Just a week before the Visa Triple Crown® - America's exciting thoroughbred racing competition – is concluded at New York’s Belmont Stakes, Orbit invites its subscribers to enjoy live coverage of the much copied but never bettered Vodafone Derby at Epsom, famed throughout the world as one of racing’s greatest spectacles.
First run in 1780, the race is known as the Blue Riband of the Turf and is probably the most coveted prize in the sport. The two racing days start with the Ladies Day at The Vodafone Derby Festival (June 3rd on Orbit ESPN), before the big Vodafone Derby Day (June 4th on Orbit Al-Riyadiyah).
Originated at a celebration following the first running of the Epsom Oaks in 1779, the Vodafone Epsom Derby (day 2) is considered one of the most prestigious flat thoroughbred horse races in the world. The race is a contest for three-year-old colts and fillies and takes place each year in June at Epsom Downs in Surrey, England. It is the second leg of the “English Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing”, preceded by the Two Thousand Guineas Stakes and followed by the St. Leger Stakes. The race Fillies and older horses also run the same course and distance for the Vodafone Oaks (day 1). Winners of the Derby generally compete for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France in October and some will compete in the United States Breeders' Cup.
Set high on the Downs, Epsom racecourse is regarded as the ultimate test of the three-year-old thoroughbred. Runners require an abundance of speed, stamina and balance to cope with the unique undulations of the horseshoe-shaped course.
The occasion attracts a diverse crowd of more than 100,000 people, from royalty to famous celebrities bedecked in traditional morning suits and stunning dresses. The Derby buzz has returned in recent years – not least on the Hill, where fairground attractions, live music and open-top bus parties create a magical atmosphere.
Potential contenders backed by owners from the region include a long list of horses and breeders: Albahja, Anaamil, Qaadmah, Targgis, Alshamatry, Asawer, Eswarah, Ladeena, Shohrah, Teeba, Anissati, Ayam Zaman, Naivety, One To Win, Cheerleader, Stage school, Crimson Year, Desert Move, Intrigued, Paradise Mill, Pictavia, Quickfire, and Takrti.
Darryll Holland is on stand-by to partner Vodafone Epsom Derby favorite Motivator if jockey Johnny Murtagh fails to overturn his three-day suspension. The multiple Group One-winning pilot picked up a three-day careless riding ban in the last race at Lingfield. Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners The Royal Ascot Racing Club announced the decision following a meeting between himself and bloodstock agent John Warren. Herbert also revealed that arrangements had already been made for Holland to get to know Motivator.
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