Who will win the Epsom Derby? Pub's mystical wishing well predicts Kingston Hill to triumph

The name has appeared scrawled in chalk in a pub garden near the racecourse on Epsom Downs, just days before the world famous race.

And punters may do well to take heed - the Amato pub is legendary for the predictions of the Derby winners that have appeared every year since the mid-19th century.

Its pick came sixth in 2012 and third in 2011, but back in 2009 the winning horse was correctly identified for the eighth time in the preceding 12 years.

Racing Post Trophy winner Kingston Hill is the third favourite this year.

His jockey, Andrea Atzeni, said: "The horse has certainly got a great chance. He had a good run in the Guineas, and the step up in trip will suit him."

The Amato's wishing well has correctly predicted the Derby winner on numerous occasions

It is a new landlord’s first Derby at the helm of the pub, in Chalk Lane, and he is hoping that the wishing well’s magic works again this year.

John Ward spent a decade working as head chef at the Epsom Downs Racecourse and he is familiar with the legend surrounding the pub.

Mr Ward said: "I’ve been told that people flock from all over the world to find out which horse the wishing well has predicted will win.

"This will be my first Derby at the pub, although having previously worked at the racecourse I’ve been involved with horses for many years.

"We’ve had the well tidied up by the local garden centre and welcome people to come and enjoy a drink and take a look, fingers crossed that Kingston Hill can prove that the well’s magic is still working on Saturday."

Landlord John Ward at the wishing well

The pub has been known as the Amato ever since the horse of that name won the Derby in 1838. Its walls are adorned with horseshoes representing Derby winners down the years.

The Investec Derby is live on Channel 4 from 1pm on June 7 and is part of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

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