Horse racing-Trainer O'Brien dominates elite field in revamped Epsom Derby

EPSOM, England, June 5 : Britain and Ireland's top three-year-old colts line up on Saturday to contest the 2 million-pound ($2.7 million) Epsom Derby, a unique test of stamina and speed run over the undulating Epsom Downs since 1780.

Among them are four elite colts from dominant trainer Aidan O'Brien, who is looking for a record-extending 12th win, a 4.3 million guineas purchase bidding to earn his fee for Amo Racing, and a homebred from Devon. 

All are vying for one of racing's most historic crowns, the original Derby, which despite dwindling public interest in recent years, remains one of five British Classic titles that can take a racehorse from good to among the greats. Think Galileo and Sea The Stars. 

For Jim Allen, general manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, this year's renewal takes on even greater significance as it follows an 18-month effort to revitalise the race, reverse dwindling attendance - 2025 was among the lowest on record - and prove the Derby's ongoing relevance as a maker of champion stallions. 

The 6 million-pound investment plan included boosting prize money to 2 million pounds, refurbishing the site, making entry free for under-18s and a festival-style event in the middle of the course. 

This year, 60,000 people, including Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla, are expected to attend with the plan to raise that to 100,000 in the next five years. Still, it is a far cry from the million people who reportedly attended in 1951. "Times have changed," said Allen.

As for the Derby's relevance to the racing industry, it is still the pinnacle of the sport, the one owners want to win. 

"There certainly has been a fashion for speed in the last 30 to 40 years and the Derby has perhaps lost a little bit of its