The Betfred Derby Festival

Often imitated but never bettered, the Betfred Derby is the world's greatest race and forms the centrepiece of the two-day Betfred Derby Festival at the iconic Epsom Downs Racecourse. Run over a mile and a half with a total prize fund of £2 million, it is the most valuable race run in Britain by far with an outstanding heritage dating all the way back to 1780. Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien has made the race his own this century, with the outstanding Galileo handing him his first success in 2001. His latest triumph - a record-extending 11th - came courtesy of Lambourn in 2025. Taking place on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June, the Betfred Derby Festival truly offers something for all tastes and price points, whether it be jellied eels and fast food on The Hill to fine dining from the likes of Chez Roux in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand. The Hill, which in 2026 will feature the exciting new DerbyFest zone - is unique in offering completely free entrance and parking. Style is also a strong theme too. While the Queen Elizabeth II Stand sees top hat and tails on Derby Day, racegoers can wear whatever they choose in other areas, although there is every incentive to make the very best effort with the return of The Style Awards in Partnership with Debenhams on Ladies Day. And for those who want to let their hair down an exciting new offering this year is O Beach Ibiza in Galileo's, bringing in a party for every music taste and mood; feel-good house, dancefloor anthems and everything in between.