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. He was attempting to become the second horse in consecutive years to win the Derby on his seasonal debut, following Lammtarra in 1995. Ridden by Hills, he raced in the middle of the field for most of the way before turning into the straight in sixth place. He was then switched to the outside and made rapid progress to take the lead a furlong and a half from the finish. He went clear and stayed on well in the closing stages to hold off the fast finish of Dushyantor and win by 1, with Shantou a further 1 lengths back in third.