Epsom Downs plays host to a double helping of Classic action on the same day this year, as the 2020 editions of the Investec Derby and the Investec Oaks take place on Saturday, 4 July – live on ITV Racing.
Although staged behind closed doors and a month later than usual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, it promises to be an exciting afternoon with Frankie Dettori riding the anti-post favourite, English King, which leads the field of 16.
The ever-popular Italian, the world’s most famous flat jockey, chases a third Derby success, after Authorized in 2007 and Golden Horn in 2015.
Other leading contenders include the Andrew Balding-trained Kameko, winner of the 2000 Guineas last month, while Aidan O’Brien has a six-strong challenge, led by Russian Emperor, as he bids to become the leading trainer in the 240-year history of the race by winning his eighth Derby.
To add to the excitement, for the first time ever the Investec Oaks will also be run on the same day as the Derby.
ITV and STV will have all the action covered throughout the afternoon from Epsom with six live free-to-air races – including the Oaks at 3.40pm, followed by the 241st running of the world-famous Derby at 4.55pm – as part of a bumper four-hour broadcast.
Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani present ITV Racing’s live coverage of the 2020 Oaks and Derby day from the racecourse, alongside former Classic-winning jockey Jason Weaver.
On-course reports and updates will come from Rishi Persad, Mick FitzGerald and Luke Harvey, betting news from Matt Chapman, and race commentary will be provided y Richard Hoiles.
Oli Bell will run the popular social stable and the team will be joined by guests and connections of the horses from their own homes around the world.
Complimenting ITV’s live coverage will be the morning magazine programme – The Opening Show – hosted by Oli Bell with guests Francesca Cumani, Jason Weaver and Matt Chapman on Saturday morning at 9.30am on ITV4.
Commenting on Epsom’s showpiece event, ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin said:
“The Derby is one of racing’s greatest shows and although it will be very different this year, it is still the ultimate test of the racehorse and the race everyone wants to win.”
In addition to the live action from Epsom, ITV Racing will also broadcast live coverage of Coral-Eclipse day at Sandown Park on Sunday, 5 July, as part of a seven race card which also includes three races from Haydock Park, including the Lancashire Oaks – all live on ITV and STV from 1.30pm.
All of ITV Racing’s coverage will be available to watch live and on-demand via the ITV Hub, while the ITV Racing website – itv.com/racing – has all the latest horse racing news and information.
Viewers can also take part in the free-to-enter ITV7 competition with a chance to win big cash prizes.
Full TV schedule details and ITV race cards can be found below.
For a full list of all forthcoming major live horse racing events on the box, visit SOTB’s dedicated racing TV listings page.
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SATURDAY 4th JULY
The Opening Show
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ITV Racing: Live from Epsom
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Epsom
1.50 Investec Woodcote EBF Stakes
2.25 Investec Surrey Stakes
3.00 Investec Handicap
3.40 Investec Oaks (Group 1)
4.15 Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3)
4.55 Investec Derby (Group 1)
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SUNDAY 5th JULY
ITV Racing: Live from Sandown
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Sandown
1.50 Coral Charge (Group 3)
2.25 Coral Henry II Stakes (Group 3)
3.00 Coral Challenge (Handicap)
3.35 Coral-Eclipse (Group 1)
Haydock
2.05 bet365 Handicap
2.40 bet365 Lancashire Oaks (Group 2)
3.15 bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap
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