# Epsom Derby 2026: Star Sports On-Course and Antepost Guide _Epsom Derby 2026 is 5–6 June. Star Sports runs Tatts pitches at the meeting — including the late Barry Dennis's pitch. Antepost markets, on-course access, big-stake betting at the Classic._ *Source: [https://stablebet.co.uk/bookmakers/epsom-derby-2026-star-sports/](https://stablebet.co.uk/bookmakers/epsom-derby-2026-star-sports/) · last updated 2026-06-08* ## The Derby 2026 ### Epsom Derby 2026 — the essentials *The 2026 Epsom Derby has run — Christmas Day won at 7/1 (Aidan O'Brien's record-extending 12th Derby); pre-race joint-favourite Benvenuto Cellini was a stalls non-runner. For the next big Flat festival see our [Royal Ascot 2026 at Star Sports](/bookmakers/royal-ascot-2026-star-sports/) guide. Verified Monday 8 June 2026.* **When**: Friday 5 June (Oaks Day) and Saturday 6 June 2026 (Derby Day). **Where**: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey. **The race**: 1m4f, 3-year-olds, one of the five English Classics. Prize fund among the highest in UK Flat racing. **Distaff equivalent**: The Oaks (Classic for 3yo fillies) is run on the Friday. The Derby is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in world horse racing. First run 1780. The Epsom Downs course is unique in UK racing — undulating, tight right-hand bends, Tattenham Corner descending sharply, a stiff climb from the 6f mark to the winning post. Winning The Derby tests both class and the specific aptitude for the course. ### Star Sports at Epsom Star Sports operates Tattersalls pitches at Epsom Derby Day, including the late **Barry Dennis**'s historic pitch — now operated by Dan Dennis and the Hughes brothers, often in partnership. Barry Dennis was one of the great characters of the British on-course bookmaking scene until his death, and the pitch continues as a traditional ring position. Star Sports' broader Epsom presence is part of the firm's flagship-festival pitch network — alongside Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, Goodwood, Aintree and Brighton. For a meeting as central to British Flat racing as The Derby, the on-course operation is a key part of the product identity. ### 2026 Derby result The 2026 Derby (run Saturday 6 June) was won by **Christmas Day** (Aidan O'Brien) at 7/1 — O'Brien's record-extending **12th Derby** win. Pre-race joint-favourite **Benvenuto Cellini** (also O'Brien) was a **stalls non-runner** on the day. Under Star Sports' traditional antepost rules (no NRNB), antepost backers of Benvenuto Cellini lost their stake — a live illustration of the antepost-risk point below. ### Star Sports antepost for the 2026 Derby Star Sports' antepost market for the 2026 Derby opened early in January, with ongoing pricing updates as the Guineas trials completed in April and May. Notable points: - **Published £100,000 antepost maximum liability** per market. - **Competitive early pricing** — the Epsom Derby is one of the markets where Star Sports' traders genuinely prioritise early pricing depth. - **Traditional antepost rules** — no NRNB, so non-running horses cost you the stake. - **Phone desk access** on 0800 052 1321 for bets at size. ### On-course Derby Day tactics For punters attending Epsom Derby Day in person: - Walk the Tatts ring ahead of the big races — prices move across pitches and value sometimes sits with a smaller operator. - The Star Sports pitch typically stands in the heart of the Tatts area — ask any regular racegoer and they'll point you to it. - Cash bets on-course bypass the online account's stake-factoring — on-course bets up to several thousand pounds are generally accepted at flagship meetings. - The Barry Dennis memorial pitch carries particular history — worth the walk-past for any traditional racing fan. ### The Oaks (Friday) The 2026 Oaks (Classic for 3yo fillies, 1m4f) runs on Friday 5 June. Star Sports' antepost markets on the Oaks open at similar times to the Derby. The field is typically smaller than the Derby but the race carries comparable historical prestige. See our [full Star Sports review](/bookmakers/star-sports-review/) and the wider [best antepost bookmakers UK](/bookmakers/best-antepost-bookmakers-uk/) ranking. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### When is the 2026 Epsom Derby? Saturday 6 June 2026 (Derby Day). The Oaks runs on Friday 5 June at the same meeting. ### Does Star Sports have a pitch at Epsom? Yes — in the Tatts enclosure, including the historic Barry Dennis pitch now operated by Dan Dennis and the Hughes brothers, often in partnership with Star Sports. The broader Star Sports Epsom pitch presence is part of the firm's flagship-festival network. ### Does Star Sports offer NRNB on Epsom Derby antepost? No. Star Sports runs traditional antepost rules on Derby markets. Non-running horses lose stake. For NRNB protection on Derby antepost, use a corporate book. ### Who won the 2026 Derby? The 2026 Derby (Saturday 6 June) was won by Christmas Day (Aidan O'Brien) at 7/1 — O'Brien's record-extending 12th Derby win. Pre-race joint-favourite Benvenuto Cellini was a stalls non-runner, while Star Sports' traditional antepost rules meant antepost backers of the non-runner lost their stake. ### Can I bet big at the Star Sports Epsom pitch? Yes — on-course cash bets at flagship meetings like Derby Day routinely accept substantial stakes. The trader has authority to price and lay bets in real time. ### When does Star Sports open Derby antepost markets? Typically January of the running year, with meaningful pricing changes following the Craven Meeting (April) and the 2000 Guineas (early May) as the form through the Classic trials settles.