This Saturday sees Epsom Downs Racecourse host the 2016 Investec Derby, one of the world's most prestigious horse races first run in 1780.
Content (B-Roll, soundbites & race footage) from the two days of the Investec Derby Festival including Friday's Investec Oaks and Saturday's Investec Derby will be available on http://www.thenewsmarket.com/ shortly after the respective races each day.
THE DERBY
The Investec Derby, always run on the first Saturday in June, is the world's greatest Flat race.
It was first run in 1780 and quickly became established as the ultimate test for a thoroughbred. It is exclusively for three-year-olds and is open to colts and fillies, although the race is rarely contested by the latter.
Derby winners require a blend of speed and stamina, plus great balance because of Epsom's unique twists, turns and cambers.
The winning connections will this year receive a first prize of £876,169.50 but the prize is much greater than that.
Winners are routinely valued at anywhere between £5 million and £10 million straight afterwards because of their potential as stallions.
For instance, last year's winner, Golden Horn, has since covered 145 mares at stud. Those wanting his services have to pay £60,000 per liaison.
NEWS ANGLES
The Queen will present the trophy to the winner of this year's Investec Derby. Her Majesty will be performing the honour for the first time in her reign.
Who will she be handing the prize too? It is an open renewal, which bookmakers believe will encourage punters to gamble £80 million industry wide.
Frankie Dettori, always a magnet for once-a-year punters, rides the likely favourite, Wings Of Desire, for champion trainer John Gosden. The combination teamed up to win last year's race with Golden Horn.
Trainers Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien will be seeking their sixth winners in the race, with the latter's son, Donnacha, having his first ride in it aboard Shogun.
Cloth Of Stars, trained by Andre Fabre, travels over from France and will represent Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation an elusive success.
Romantics will also be drawn to Humphrey Bogart, owned by a syndicate (Chelsea Thoroughbreds) who name all their horses after movie stars.
Algometer would only the fifth grey to win the Derby - the last being Airborne in 1946.
ends.
