Victoria Derby purse lifted to record $3 million
The Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) will carry record prizemoney of A$3 million this year after Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club announced a A$1 million increase for the Flemington feature.
The significant boost lifts the October 31 three-year-old Classic from A$2 million and comes as racing authorities work to safeguard its Group One status.
The Asian Pattern Committee, which is temporarily overseeing Australian black-type decisions, considered the Victoria Derby for a downgrade earlier this year before determining it would retain its Gr.1 status for the 2026-27 season.
Its status beyond this season remains under review, with a decision for 2027-28 to be made following this year's running.
Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said the prizemoney increase was an important first step in protecting the race's standing.
"The Howden 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 racedays in world racing," Morrison said.
"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."
Champion trainer Chris Waller, who has won the Derby with New Zealand-bred Preferment in 2014, Manzoice in 2022 and Riff Rocket in 2024, welcomed the increase.
"The Derby is an iconic race, and this decision is great for the industry," Waller said.
"It's a great step in the right direction and allows Australasian-bred horses to compete for serious money."
The increase puts the Victoria Derby on equal footing with the A$3 million Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), with both races now offering A$1.8 million to the winner.
