King and Queen set to attend Derby day at Epsom

The Jockey Club is delighted to announce that His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen will attend Betfred Derby Day at Epsom Downs during the afternoon of Saturday 6th June 2026 and watch the prestigious Derby.

Their Majesties are joint Patrons of The Jockey Club, which owns and runs Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The Betfred Derby is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and iconic horse races and will take place for the 247th time next Saturday, having been staged for the first time in 1780.

Both Their Majesties are Honorary Members of The Jockey Club and became the organisation’s joint Patrons in May 2024, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II who was Patron for 68 years, from 1954 until her death in September 2022.

The King and Queen’s visit to Epsom Downs on Derby Day continues a long tradition of Royal attendance for the historic race, with Queen Elizabeth II only missing Derby Day twice from the start of her reign until the COVID-19 pandemic - once in 1956 when on a state visit to Sweden and in 1984 when attending the 40th anniversary of D-Day commemoration in France.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “We are honoured and thrilled that The King and Queen will be joining us at Epsom Downs on Derby Day.

“Their Majesties show great enthusiasm, interest and support for horseracing in the UK and their attendance next week will be a proud moment for all of the team here and everyone connected with the racecourse.

“Derby Day provides joy and entertainment to millions of people around the world as one of Britain’s most famous and iconic events, and Royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations. We are delighted that Their Majesties will be continuing this tradition next week.”

The Betfred Derby is one of five Classic races staged in the UK each year (the other four being the Betfred 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Betfred Oaks at Epsom Downs and the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster) and is the joint richest race run in Britain, with prize money at £2 million this year.