Victoria Derby boosted to $3 million amid Group 1 threat 

Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club have increased the Victoria Derby’s prize money to $3 million as they attempt to safeguard the historic race’s Group 1 status following heavy scrutiny from the Asian Pattern Committee.

The $1 million increase for the 2500-metre staying test for three-year-olds, to be run at Flemington on October 31, follows the APC’s decision to retain its top classification for the 2026/27 season, with the race’s status beyond that still to be determined.

The prize money injection is the first tangible step in a wide-ranging examination of Victoria’s three-year-old and staying programs, with Racing Victoria (RV) chief executive Aaron Morrison acknowledging the need to act to preserve the Derby’s standing.

“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,” Morrison said.

“We must be proactive to ensure that is preserved.”

Prize money for both the Victoria Derby and Caulfield Guineas will now stand at $3 million, with the winner of each to collect $1.8 million.

The move comes against a backdrop of heightened international control of Australian black-type racing, after the Asian Racing Federation assumed responsibility for all Australian Pattern decisions in December, citing the absence of a properly functioning system since 2017/18.

The Derby was one of three Australian Group 1 races identified for potential downgrading during the APC’s review, alongside The Metropolitan and Railway Stakes, with all initially retaining their status for 2026/27.

However, the Metropolitan’s reprieve proved temporary, with the APC confirming in August that the race would drop to Group 2 status after Racing NSW declined to implement proposed changes to its conditions.

The Derby’s own position remains unresolved, with the committee not due to determine its black-type classification for 2027/28 until after this year’s running.

Morrison said the increased purse was an initial response to the need to protect the race’s standing, while further changes to the state’s programming for three-year-olds bred on staying lines remained under consideration to ensure the races retain their prestige and appeal to owners, breeders and trainers.

“This prize money boost is an important first step,” he said.

“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.”

The Derby’s ratings vulnerability has been linked to concerns about the depth of recent fields and the race’s position in a spring calendar that also includes Sydney’s Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes, run over 2000 metres a week earlier.

Trainer Troy Corstens recently called for the Derby to return to 2000 metres, arguing that the current distance and scheduling could deter connections from contesting both races.

First run in 1855, the Victoria Derby is Australia’s oldest Classic, and it predates the Melbourne Cup by six years.

Its honour roll includes Hall of Fame horses such as Grand Flaneur (1880), Phar Lap (1929), Tulloch (1957), Sky High (1960), Tobin Bronze (1965), Dulcify (1978), Red Anchor (1984) and Mahogany (1993).

For RV and the VRC, the Derby’s importance also extends to its place as a destination event, with Victoria Derby day recording the highest attendance of any Australian race meeting in 2025 and the state’s fourth-largest wagering hold, behind the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers said the increased investment recognised the race’s place in the Melbourne Cup Carnival and its appeal.

“The Victoria Derby is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most prestigious races and a cornerstone of the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Rogers said.

“Increasing prize money recognises the significance of one of the country’s great races and helps ensure it continues to attract the best horses, connections and competition.”

“This investment reflects our commitment to continuing and enhancing the race’s legacy, ensuring the Victoria Derby remains one of the sport’s most important, aspirational and prestigious contests, and the VRC thanks Racing Victoria for their partnership and support.”