Ballydoyle stars chasing £1 million top prize in Epsom Derby

Following the latest scratchings stage, Aidan O’Brien has 16 of the 41 entries remaining for the 2026 Betfred Derby at Epsom next month which this year sees an increased total prize fund of £2,000,000.

Top prize of £1,000,000 will go to the winning horse with the prize money breakdown as follows: the second to receive £400,000; the third £200,000; the fourth £130,000; the fifth £80,000; the sixth £50,000; the seventh £35,000, the eighth £30,000, the ninth £25,000 and the tenth £20,000 

O’Brien is already the leading trainer in the Blue Riband event, with the success of Lambourn 12 months ago an 11th win in the historic contest, but will bid to further improve that with another formidable team. 

The antepost markets for the June 6th contest suggest that his leading lights are Benvenuto Cellini, Pierre Bonnard, Hawk Mountain and Christmas Day, with the sponsors going 4/1 about the first-named, although the next fortnight of recognised Derby Trials at the likes of Chester, York, Lingfield and Leopardstown could see plenty of changes. 

There is also a £90,000 supplementary stage by noon on June 1st.

Meanwhile, the same day’s Coolmore Coronation Cup features 18 entries including the classy Francis-Henri Graffard-trained quartet of Calandagan, Daryz, Goliath and Map Of Stars. Compatriot Aventure (Christophe Ferland) is also entered. 

Four Irish-trained entries – all in the care of Aidan O’Brien - remain in the hunt for the Group 1 contest, which this year features a total prize fund of £1 million. 

O’Brien won the race 12 months ago with Jan Brueghel who railled well in the closing stages to fend off Calandagan by half a length. Jan Brueghel could bid for back-to-back successes, while Illinois and Minnie Hauk could also run, along with last year’s Derby winner Lambourn, in the mile-and-a-half contest.