When is the 2026 Epsom Derby? Dates, times and key info for most important flat race of them all

When is the 2026 Epsom Derby? Well, the biggest Classic race of them all is fast approaching over the famous downs. It is the fourth of the five Classics to take place and crowns the middle distance champion, with so many winners progressing to become champions against older horses.

The 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas have now taken place at Newmarket. That first pair of Classic precede the Epsom Oaks and Derby, both of which occur this year at the start of June. We take you through the dates on which those races will be held, including a schedule of the races involved. We also guide you through some of the potential runners and how you will be able to watch the Epsom Derby 2026.

Epsom Derby 2026 dates

The full schedule for Epsom’s two-day meeting is not known as yet. This is because there has been a shake-up to the event. The Group 1 Coronation Cup, the only other top level event at Epsom, has been moved to the same day as the Derby and given an increase in the purse. The Derby itself is also worth more than ever, with sponsors Betfred helping to put up a £2 million purse.

Epsom Derby 2026 schedule

Friday 5 June

• 4pm – Epsom Oaks

Saturday 6 June

• 2.40pm – Coronation Cup
• 4pm – Epsom Derby

What time does the Epsom Derby start?

The Epsom Derby is due off at 4pm on Saturday 6 June 2026. This is the fifth year in a row that the Derby will have a different start time to the year prior. In 2025, the Derby started at 3.30pm, an hour earlier than in 2024. In 2023, the Derby even started at 1.30pm in an attempt to attract more viewers who would be attending 3pm football matches.

How can I watch the 2026 Epsom Derby?

The 2026 Epsom Derby is one of the biggest races of the year, so will be live on ITV Racing. The race will be the centrepiece of the terrestrial TV’s coverage at 4pm on Saturday 6 June.

ITV will cover the first five races on Epsom’s Saturday card, while you can also watch the race as a subscriber of Racing TV if you prefer their coverage.

Who is running in the 2026 Epsom Derby?

At this stage, we do not know the final field for the Derby. However, 41 horses remain entered for the contest in June.

Among those are 16 Aidan O’Brien trained potentials. The Ballydoyle master has won the last three editions of the Classic and has every chance of adding a fourth straight victory. Benvenuto Cellini is the ante-post favourite, though Pierre Bonnard, Christmas Day, Hawk Mountain and Constitution River also make up the first five in the betting.

Epsom Derby 2026 Free Bets

As one of the biggest races throughout the year, the Epsom Derby deserves special attention. That is why loads of bookmakers will be handing out their best possible free bet offers for the contest.

Here are four of the best betting offers available for new customers, which you can claim ahead of the 2026 running of the Derby at Epsom.