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 a total prize fund of £2,000,000.

£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 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.