Derby dream for 2018 begins with 448 yearling entries

Harzand and Pat Smullen combined to win the Investec Derby this year. Picture: Racingfotos.com

The Queen has two of the 448 yearling entries unveiled on Wednesday for the 239th running of the premier British Classic, the Investec Derby, at Epsom on June 2, 2018.

The 2018 Derby will be worth at least £1.5 million, with the prize fund for Britain’s richest race, which forms part of the QIPCO British Champions Series, boosted from 2017.

There are two further opportunities for horses to be entered in the mile and a half Group One race – at the second entry stage in April 2018 and at the supplementary entry stage on May 28, 2018.

Andrew Cooper, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Epsom, is delighted with the initial uptake. “We are thrilled to see such a strong and numerically high yearling entry. We are grateful to all owners and trainers concerned for their continuing support.”

There were 416 yearling entries for the Derby in 2017.

The Coolmore partners of Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith are the most successful current owners in the Derby, with various combinations responsible for six winners – 2001 Galileo who has gone on to sire three Investec Derby winners; 2002 High Chaparral; 2011 Pour Moi; 2012 Camelot; 2013 Ruler Of The World & 2014 Australia.

Between them, the trio have 58 entries for the 2018 renewal. Godolphin has 34 entries in all, while Hamdan Al Maktoum is not far behind with 31.

Plenty of the highest-priced yearlings sold at public auction this year feature among the entries, including both of the two 2.6 million guineas sale-toppers at Tattersalls in October.

The colts are both sired by Dubawi, with the one owned by Godolphin out of Group 1 Coronation Stakes heroine Fallen For You and the other owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum out of Group 1 winner Zee Zee Top and in training with John Gosden.