From Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, the UK is enjoying a four-day bank holiday weekend to honour the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
It commemorates her Platinum Jubilee and there will be parties and festivities lining the streets up and down the country.
However, it isn’t the only event happening this weekend, as the historic Epsom Derby is once again taking place.
The Queen, who usually sits in attendance at the event, will be absent this year, and the Jubilee is only part of the reason for it.
She will also be making find for a special Royal Family gathering, one that has been long overdue.
When is the Epsom Derby?
The Epsom Derby is taking place on Friday June 3 and Saturday June 4.
The races begin at 2pm on both days and comes to an end at 5.40pm and 5.45pm, respectively.
The full schedule can be found below:
Ladies Day - Friday June 3:
- 14:00 – Cazoo British EBF Woodcote Stakes
- 14:35 – The World Pool Handicap Stakes
- 15:10 – The Dahlbury Coronation Cup (Group 1)
- 15:45 – Cazoo Handicap Stakes 16:30 – Cazoo Oaks (Group 1)
- 17:15 – The Poundland Surrey Stakes
- 17:40 – Cazoo Derby Festival Handicap Stakes
Derby Day - Saturday June 4:
- 14:00 – The Cazoo Handicap Stakes
- 14:35 – The Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3)
- 15:10 – The Cazoo Diomed Stakes (Group 3)
- 15:45 – The Simpex Express 'Dash' Handicap Stakes
- 16:30 – The Cazoo Derby (Group 1)
- 17:15 – The World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap
- 17:45 – The JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap Stakes
How to watch the Epsom Derby
The entire event will be broadcast live for viewers to enjoy at home for free.
The races will be shown on ITV, with the Friday event kicking off at 1:10pm until 5pm.
The following day is similar, with the main event being aired from 12:40pm until 5pm.
It will also be available to watch on ITV Hub both live and later on catch-up.
What are the latest odds for the Epsom Derby?
According to Paddypower, Sir Michael Stoute’s Desert Crown leading the pack with 13/8 odds.
He won last Thursday’s Dante Stakes at York, solidifying himself as one of the top racers in the sport right now.
Followed shortly behind is Stone Age, with 7/2 odds.
National Pride sits at 6/1, while Changingoftheguard and Piz Badile both share 9/1 ahead of Saturday’s race.
Why isn’t the Queen attending the Epsom Derby?
It’s an incredibly busy four days for the Queen and at 96, she can’t be everywhere at once.
As it is the Platinum Jubilee this weekend, the Queen has a diary stuffed with events over the weekend to celebrate her 70 years on the throne.
Some of these include Trooping the Colour, the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, and the BBC ’s Platinum Party at the Palace.
However, it is also little Lilibet’s first birthday on June 4, giving the Queen the perfect opportunity to spend time with her after their first meeting on June 2.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle landed in the UK this week, bringing Archie and Lilibet with them.
The Queen's only daughter Princess Anne is set to replace her mum at the Derby on Saturday.
