Epsom Derby 2026 — Runners, Tips and Everything You Need to Know

Britain's greatest horse race is here. The 2026 Betfred Epsom Derby takes place this afternoon at 4:00 PM BST at Epsom Downs Racecourse, with 14 three-year-old colts lining up for the chance to be crowned champion in one of sport's most iconic events. Here's your complete guide to today's race.

The Big Storylines

Aidan O'Brien is chasing history. The legendary Ballydoyle trainer has won the Derby an extraordinary 11 times and saddles four runners today in pursuit of a record-breaking 12th victory. No trainer in history has reached that milestone. His runners include the ante-post favourite Benvenuto Cellini — winner of the Chester Vase — alongside Pierre Bonnard, Papal Guard, and Saxon Street.

Item arrives unbeaten. The biggest threat to Ballydoyle dominance is Andrew Balding's Item — a son of Frankel trained for Juddmonte Farms who arrives having won all of his starts, including an impressive Dante Stakes victory at York in May. Balding is chasing a Derby win to match his late father Ian, who famously won the race with Mill Reef in 1971. Item is drawn in stall three and has momentum, class, and an unbeaten record behind him.

A woman could make history. Two runners — Balzac (Jane Chapple-Hyam) and Rebel Rocker (Faye Bramley) — are trained by female trainers, either of whom would become the first woman to train an Epsom Derby winner.

The Key Runners

Benvenuto Cellini — Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore — 3/1 favourite. Chester Vase winner, dominant form. Ryan Moore's presence makes him impossible to ignore.

Item — Andrew Balding/Cieren Fallon — 5/1. Unbeaten, Dante Stakes winner, Frankel son. Drawn stall 3. The chief danger to the O'Brien team.

Maltese Cross — William Haggas/Tom Marquand — 8/1. Won the Lingfield Derby Trial. Haggas last won the Derby 30 years ago with Shaamitt in 1996. This could be the year he strikes again.

Bay Of Brilliance — Ralph Beckett/Hector Crouch — 12/1. Progressive colt, solid each-way claims. Narrowly beaten by Maltese Cross at Lingfield — could reverse that form.

James J Braddock — Joseph O'Brien — 16/1. Son of Aidan, trained by Joseph. Won the Leopardstown Derby Trial beating Ballydoyle's Pierre Bonnard. Named after the American heavyweight boxing champion — could land a knockout blow at a big price.

How to Watch

The 2026 Epsom Derby is live on ITV1 with coverage beginning at 1:00 PM BST. The race goes to post at 4:00 PM BST. You can also stream on ITVX.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 Epsom Derby: 4:00 PM BST today, Epsom Downs Racecourse, June 6
• 14 runners, £2,000,000 prize fund, Group 1, 1m 4f 10y, Good to Soft ground
• Aidan O'Brien chasing a record 12th Derby win with four runners
• Benvenuto Cellini heads the market; Item arrives unbeaten from the Dante
• James J Braddock (16/1) is the value pick for each-way punters
• Two female trainers in the field — history could be made today
• Watch live on ITV1 from 1PM BST