What is the Epsom Oaks?
The Epsom Oaks is one of the most prestigious races in Flat racing and the premier Classic for three-year-old fillies in Britain. First run in 1779, a year before the Derby, the Oaks has crowned some of the finest fillies in racing history and remains a key target for leading trainers from Britain, Ireland and beyond.
With Classic glory on the line and a place in racing folklore awaiting the winner, the 2026 Epsom Oaks promises another thrilling contest at Epsom Downs.
Officially known as the Oaks Stakes, the race is a Group 1 contest run over one mile, four furlongs and six yards at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Open exclusively to three-year-old fillies, the Oaks is one of the five British Classics and is widely regarded as the ultimate test for middle-distance fillies.
Winning the Oaks often elevates a filly’s status both on the track and in the breeding shed, making it one of the most coveted prizes in the sport.
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When is the 2026 Epsom Oaks?
The 2026 Epsom Oaks takes place on Friday, June 5, the opening day of the famous Derby Festival at Epsom Downs.
The race serves as the centrepiece of Oaks Day and traditionally attracts many of the best fillies from Britain, Ireland and Europe.
The Oaks is due off at 16:00.
Why is the Oaks So Important?
The Oaks is one of the oldest and most influential races in world racing. Many countries have established their own versions of the race, inspired by the original contest at Epsom.
The roll of honour includes some legendary names, including:
- Pretty Polly
- Oh So Sharp
- Enable
- Snowfall
- Love
- Minding
Success in the Oaks often marks a filly out as a future superstar and significantly enhances her value as a broodmare.
The Challenge of Epsom Downs
Few racecourses provide a sterner examination than Epsom.
The unique track features sharp undulations, a downhill run towards Tattenham Corner and a cambered home straight that can test a horse’s balance and temperament.
Fillies not only require the stamina to stay the mile-and-a-half trip but also the agility to handle one of racing’s most demanding layouts.
How to Watch the Epsom Oaks
The Epsom Oaks 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 Oaks 2026 Runners, Riders, Numbers & Stalls Draw
Nine runners will go to post for the Oaks. Below are the runners & riders, the horses numbers and what stall they’ve been drawn in (stall number in brackets)
- #1 (5) A La Prochaine – James Doyle/Ralph Beckett
- #2 (4) Amelia Earhart – TBC/Aidan O’Brien
- #3 (9) Cameo – TBC/Aidan O’Brien
- #4 (6) K Sarra – Rossa Ryan/Ralph Beckett
- #5 (1) Legacy Link – Colin Keane/John & Thady Gosden
- #6 (7) On Message – Hector Crouch/Ralph Beckett
- #7 (3) Sugar Island – TBC/Aidan O’Brien
- #8 (5) Thundering On – Dylan Browne McMonagle
- #9 (8) Venetian Lace – Will Buick/Charlie Johnston
Epsom Oaks Past Winners
A look back on the Oaks winners of the last decade.
- 2025: Minnie Hauk – Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien
- 2024: Ezeliya – Chris Hayes/Dermot Weld
- 2023: Soul Sister – Frankie Dettori/John & Thady Gosden
- 2022: Tuesday – Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien
- 2021: Snowfall – Frankie Dettoti/Aidan O’Brien
- 2020: Love – Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien
- 2019: Anapurna – Frankie Dettori/John Gosden
- 2018: Forever Together – Donnacha O’Brien/Aidan O’Brien
- 2017: Enable – Frankie Dettori/John Gosden
- 2016: Minding – Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien
Who is the favourite for the 2026 Epsom Oaks?
Having won the fillies Classic six-times in the past nine years, Aidan O’Brien boasts the favourite, Amelia Earhart. The winner of the Cheshire Oaks at Chester’s May meeting, the daughter of Camelot will be bidding to follow up at Epsom.
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.
