Derby Prize Money Hits Record High, Children to Enjoy Free Entry
The prize money for the Epsom Derby is set to increase significantly in 2026, reaching a record-breaking £2m. The prize pot will also be increased by £500,000, with the winner taking home a whopping £1m. This move aims to make the Derby the richest race in the UK.
However, the changes don't stop there. Under-18s are set to enjoy free entry to both days of the meeting, an effort to attract a new generation of fans to the sport. The Jockey Club believes this will not only boost attendance but also encourage more young people to get involved with horse racing.
Other notable changes include a switch in the Coronation Cup from Friday to Saturday, where its prize money has doubled from £450,000 to £1m thanks to new sponsorship from Coolmore. Across both days, there's an increase of £1.375m in prize money, with the Oaks remaining as the feature race on the Friday.
But that's not all. The Epsom Downs site will offer free car parking for all attendees, whether they're in paid enclosures or in the free area on the hill. There'll also be a 'bleacher'-style covered seating along the final furlong, providing spectators with a great view of the action.
A new covered area and improved trackside hospitality facilities are being installed near the winning post, and a special 'DerbyFest' area is being launched in partnership with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. This will feature live music, entertainment, and opportunities for fans to meet celebrities and jockeys.
Overall, these changes are aimed at making the Epsom Derby more attractive to both old and new fans, and providing a better experience for all attendees.
The prize money for the Epsom Derby is set to increase significantly in 2026, reaching a record-breaking £2m. The prize pot will also be increased by £500,000, with the winner taking home a whopping £1m. This move aims to make the Derby the richest race in the UK.
However, the changes don't stop there. Under-18s are set to enjoy free entry to both days of the meeting, an effort to attract a new generation of fans to the sport. The Jockey Club believes this will not only boost attendance but also encourage more young people to get involved with horse racing.
Other notable changes include a switch in the Coronation Cup from Friday to Saturday, where its prize money has doubled from £450,000 to £1m thanks to new sponsorship from Coolmore. Across both days, there's an increase of £1.375m in prize money, with the Oaks remaining as the feature race on the Friday.
But that's not all. The Epsom Downs site will offer free car parking for all attendees, whether they're in paid enclosures or in the free area on the hill. There'll also be a 'bleacher'-style covered seating along the final furlong, providing spectators with a great view of the action.
A new covered area and improved trackside hospitality facilities are being installed near the winning post, and a special 'DerbyFest' area is being launched in partnership with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. This will feature live music, entertainment, and opportunities for fans to meet celebrities and jockeys.
Overall, these changes are aimed at making the Epsom Derby more attractive to both old and new fans, and providing a better experience for all attendees.
like, who doesn't love horse racing? but seriously, free entry for kids is genius 
gonna be awesome to see the next gen into the sport! also, £1m prize money is just crazy 
gotta try and get to the derby in 2026 now
. It's great for the young people who want to watch racing but might not be able to afford tickets otherwise. And having more free parking is gonna make a big difference, I reckon. Its also awesome that there's live music and meet-and-greets with jockeys and celebs 
just thinkin' about it, £2m prize money is insane! 
this is sooo cool!! The prize money is increasing to £2m 
it's about time we made horse racing more accessible and fun for all ages! 
I'd love to check out live music and meet celebs and jockeys in person 
I'm so done with the Epsom Derby's prices! £2m for one horse? That's just insane! Meanwhile, we've got kids who are still studying or working part-time, and they can't even afford to go watch their favorite horses run. Free entry for under-18s is a great move, though 
But seriously, it's great that they're trying to attract younger people to horse racing with free entry for under-18s. I'm sure that'll make a huge difference. And the new 'DerbyFest' area sounds like so much fun - live music and meeting celebrities? That's a win-win! 
the Epsom Derby is literally getting so much more epic in 2026! I'm not even mad about the £2m prize money tho 
- think the price of entry is gonna make a difference to anyone's life? Free parking? More like free congestion on the roads! And what's with these 'new experiences' they're trying to sell us? Live music and meet-and-greets? Just a fancy way of saying 'overpriced events for the elite'. Give me a break, who needs all this when you can just watch from home with a cold pint 
, then we'll have to fork out even more cash for food and drinks 
. And what's up with this "DerbyFest" nonsense? Can't just enjoy the racing without all these extra distractions 
.
Free entry? They must be trying to attract the whole world to the Derby 
. The changes all seem pretty positive, especially with the record-breaking prize money 
? The additional music area sounds like a cool addition too 
. free entry for kids & car parking for everyone? that's just pure genius 
. and live music & celeb meetups at derbyfest? sounds like the ultimate racing experience