 Shaamit started at odds of 12/1 for the 1996 Epsom Derby on 8 June on his first appearance of the season.The race was run at the unusually early time of 2.25pm to avoid a clash with the opening game of the 1996 European Football Championship, which featured the England National Football Team, leading some commentators to claim that the race lacked its usual atmosphere and sense of occasion.Shaamit was the sixth choice in the betting, with Dushyantor being sent off the 9/2 favourite in a field of twenty runners.