Victoria Derby prize money now $3 million
A substantial $1 million boost to prize money for the feature race on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival has been announced by Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club.
The esteemed Group 1 Victoria Derby, contested over 2500 metres at Flemington on October 31, will command a total purse of $3 million this year.
This significant prizemoney upgrade comes after the Asian Pattern Committee reviewed the Derby's Group 1 status. The committee concluded that the Derby should retain its Group 1 standing, with further examination of its 'Black Type' status to occur later in the racing season.
The injected $1 million brings the Victoria Derby's prize money level with that of the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, a 1600m race for three-year-olds held on October 10.
RV chief executive Aaron Morrison emphasized the Derby's crucial role on the inaugural 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 commented. "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."
Observer, a Godolphin colt, was the victor of last year's Victoria Derby, having previously finished a luckless third in the Caulfield Guineas.
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