What time is the Epsom Derby today?
The 2026 Epsom Derby takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon as a field of 14 line up for the most prestigious Classic of the British Flat season.
Often referred to as the 'Blue Riband' of the Turf, the Derby has produced some of racing's greatest champions, with recent winners including City Of Troy, Auguste Rodin and Lambourn. This year's renewal looks particularly competitive, with Aidan O'Brien responsible for four runners as he bids to secure a remarkable 12th victory in the race.
Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini heads the betting after an impressive reappearance success, while Dante Stakes hero Item arrives unbeaten and represents the strongest challenge from outside Ballydoyle. Lingfield Derby Trial winner Maltese Cross and improving outsider Bay Of Brilliance also bring solid credentials into the contest.
What Time Is The Epsom Derby?
The 2026 Epsom Derby is scheduled to take place at 4:00pm BST on Saturday, June 6 at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Run over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and six yards, the Derby is Britain's richest Flat race and the premier middle-distance Classic for three-year-old colts.
Epsom Derby Latest Odds
Epsom Derby Runners
Benvenuto Cellini
A leading contender after a dominant victory in the Chester Vase. The son of Frankel was a Group 2 winner as a juvenile and shaped like a colt certain to appreciate the Derby trip. Ryan Moore takes the ride for Aidan O'Brien.
Item
Andrew Balding's unbeaten Dante Stakes winner has rapidly climbed the rankings this spring. He showed both class and stamina at York and arrives as one of the most progressive runners in the field.
Maltese Cross
William Haggas' colt has won his last three starts, including the Lingfield Derby Trial. By Sea The Stars, he looks guaranteed to stay and has shown a willing attitude throughout his career.
Pierre Bonnard
A Group 1 winner at two who has yet to hit top gear this season. Connections remain confident significant improvement is still to come, particularly over this longer distance.
Ancient Egypt
The Newmarket Stakes winner is another son of Frankel and represents Amo Racing. Drawn in stall 10, historically one of the most successful Derby stalls.
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James J Braddock
Produced a career-best effort to win the Derrinstown Derby Trial at Leopardstown. Strong stamina credentials and likely to be suited by any ease in the ground.
Christmas Day
Winner of the Ballysax Stakes before finishing third in the Dante. Another Ballydoyle runner with proven Group-race form.
Action
Runner-up in the Dante Stakes and a half-brother to last year's Derby winner Lambourn. Fitted with first-time cheekpieces in an attempt to unlock further improvement.
Bay Of Brilliance
Progressive colt who finished a close second in the Lingfield Derby Trial. Has already proven his effectiveness on softer ground and remains open to further progress.
Balzac
Consistent performer who has placed in both the Blue Riband Trial and Lingfield Derby Trial this season.
Rebel Rocker
One of the few runners with previous experience around Epsom after finishing second in the Blue Riband Trial.
Poker
The expensive 4.3-million-guinea purchase remains a maiden and faces a significant step up in class.
Alderman
Still seeking a first victory and appears to have plenty to find on official ratings.
A Taste Of Glory
Faces a tough task after finishing last in the Lingfield Derby Trial and looks the outsider of the field.
Epsom Derby Tip (Steve Ryder's Tip)
Steve Ryder's selection for the 2026 Epsom Derby is Bay Of Brilliance, who is available at around 16/1.
The colt has improved with every start and shaped particularly well when finishing a neck behind Maltese Cross in the Lingfield Derby Trial despite lacking race fitness. Earlier victories at Goodwood and Redcar demonstrated both stamina and an ability to handle softer conditions, factors that could prove crucial if there is cut in the ground at Epsom.
Ryder believes Bay Of Brilliance remains underrated by the market and can follow in the footsteps of Adayar, who also used the Lingfield Derby Trial as a springboard to Derby success.
Steve Ryder's Recommended Bet: Bay Of Brilliance – 0.5pt each-way at 16/1.
