As the sun set on May 20th, 2025, the racing world turned its gaze towards Epsom. The latest scratchings for The Oaks and The Derby closed at midday, and what a spectacle it promises to be next month. With some major contenders now out of the running, trainers and punters alike are busy recalibrating their expectations for this most prestigious weekend. The excitement and grandeur of Epsom Downs are well underway.
These races are the pinnacle of beauty and power, where the cream of the crop gathers to prove their mettle. Trainers have taken crucial steps towards the final line-up, removing horses from contention ahead of supplementary entries closing a week before race day. The anticipation in the air is palpable—it’s as if the horses themselves are dancing on their toes in excitement.
The Derby Scratchings
When the midday silence broke on May 20th, several names were taken off The Derby list. Amongst those scratched, Aidan O’Brien marked several down, including Acapulco Bay and the promising Rock of Cashel. Ralph Beckett also thinned the field, with Calla Lagoon and Pinhole among others stepping aside. John & Thady Gosden’s Devil’s Advocate will not be seen thundering down the stretch either.
From Green Impact to Trinity College, the list gives racing fans much to digest. Jessica Harrington will see no hooves of Hotazhell on the track this year. Each name removed brings clarity and reshuffles the deck for those still in the running. As with every season, it’s a dance of strategy and skill, watching trainers maneuver to get their charges into the best possible contention for glory.
The Oaks Contenders Withdraw
Over in The Oaks, the scene echoes with similar heartbreak and strategic withdrawals. Aidan O’Brien again shows prominently, with the likes of Ballet Slippers and Butterfly Wings now scratches. Ralph Beckett’s presence is equally felt with names like Cathedral and Perfect Your Craft stepping aside.
William Haggas has gracefully exited a few as well, though the dance continues and the remaining contenders stay tougher than nails. Jessica Harrington’s Bonnie Moon and other hopefuls are no longer contenders, leaving space for fresh tactics and betting recalibrations. It’s a masterclass of old-school horsemanship and modern techniques, echoes of hooves lifting dust in determined union.
Preparing for Race Day
The path is clearer now, as trainers and jockeys utilize their expertise to propel their horses to Epsom’s legendary finish lines. The tension of the training ground matched by the thrill of betting rings and gentle rustle of form guides. There’s a magic in the air, the allure of history ready to write its next chapter.
The heartbeat of horse racing beats louder leading up to race day. With so many names off the list, the remaining contenders take center stage. Time will tell which combination of skill, heart, and preparation will ascend to glory. As readers settle in with their form guides, all that remains is to wait with bated breath for the sound of hooves tearing down the track.
Horse racing fans, brace yourselves! The journey towards Epsom’s Classics has begun. May the best horse, aided by expert hands and a little luck, cross the finish first. Until then, these rough’n’ready contenders will be pulling up sound and rating nicely, every step closer to racing immortality.
