We invited four of the Timeform racing experts in Halifax to share their favourite renewal of the world-famous race with us.
Dan Barber - Motivator (2005)
The story of the race
The 3-1 favourite, Motivator stormed clear two furlongs out to give jockey Johnny Murtagh his third Derby win, roared home by the 200-plus members of the Royal Ascot Racing Club syndicate who owned him.
The son of Montjeu was always travelling well just behind the pace and streaked away from the two-furlong pole to maintain his unbeaten record.
Murtagh had only been cleared to race after his suspension for careless riding in a race at Lingfield last week was cut from three days to two.
"We didn't go that fast but he was always travelling really well and when I let him go at the two marker he just took off," said the rider.
"It all went quiet. I had a little peek round half a furlong down and I couldn't believe how far I was in front!"
What Dan had to say
.@DanBarberTF reflects on Motivator's victory in the 2005 Investec Derby, his favourite memory of the @EpsomRacecourse Classic for plenty of reasons
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 1, 2020
Let us know your favourite Derby memory! 👇 pic.twitter.com/HfpBlxVoR1
David Johnson - High Chaparral (2002)
The story of the race
High Chaparral defeated stablemate Hawk Wing to give Aidan O'Brien a one-two and his second consecutive victory in the race.
Mick Kinane had the choice of the two runners, but picked Hawk Wing, who was sent off the 9-4 favourite. The Johnny Murtagh-ridden High Chaparral, who drifted in the market to 7-2, proved to have the superior stamina and ultimately scored by two lengths.
Long-time leader Moon Ballad (20-1), the winner of the Dubai World Cup the following year, finished another 12 lengths back in third.
What David had to say
🗣️ "A race that had it all." @Timeform's Flat Editor @davidjohnsonTF explains why the 2002 Derby - which High Chaparral and Hawk Wing fought out the finish in - is his favourite Derby memory 👇 pic.twitter.com/FuXGJfhBwb
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 1, 2020
Matt Gardner - Galileo (2001)
The story of the race
A supreme victory for the horse who would go on to prove himself the pre-eminent stallion of his era.
Galileo, with Mick Kinane in the saddle, streaked home to win the 222nd running of the Epsom Derby by three and a half lengths.
The 11-4 joint favourite maintained his unbeaten record as he saw off the challenge of Pat Eddery and Golan, with Tobougg (9-1) and Frankie Dettori a neck back in third.
Afterwards, Kinane hailed the winner as "the best Derby horse I've ever ridden - he's got exceptional pace. I was surprised we were going as slow as we did, but when I kicked that was it."
What Matt had to say
What is your favourite memory of the Investec Derby? 🤔@Timeform's Senior Horse Racing Analyst @MattGardnerMG reveals his favourite memory of the @EpsomRacecourse showpiece 👇 pic.twitter.com/fUFTtM2cRs
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 1, 2020
Ben Fearnley - Pour Moi (2011)
The story of the race
Teenage sensation Mickaël Barzalona announced his arrival on a global stage by driving 4-1 chance Pour Moi to a last-stride success, which he celebrated in equally dramatic style. The Queen's horse, Carlton House, was sent off favourite but could finish only third.
His victory was a landmark for André Fabre, regarded by many as the finest trainer in Europe.
This was a Derby which did not just feature drama in the race, but in the build-up, with Carlton House the subject of a late injury scare and Kieren Fallon left unable to ride after a legal case between two sets of owners who both wanted his services, one claiming breach of contrct.
What Ben had to say
📅 June 4, 2011
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 1, 2020
📍 @EpsomRacecourse @Timeform's @FearnleyBen discusses Pour Moi's victory in the 2011 Derby, his favourite memory of the @EpsomRacecourse Classic 👇 pic.twitter.com/Z2ZsZa01Gb