Derby prize-money boosted as part of Epsom changes

The Jockey Club has announced significant changes to the Betfred Derby Festival for 2026, with prize-money for the premier Classic boosted to £2million.

Among a host of alterations to the two-day meeting are; switching the now Coolmore-sponsored Coronation Cup to the Saturday and more than doubling its prize-money to £1m, offering free parking to all racegoers and giving accompanied under-18s free entry in the general admission enclosures.

The changes have come about following a six-month review process, although it is understood a return to a Wednesday Derby was never under serious consideration.

Announcing the changes, Epsom’s general manager, Jim Allen, said: “Epsom Downs is the home of the ‘Original Derby’, a race which is widely regarded as the most important two and a half minutes in the racing and breeding industry, shaping pedigrees, stallion careers and bloodstock markets for generations.

“It is so important for us to be continually evolving and improving to give everyone the best possible experience across the two days. Ultimately, we want to deliver something that Epsom and the surrounding area, along with everyone connected with British racing, can feel truly proud of and one which is befitting of the Betfred Derby Festival’s status as a world class and prestigious event.

“We are also proud to be encouraging the next generation to join us and get involved in the two days, with the introduction of free general admission tickets for all under-18s when accompanied by an adult, along with free hospitality and dining experiences for under-12s and discounts in these areas for 12-17 year olds.”

The increase in prize-money means connections of the horse who finishes 10th will now get a share (previously only down to sixth), while last year’s trial of 72-hour declarations will become a permanent feature.

There is also a push to make the meeting more accessible to racegoers, on the back of a sharp fall in attendances in in recent years, specifically since Covid.

On top of the free entry for accompanied under-18s there will be discounts for those aged 12-17 in the hospitality and dining experiences, while in the Grandstand enclosure there will be specific activities aimed at younger racegoers.

While the free car parking might be expected at some racecourses, on Derby day it had cost as much as £40 to park in certain areas.

A brand new fan and family zone, DerbyFest, is being introduced for 2026 in the heart of the Hill. Free to enter, it will be run in partnership with Frank Warren’s firm Queensberry – famous for promoting some of the world’s biggest sporting events – to drive attendance and engagement with the local community.

A new area called Galileo’s, in honour of the 2001 Derby winner, will feature live entertainment; 1780, a new trackside experience just down from the winning post, will offer views from a glass-fronted marquee and Champions Seating will provide elevated bleacher-style seating situated along the final furlong on the Hill – which will remain free of charge.

Reiterating his backing for the race, Aidan O’Brien, the most successful trainer in the history of the Derby – including with the aforementioned Galileo – said: “From the time that matings are planned at Coolmore, right the way through to the training process here at Ballydoyle, there is always huge emphasis placed on the Derby. If we had to pick one race in the calendar to win, the Derby would invariably be it.”