Christmas Day wins the 2026 Derby on soft ground, with the race marred by controversy over the declaration of favourite Benvenuto Cellini as a non-runner due to a starting issue, resulting in a 25p Rule 4 deduction for backers.
Analysis of contenders for the 2026 Epsom Derby, including form, pedigree, and odds.
Epsom's ambitious five-year plan to revive the Derby faces an immediate attendance test with a need for an upturn for the 247th running. Key features include a boosted prize fund and free admission for under-18s, with royal attendance providing a significant boost.
Epsom, a quiet Surrey suburb, experienced violent disorder after misinformation about an alleged gang rape spread online. Protesters demanded answers from Surrey Police about suspects they wrongly believed were asylum seekers or migrants. However, police have now concluded following a thorough investigation that the alleged crime never happened - the woman who reported the rape had sustained an accidental head injury and made a confused report. Five people aged 15-23 have been arrested for public order offences and criminal damage after protests escalated and demonstrators mistakenly entered a local hotel believing it housed migrants.
Surrey Police has concluded that an alleged gang rape in Epsom never occurred, after a woman with an accidental head injury made a confused report. The false allegation sparked violent protests, online misinformation suggesting suspects were asylum seekers, and arrests of five people. The incident highlights how sparse police details combined with social media algorithms can fuel real-world disorder.
Epsom, a quiet Surrey suburb, experienced violent disorder after a woman made a false gang rape report. Protesters demanded answers about suspects, with online misinformation falsely suggesting asylum seekers were involved. Police later revealed the alleged victim sustained an accidental head injury and made a confused report. Five people aged 15-23 were arrested after protesters entered a local hotel mistakenly believed to house migrants. Experts warn of 'stochastic terrorism' - online misinformation leading to offline violence.
Raaheeb, a full brother to the exceptional Baaeed and Hukum, maintained his unbeaten record with a convincing victory in the Group Three Classic Trial at Sandown. The Owen Burrows-trained colt, priced at 10-1 for the Derby at Epsom on June 6, showed impressive staying power despite being unruly at the stalls. Trainer Burrows was surprised by the win and remains non-committal about the Derby, citing Ascot and the Irish Derby as alternative options.
Surrey Police have closed their investigation into reports of a rape near a church in Epsom, concluding no offence occurred. The woman in her 20s suffered an accidental head injury after leaving Labyrinth nightclub, leading her to make a confused report. The investigation, which included CCTV analysis and witness interviews, found no suspects. Public disorder erupted during protests, with eggs and beer cans thrown at police, resulting in four arrests.
Surrey Police have closed their investigation into an alleged rape outside a church in Epsom, concluding that no sexual offence took place. Following an extensive investigation, police determined the woman sustained an accidental head injury following a night out and made a confused report. The incident had sparked protest and public disorder in the town.
Four people have been arrested after eggs and beer cans were thrown during a protest in Epsom, Surrey, following a reported rape of a woman in her 20s outside a church on 11 April. The demonstration escalated to public disorder, with protesters targeting local hotels and residential properties with claims about asylum seekers, which police said was wholly inaccurate. Police have not found any evidence that the offence took place as reported.
