularly for horses who are bred to stay further and the 12 furlong trip of the Epsom Derby.
Key trial races for the Epsom Derby in the 21st century
2000 Guineas – 6 Derby winners
Masar, Australia, Camelot, Sea The Stars, New Approach and Sir Percy
The Dante Stakes – 5 Derby winners
Golden Horn, Workforce, Authorized, Motivator and North Light
Ballysax Stakes – 4 Derby winners
Harzand, High Chaparral, Galileo and Sinndar
Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial – 3 Derby winners
High Chaparral, Galileo and Sinndar
Chester Vase – 2 Derby winners
Wings Of Eagles and Ruler Of The World
Epsom Derby Winners
Derby winners and their trial race with finshing position.
2020 Serpentine – 1st Dubai Duty FreeThe Irish Village Irish EBF Maiden
2019 Anthony Van Dyck – 1st Lingfield Derby Trial
2018 Masar – 3rd 2000 Guineas
2017 – Wings Of Eagles – 2nd Chester Vase
2016 Harzand – 1st Ballysax Stakes – Leopardstown
2015 Golden Horn – 1st Dante Stakes
2014 Australia – 3rd 2000 Guineas
2013 Ruler Of The World – 1st Chester Vase
2012 Camelot – 1st 2000 Guineas
2011 Pour Moi – 1st Prix Greffulhe
2010 Workforce – 2nd Dante Stakes
2009 Sea The Stars – 1st 2000 Guineas
2008 New Approach – 2nd Irish 2000 Guineas, 2nd 2000 Guineas
2007 Authorized – 1st Dante Stakes
2006 Sir Percy – 2nd 2000 Guineas
2005 Motivator – 1st Dante Stakes
2004 North Light – 1st Dante Stakes
2003 Kris Kin – 1st Dee Stakes
2002 High Chaparral – 1st Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, 1st Ballysax Stakes
2001 Galileo – 1st Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, 1st Ballysax Stakes
2000 Sinndar – 1st Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, 2nd Ballysax Stakes
