Betfred Derby |
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| Group 1, Epsom Downs 15:30 £2,000,000 guaranteed 3yo only, 1m, 4f, 10y |
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The Jockey Club has confirmed a sweeping set of changes to the Betfred Derby Festival from 2026, headlined by a significant uplift in prize-money for the sport’s blue riband, with the Derby itself now set to be worth £2million.
A number of structural and experiential alterations are planned across the two-day meeting. Chief among them is the switch of the Coolmore-sponsored Coronation Cup to the Saturday, alongside a dramatic increase in its prize fund to £1million. There will also be free parking for all racegoers and free general admission for accompanied under-18s.
The reforms follow a six-month review, although it is understood that the possibility of reverting to a Wednesday staging of the Derby was never seriously entertained.
Confirming 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 enhanced prize-money will see a broader spread of returns for owners, with the first 10 home now receiving a share, rather than only the top six. In addition, last year’s experiment with 72-hour declarations will be retained on a permanent basis.
Accessibility is a central theme of the overhaul, following a notable decline in attendances in recent seasons, particularly in the post-Covid era. Alongside free entry for accompanied under-18s, there will be targeted discounts for 12 to 17-year-olds in hospitality and dining areas, while the Grandstand enclosure will host activities specifically designed to appeal to younger racegoers.
Free parking will also be welcomed by many, especially given that on recent Derby days some racegoers had faced charges of up to £40 in certain locations.
A new fan and family hub, DerbyFest, will be introduced in 2026 at the heart of the Hill. Free to enter, it will be delivered in partnership with Frank Warren’s Queensberry organisation, renowned for promoting major global sporting events, with the aim of boosting attendance and strengthening links with the local community.
Several new viewing and entertainment areas are also planned. Galileo’s, named in honour of the 2001 Derby hero, will host live entertainment, while 1780, a new trackside experience near the winning post, will offer views from a glass-fronted marquee. Champions Seating will provide elevated bleacher-style seating along the final furlong on the Hill, which will remain free of charge.
Offering his endorsement, Aidan O’Brien, the most successful trainer in Derby history and the man responsible for 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.”
Betfred Derby 2025 (Group 1)
£1,500,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 4f 10y, Class 1
18 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (10) Lambourn 3 9-2 A P O'Brien Wayne Lordan 13/2
2 (3) 3¾ Lazy Griff 3 9-2 Charlie Johnston Christophe Soumillon 50/1
3 (12) 1 Tennessee Stud 3 9-2 Joseph O'Brien Dylan Browne McMonagle 28/1
4 (17) nk New Ground 3 9-2 H-F Devin Alexis Pouchin 50/1
5 (2) nk Stanhope Gardens 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett Hector Crouch 12/1
6 (11) 3 Tornado Alert 3 9-2 Saeed bin Suroor Oisin Murphy 40/1
7 (8) 1¼ Green Storm 3 9-2 Charlie Johnston Billy Loughnane 50/1
8 (9) ½ Nightime Dancer 3 9-2 Richard Hannon Jamie Spencer 100/1
9 (14) 6 Delacroix 3 9-2 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 2/1F
10 (4) nk Midak 3 9-2 F-H Graffard Mickael Barzalona 9/1
11 (18) ¾ Sea Scout 3 9-2 Simon & Ed Crisford Harry Davies 125/1
12 (5) 6 Nightwalker 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden Tom Marquand 40/1
13 (1) 2 Rogue Impact 3 9-2 James Owen Luke Morris 200/1
14 (19) 2½ The Lion In Winter 3 9-2 A P O'Brien Colin Keane 7/1
15 (13) 13 Al Wasl Storm 3 9-2 Owen Burrows David Probert 50/1
16 (6) 2¼ Tuscan Hills 3 9-2 Raphael E Freire David Egan 40/1
17 (16) 7½ Pride Of Arras 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett Rossa Ryan 4/1
18 (15) 1¾ Damysus 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden James Doyle 16/1
NR 13 (7) Ruling Court 3 9-2 Charlie Appleby NON RUNNER
