What is the Epsom Oaks?
The Oaks is the fillies' Classic, the mile-and-a-half championship that crowns the
outstanding three-year-old filly of the season. First run in 1779, a year before
the Derby it inspired, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the
world and a permanent fixture of the British flat calendar.
The race and the course
Run over the same demanding Epsom mile and a half as the Derby, the Oaks asks a
filly to handle the track's undulations, the plunge to Tattenham Corner and the
cambered home straight. It is a true test of stamina and class, and its winners
are routinely among the best middle-distance fillies of their generation.
A Classic with history
As the senior fillies' Classic over the Classic distance, the Oaks has long been
the race by which a generation's top staying filly is measured. Its winners have
gone on to shape some of the most influential families in the thoroughbred
studbook.
Epsom Oaks betting
The Oaks market develops through the spring fillies' trials and the 1000 Guineas
form. For a full breakdown of the field, see our runners and tips coverage in the
build-up to the race, and our Epsom Derby hub for the
following day's Classic.
The Oaks is one of the highlights of the flat fillies' season. Every operator below is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Always check the bookmaker's site for current odds and terms.
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When is the Epsom Oaks?
The Epsom Oaks is run in early June, on the Friday of Epsom's two-day Derby Festival, the day before the Derby itself. The exact date is confirmed by Epsom Downs each year.
What is the difference between the Oaks and the Derby?
The Oaks is restricted to three-year-old fillies, while the Derby is open to both colts and fillies. The two races are run over the same mile-and-a-half Epsom course on consecutive days.
How far is the Epsom Oaks?
The Oaks is run over one mile and four furlongs, the same trip as the Derby, a full middle-distance test over Epsom's demanding contours.
Is the Oaks one of the Classics?
Yes. The Oaks is one of British racing's five Classics, alongside the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger. It is one of the three Classics open to fillies.
How can I watch the Epsom Oaks?
The Epsom Oaks is broadcast on free-to-air UK television, and major bookmakers stream the race to eligible account holders.