About Epsom Downs

Few events can capture the spirit of racing quite like June’s Derby Festival at Epsom Downs, when spectators flood onto The Hill and into the grandstands to see champion horses battle it out for one of sport’s most famous prizes. The Vodafone Derby, Britain’s most valuable race, makes extraordinary demands on both horse and rider and is one of the sport’s most challenging races.

The friends of Edward Smith Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby, contested the first Derby. The name of the race was decided by the flip of a coin between Stanley and Sir Charles Bunbury, a leading racing figure of the day. Bunbury’s horse, Diomed, would go on to win the race, providing some consolation for losing the coin toss.

Facilities
Epsom Downs is currently in a period of extensive refurbishment, which will not impact upon the Derby festival. Work on the Grandstand redevelopment programme began in August 2006 with a new entrance pavilion due to be completed before this year’s Derby Festival. There are a variety of enclosures at Epsom Downs. The Hill, at the centre of the course, is where anyone can stop by to experience the atmosphere on race day. Events include a funfair, live music and a market. For a completely different experience, you could visit the Queen’s Stand, the most exclusive enclosure, situated opposite the winning post. This stand has all the facilities you’d expect from a luxury enclosure, including the Blue Riband Restaurant.

Locality
The Race Course is situated on the North Downs, a 100-mile stretch of chalk hills that run from Hampshire through to Surrey and Kent. Part of these Downs, the Surrey Hills, have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are a popular spot for walkers and ramblers.