The Jockey Club will increase its prize money to over £61 million in 2026, marking a £3 million rise from 2025, with a strong focus on enhancing top-tier and developmental races. The majority of the additional funds—£1.375 million—will be allocated to the Epsom Derby meeting, boosting the Derby purse to £2 million and raising the Coronation Cup to £1 million. Other key races like the July Cup Stakes will also see increases, alongside support for maiden and novice races to nurture young horses on both flat and jump courses. This investment aligns with British racing’s broader strategy to maintain global competitiveness by backing elite events and the sport’s future talent.
Jockey Club CEO Jim Mullen emphasized the importance of prize money as a core incentive and acknowledged the financial challenges ahead, including potential job risks and uncertainties around Kempton Park’s future. The Club’s approach mirrors wider industry efforts, including those by the British Horseracing Authority and Horse Racing Ireland, to prioritize funding for high-quality and developmental races amid declining equine populations. In contrast, France has reduced prize money due to revenue shortfalls. The Jockey Club hopes that the significant Derby meeting investment will revitalize interest following a disappointing 2025 attendance, dedicating nearly half of the extra prize money to this flagship event.
