Record Derby prize & kids go free in Epsom changes

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Ailsa Cowen

BBC Sport journalist

1 hour ago

Prize money for the Derby at Epsom will rise to £2m in 2026 making it the joint-richest race in the UK as part of a series of changes.

The Jockey Club is increasing its prize pot by £500,000, with £1m going to the winner.

Other changes for next year’s Derby, which will be run on 6 June, include under-18s being given free entry to the two-day meeting in an effort to encourage a new generation of fans.

The Coronation Cup has been switched from the Friday to the Saturday and its prize money has more than doubled from £450,000 to £1m through new sponsorship from racehorse breeders Coolmore.

Across both days there will be a prize money increase of £1.375m, with the Oaks remaining as the feature race on the Friday.

What are the other changes at Epsom?

The increased prize money will match that on offer for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Lambourn won the 2025 Derby, giving Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 11th win in the Classic.

The changes, following a six-month review by Epsom Downs Racecourse and the Jockey Club after the Derby crowd dropped by more than 4,500 to 22,312 compared to last year, also include:

The trial of 72-hour declarations to become a permanent feature of the Derby, and prize money to cover horses finishing in the first 10 places (previously six).
A new seven-furlong Group Three race – the Tattenham Corner Stakes – will be run on the Saturday.  This was formerly the John Of Gaunt Stakes, previously run at Haydock Park.
Free car parking across the Epsom Downs site for all racegoers, whether attending in paid enclosures or in the free area on the hill.
The installation of banks of ‘bleacher’-style covered seating along the final furlong on the hill, giving racegoers a ‘birds-eye’ view of the action.
A new covered area in the grandstand enclosure and improved track-side hospitality facilities near the winning post.
A new ‘DerbyFest’ area on the hill, run in partnership with boxing promoter Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, aimed at boosting attendance and engagement with the local community.
This area will have a main stage with musical acts and other live entertainment, plus the chance for racecgoers to get up close to celebrities, TV and sports personalities and Derby-winning jockeys.