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The Betfred Derby Festival 2025, one of Britain's most prestigious horse racing events, will take place on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June at Epsom Downs Racecourse, featuring Ladies' Day with the Group 1 Oaks Stakes followed by Derby Day showcasing "The Greatest Flat Race in the World" with its £1.125 million prize pot.

Ladies' Day Fashion Guide
For Ladies' Day at the 2025 Epsom Derby Festival, fashion will embrace a blend of tradition and contemporary trends. Pastels are making a strong comeback, with lemon being particularly popular, bringing a fresh and airy feel to race day attire. The color palette is expanding beyond traditional pastels to include vibrant jewel tones like emerald green, amethyst purple, and electric blue for those looking to make a bolder statement.

Statement silhouettes are essential this season, featuring exaggerated fit-and-flare designs, high-low hemlines, and sculptural sleeves that add drama and elegance. No Derby outfit is complete without the perfect headpiece—oversized hats and elaborate fascinators adorned with feathers, bows, and flowers remain the crown jewel of any ensemble. For footwear, opt for stylish yet comfortable options like wedges or block heels, as you'll likely be on your feet throughout the day. Remember that while fashion at the Derby is about making an impression, the best tip is to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable during this prestigious event.

The Betfred Oaks Contenders
The 2025 Betfred Oaks, scheduled for Friday, June 6th at Epsom Downs, promises an exciting lineup of talented three-year-old fillies. While the official Epsom field is still taking shape, the recent Kentucky Oaks provides insight into some of the most promising fillies who might make the journey across the Atlantic or face similar competition at Epsom.

Good Cheer stands out as a potential superstar, having dominated her competition with six consecutive victories by a combined 42½ lengths.
Trained by Brad Cox, this Godolphin-owned filly has shown remarkable consistency and untapped potential. Other notable contenders include Quietside, who has never finished worse than third in her career starts and topped the qualifying leaderboard; La Cara, daughter of 2007 Derby winner Street Sense with impressive workouts leading up to her races; and Tenma, Bob Baffert's West Coast challenger with an $850,000 price tag and the pedigree to handle the Oaks distance. The Betfred Oaks field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with fillies from diverse racing programs vying for glory in this prestigious Group 1 contest.

Derby Day Race Schedule
The Derby Day schedule on Saturday 7th June 2025 features a packed card of eight thrilling races. The day begins at 2:00pm with the Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3), followed by the Diomed Stakes (Group 3) at 2:35pm. Racing continues with The BetFred 3 Year Old Dash Handicap Stakes at 3:10pm and The Aston Martin Dash Handicap Stakes at 3:45pm.

The highlight comes at 4:30pm with The Derby itself—"The Greatest Flat Race in the World"—featuring top three-year-old colts competing for glory. The day concludes with three more races: The Long Shot Northern Dancer Handicap Stakes at 5:15pm, followed by The JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap Stakes at 5:50pm. For those with hospitality packages, gates open at 11:00am with morning refreshments served at 11:30am and lunch at 12:30pm, allowing ample time to enjoy the facilities before the racing action begins.

Mercure London Paddington Hotel Information for Guests
For guests attending the Betfred Derby Festival 2025 at Epsom Downs, the Mercure London Paddington Hotel offers a fantastic base to stay, located just a short distance from Epsom and conveniently situated for transport links.

Hotel Overview: Distance from Epsom Downs Racecourse: The hotel is approximately a 25-minute train ride from Epsom Station, making it an excellent choice for Derby-goers.

Access to Transport: With Paddington Station just minutes away, guests enjoy access to the Heathrow Express, London Underground (Circle, District, and Bakerloo lines), and National Rail services, which provides easy access to all major attractions and events in London.

For Derby Festival Guests:
Pre-race Breakfasts and Brunches: The Mercure London Paddington offers special early-morning breakfast options, perfect for fueling up before heading out to the races.

Evening Cocktails and Relaxation: After Derby Day, guests can unwind at the hotel's Bar Lounge where they can enjoy a cocktail or a light bite while recounting the day's excitement.