Delacroix Leads 19-Horse Field at Epsom Derby Amid Weather Warnings

The 2025 Epsom Derby is set to be a highly competitive race with a field of 19, the largest since 2003, featuring leading contenders Delacroix and Ruling Court. Delacroix, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by four-time Derby winner Ryan Moore, is the current favorite at 3-1 odds, while Godolphin's Ruling Court, the 2,000 Guineas winner, is a strong challenger and could go off as the favorite despite being drawn in stall seven. Weather conditions are uncertain, with a Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms on race day potentially causing soft ground, which may affect the participation of some horses, including doubts from trainer Charlie Appleby about Ruling Court's run if the ground becomes too soft. The Derby continues to be dominated by major stables such as Ballydoyle, Godolphin, and the Gosden operation, with overseas interests, particularly Irish, maintaining a strong presence in recent decades. Traditional rituals and local lore, like the placing of a pink flower on the grave of a young gypsy boy to predict the Derby winner, add to the cultural significance of the event. Coverage of the race will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport, providing live commentary and detailed reports.