There are a handful of races that stand out from the crown in terms of punter appeal, and the Epsom Derby is certainly one of them. With the race itself tracing back to 1780 , and a mix of additional races and social events in the 19th and 20th centure it started to shape into the two day Epsom Derby festival that we know and love today.

the Epsom Derby itself takes place on the first Saturday of June each year (so Saturday, 7th June in 2025 and is set to take place at 3.30pm on Saturday 6th June in 2026). It’s supporting cast of festival races include the likes of the group one Coronation Cup, the Oaks, listed race the Surrey Stakes and group three races Princess Elizabeth Stakes and Diomed Stakes.

Prize money for the Epsom Derby in 2026 is well over £1 million (with £909,628 going to the winner) , demonstrating why is draws in the best of the best of the horse racing world. Whether jockey, trainer or owner who wouldn’t want their name associated with victory in the Derby. Lambourn was the 2025 winner, and horses considered legends of racing such as Nijinsky (1970), Shergar (1981) and Mill Reef (1971) were all previous winners.