Bookies confident Derby will hold its own on bumper day of sport

This year's Investec Derby takes place amidst a feast of top-class sporting action but bookmakers are confident the famous race will more than hold its own with punters on the day.

The Derby shares super Saturday with the all-English Champions League final, World Cup cricket and Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title fight, but it is felt that will cement the Epsom Classic’s position as the highest turnover race of the Flat season.

“The Derby may not capture the public’s imagination as it did in years gone by, but it remains the biggest betting race of the Flat season, and is third only to the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup overall, and that will not change this year despite it being just one course in a feast of sporting action, said Coral's David Stevens.

“Far from having a negative impact on Derby turnover, being part of a super Saturday could boost interest in this year’s renewal, as it forms part of a betting bonanza, giving us the opportunity to sell the race to potential punters."

Anthony Joshua puts his belts on the line against Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Richard Heathcote

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield described Saturday as a "dream for sports lovers" and added: "The football will be the main competition but the timing of the final at 8pm ties in really well with the Derby and we’re not expecting turnover on the Epsom race to suffer and the football could even give it a boost.”

Ladbrokes are also confident of big numbers and are predicting the Derby could spark a £25 million betting spree across Britain and Ireland, increasing to an industry-wide gamble of £100 million alongside the rest of Saturday's sporting action.

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