What's new for 2026

Epsom Downs Racecourse is the home of the Original Derby. This race remains the centre of the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. As such, it is our duty to ensure the customer experience on course and the quality of the race are held to the same standards as when the race was first established nearly 250 years ago.

We're excited to make a series of changes for the 2026 Betfred Derby Festival, from racing to customer experience and for those that join us year after year for free on The Hill.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said:

“The Betfred Derby is the most important race in the thoroughbred calendar, and the changes we are making, across both racing and customer experience, come after a long review of the Betfred Derby Festival.

It is important that we are continually evolving and improving to give everyone, from racegoers to participants to those in our local community the best possible experience across the two days.”