The Investec Derby has attracted 416 yearling entries after the prize money pot for next year's race was increased to £1.5million.

The 2017 renewal of the Investec Derby will be the 238th running of the world's most famous flat race and Britain's premier classic.

The great race, for three-year-old colts and fillies, takes place at Epsom Downs racecourse on June 3 next year.

The yearling entry stage, which costs £560 per entry, is one of three ways in which to enter a horse for the race..

Horses can also come in at the second entry stage in April - costing £9,000 - and at the supplementary entry stage at the end of May, which costs a whopping £85,000.

Andrew Cooper, Jockey Club Racecourses' London region head of racing and clerk of the course at Epsom Downs racecourse, said: "The level of yearling entries for the 2017 Investec Derby has passed the 400-mark, which is our annual target.

"The 2017 Investec Derby will have increased prize money of £1.5 million - up from £1.325 million - and we are grateful for the continued support of owners, both large and small, for the yearling entry stage.

"Epsom Downs Racecourse, owned by The Jockey Club, has made a serious commitment to maintaining the Investec Derby as Britain's richest race and it is satisfying to see so many regally-bred yearlings among the entries for the 2017 renewal."