The 1996 Epsom Derby was a horse race which took place at Epsom Downs on Saturday June 8, 1996. It was the 217th running of the Derby, and it was won by Shaamit. The winner was ridden by Michael Hills and trained by William Haggas. The pre-race favourite Dushyantor finished second.
Sponsor: Vodafone
Winner's prize money: £523,100
Going: Good (Good to Firm in places)
Number of runners: 20
Winner's time: 2m 35.05s
* The distances between the horses are shown in lengths or shorter. shd = short-head; hd = head; nk = neck.
† Trainers are based in Great Britain unless indicated.
Further details of the winner, Shaamit:
Foaled: February 11, 1993, in Ireland
Sire: Mtoto; Dam: Shomoose (Habitat)
Owner: Khalifa Dasmal
Breeder: Khalifa Dasmal
Rating in 1996 International Classifications: 124
Notable runs by the future Derby participants as two-year-olds in 1995.
Glory of Dancer – 1st Gran Criterium
Alhaarth – 1st Vintage Stakes, 1st Solario Stakes, 1st Champagne Stakes, 1st Dewhurst Stakes
Jack Jennings – 6th Washington Singer Stakes, 3rd Royal Lodge Stakes
Acharne – 6th Royal Lodge Stakes
Even Top – 1st Somerville Tattersall Stakes, 2nd Racing Post Trophy
Storm Trooper – 2nd Autumn Stakes
Zaforum – 4th Zetland Stakes, 8th Prix Isonomy
Busy Flight – 2nd Haynes, Hanson and Clark Stakes, 2nd Horris Hill Stakes
Prince of My Heart – 6th Silver Tankard Stakes
Early-season appearances in 1996 and trial races prior to running in the Derby.
Dushyantor – 2nd Dante Stakes
Glory of Dancer – 2nd Sandown Classic Trial, 1st Dante Stakes
Alhaarth – 2nd Craven Stakes, 4th 2,000 Guineas
Mystic Knight – 1st Lingfield Derby Trial
Jack Jennings – 3rd Feilden Stakes, 3rd Dante Stakes
Acharne – 5th Premio Parioli, 6th Lingfield Derby Trial
Double Leaf – 4th Sandown Classic Trial, 5th Dante Stakes
Classic Eagle – 7th Thirsk Classic Trial, 6th Chester Vase
Tasdid – 3rd Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes, 4th Amethyst Stakes
Even Top – 2nd 2,000 Guineas
Storm Trooper – 1st Feilden Stakes, 11th 2,000 Guineas, 6th Dante Stakes
Zaforum – 3rd Lingfield Derby Trial
St Mawes – 2nd Feilden Stakes, 2nd Chester Vase, 3rd Predominate Stakes
Busy Flight – 6th Sandown Classic Trial
Prince of My Heart – 3rd Chester Vase
Portuguese Lil – 10th 1,000 Guineas
Group 1 / Grade I victories after running in the Derby.
Shantou – St. Leger (1996), Gran Premio del Jockey Club (1996), Gran Premio di Milano (1997)
Chief Contender – Prix du Cadran (1997)
Storm Trooper – Hollywood Invitational Turf Handicap (1998)
