The Epsom racecourse and its Derby Festival is one of the world’s famous racecourses for flat racing. The festival combines elite horse racing, public spectacle, and centuries-old tradition in one. The first run in 1779 makes it one of the oldest continuously running sporting events in history.  From 2026 onwards, Epsom will be bolstering its famous racecourse. These changes focus on enhancing customer experience, facilities, and the festival updates that go beyond purely traditional “building renovations”. Take a look at all the exciting changes coming.  

What Exciting Changes Are Coming To Epsom In 2026?

Hospitality Finder Epsom Racecourse enhanced customer experience areas

Enhanced Customer Experience Areas

Epsom will be preparing new seating and covered areas for attending fans. This includes banks of bleacher-style covered seating along the final furlong on The Hill, giving spectators better views of the racing action.  There will also be a new undercover hospitality and viewing space. This will be within the Grandstand Enclosure and will improve Epsom’s trackside hospitality. Lastly, a new DerbyFest fan zone will be added as part of the community zone on The Hill. This will help create a festival-style atmosphere all year round. 

Free Parking during the Festival

Parking will also be free across the site for all race-goers during the Derby Festival weekend. This aims to make the event more accessible than ever, and encourage all racing fans to attend. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure that you receive a pass for your preferred location.  Hospitality Finder Epsom Derby prize money upgrade

Racing Programme and Prize Money Upgrades

Racegoers aren’t the only ones benefiting from the upgrades. The Derby prize fund is also being increased to £2 million, making it one of the richest races in Britain.  The Coolmore Coronation Cup is also receiving an update. It will be moved from Friday’s Ladies Day to Saturday’s Derby Day, and its prize money will also be doubled to £1 million.  A new sprint race will also be introduced; the John of Gaunt Stakes will now be known as the Tattenham Corner Stakes as part of the Derby Saturday race card. 

Galileo's Afterparty

A brand-new covered entertainment space within the Grandstand Enclosure at the Derby Festival. It's named after Galileo, the legendary winner of the 2001 derby. Inside this area you can expect:
  • Live entertainment - music and performances throughout the day
  • New food & drink concessions - bars and refreshments with a social vibe
  • An "after-party" - a lively social gathering after the racing action, the perfect spot for to celebrate with other racegoers in a more relaxed, party-style atmosphere.
The Jockey Club has added this new feature to make Epsom more than just the races. Turning it into more of an experience day with entertainment, socialising, and celebration after the final races.

Proposed Infrastructure Aspects (Planning Stage)

The local planning documents indicate that a planning application for a new Grandstand at Epsom Downs Racecourse has been proposed and is under consideration. This will replace several older buildings, including conference facilities, plus a potential new hotel on the Old Paddock site.  As it is still in the planning/application stage, it's not yet confirmed as under active construction for 2026, and so may not begin construction this year.   

Epsom Festival 2026

Hospitality Finder's The Green Room at Epsom Racecourse With many changes to enhance the race-goer experience and with more planned on the way, there’s even more reason to attend the upcoming Epsom Derby Festival.  Exciting times are ahead, so make sure to secure your place for Ladies’ Day and Derby Day hospitality now.