Victoria Derby prize money boosted to $3 million in 2026

Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club have collectively announced a $1 million prize money enhancement for the marquee event on the initial day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The Group 1 Victoria Derby, scheduled for October 31 at Flemington over 2500 metres, will now feature a $3 million purse.

This substantial prizemoney increase follows a recent assessment by the Asian Pattern Committee concerning the Derby’s Group 1 classification. The committee ultimately decided to uphold the Derby’s Group 1 status, with further discussions regarding its ‘Black Type’ status planned for later in the season.

The additional $1 million in prize money aligns the Derby with the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, a 1600m contest for three-year-olds held on October 10.

RV chief executive Aaron Morrison underscored the significance of the Derby on the opening day of Melbourne Cup week.

“The Victoria Derby is integral to the success of Victorian racing, in terms of its rich heritage and its role in headlining one of the biggest race days in world racing,” Morrison stated. “We believe the retention of Group 1 status for the Victoria Derby is vital given the day’s importance to our industry and the fabric of Australian racing more broadly. We must be proactive to ensure that is preserved. This prizemoney boost is an important first step. Beyond this, we’re continuing to review our feature three-year-old and staying programs, including conditions, pattern and prizemoney, to determine what is best for the industry in 2027 and beyond.”

Godolphin’s Observer claimed last year’s Victoria Derby, having previously finished a close third in the Caulfield Guineas.

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