A total of 537 yearlings have been nominated for the 2003 Epsom Derby (Eng-G1), a slight drop from the 532 nominated for next year's running two years ago.The yearlings were nominated at the first entry stage for the English classic, which is followed by further stages for potential runners at ages two and three.

The Maktoum family has 136 of the nominated yearlings, including 54 owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, who typically runs in the name of his Shadwell Stables. The partnership of Michael Tabor and Susan Magnier is represented by 64, including an unnamed colt by Storm Cat out of the Halo mare Halory that was the most expensive yearling in the United States this year on a bid of $6.4-million at the Keeneland September yearling sale.

The entries also include two Japanese colts and two others from Germany, the first-ever German yearling nominations to the race.—Colin Cameron