What is the Epsom Derby?
The Epsom Derby is widely regarded as the most prestigious Flat race in Britain and one of the most important horse races in the world. First run in 1780, the Derby has produced some of racing’s greatest champions and remains a race every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of winning.
With a prize fund worth £2,000,000, half of that going to the winner, and a place in racing history on the line, the 2026 Epsom Derby promises another fascinating renewal at the iconic Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Officially known as the Derby Stakes, the Epsom Derby is a Group 1 Flat race open to three-year-old colts and fillies. The race is run over one mile, four furlongs and six yards (approximately 2,420 metres) at Epsom Downs in Surrey.
The Derby is the middle leg of the British Triple Crown, sitting between the 2,000 Guineas and the St Leger. It is considered the ultimate test of a young thoroughbred’s speed, stamina and balance due to Epsom’s unique undulating track.
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When is the 2026 Epsom Derby?
The 2026 Epsom Derby takes place on Saturday, June 6, as the highlight of the two-day Derby Festival at Epsom Downs. The big race is due off at 16:00.
Why is the Derby So Famous?
The Epsom Derby has inspired countless races around the world, with major contests in Ireland, France, Germany, Japan and the United States taking their name from Britain’s premier Classic.
Past winners include some of the greatest horses ever seen, including:
- Nijinsky
- Shergar
- Sea The Stars
- Golden Horn
- Australia
- Adayar
Victory in the Derby can significantly increase a horse’s value as a future stallion, with winners often going on to enjoy hugely successful breeding careers.
The Challenge of Epsom Downs
Epsom is unlike any other racecourse in Britain.
The track features steep gradients, a sharp descent towards Tattenham Corner and a cambered home straight that can catch inexperienced horses off balance.
Many talented horses have struggled to handle the unique demands of Epsom, making course suitability a key factor when assessing Derby contenders.
How to Watch the Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby will be broadcast live in the UK and Ireland on ITV Racing, with extensive coverage throughout Derby Day.
Fans can also stream the race via ITVX and through the BAR 1 Betting website & app.
Epsom Derby 2026 Runners, Riders & Stalls Draw
A field of 14 runners have been declared for Saturday’s race. Find the runners, riders, trainers and stall numbers below.
- #1 Maltese Cross – Tom Marquand/William Haggas
- #2 Balzac – Silvestre De Sousa/Jane Chapple-Hyam
- #3 Item – Colin Keane/Andrew Balding
- #4 Poker – Rowan Scott/Karl Burke
- #5 Christmas Day – TBC/Aidan O’Brien
- #6 Alderman – Pat Dobbs/Richard Hannon
- #7 A Taste Of Glory – Jamie Spencer/Andrew Balding
- #8 Pierre Bonnard – TBC/Aidan O’Brien
- #9 Bay Of Brilliance – Hector Crouch/Ralph Beckett
- #10 Ancient Egypt – David Egan/Charlie Johnston
- #11 Action – TBC/Aidan O’Brien
- #12 Benvenuto Cellini – TBC/Aidan O’Brien
- #13 James J Braddock – TBC/Joseph O’Brien
- #14 Rebel Rocker – Rob Hornby/Faye Bramley
Epsom Derby Past Winners
A look back on the Derby winners of the last decade.
- 2025: Lambourn – Wayne Lordan/Aidan O’Brien
- 2024: City Of Troy – Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien
- 2023: Auguste Rodin – Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien
- 2022: Desert Crown – Richard Kingscote/Sir Michael Stoute
- 2021: Adayar – Adam Kirby/Charlie Appleby
- 2020: Serpentine – Emmet McNamara/Aidan O’Brien
- 2019: Anthony Van Dyck – Seamie Heffernan/Aidan O’Brien
- 2018: Masar – Will Buick/Charlie Appleby
- 2017: Wings Of Eagles – P B Beggy/Aidan O’Brien
- 2016: Harzand – Pat Smullen/Dermot Weld
Who are the favourites for the 2026 Epsom Derby?
Aidan O’Brien will be seeking a fourth straight win in the race, so usurpingly, he trains this year’s favourite, Benvenuto Cellini. An impressive winner of the Chester Vase last time out, the son of Frankel has won three of his five career starts.
Should the favourite fail to fire, Aidan O’Brien has three other runners in the race, including Group One winner Pierre Bonnard, who may appreciate all the rain that has fallen at Epsom in recent days.
Item goes into the classic unbeaten in three starts and will be ridden by six-time Irish champion jockey Colin Keane for trainer Andrew Balding and the owners Juddmonte.
Epsom Going Update
Heavy rain at Epsom on Tuesday morning and a further 5mm shower in the afternoon led to the ground being described as predominantly good to soft just three days before the start of the Epsom Derby.
