For the first time in its history the world’s greatest Flat race will be staged behind closed doors due to the current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
There will be no public access to the racecourse, the outer enclosures or to the Hill.
The event will be equally unprecedented in its format, taking place on just one single day, Saturday 4th July 2020. The day will consist of seven races including the historic fillies’ Classic the G1 Investec Oaks, and the feature race the G1 Investec Derby.
General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, Simon Durrant said: “We are delighted that the Investec Derby can go ahead at its unique home course. Indeed, this will be the first time both the Oaks and Derby races take place on the same day, with both set to feature highly competitive fields.
“Whilst we are sad not to be able to welcome the usual thousands of spectators to the racecourse in person, we invite the community and wider audience to get involved via our website and social media channels, and to enjoy the historic event on ITV on Saturday 4th July.”
Councillor Eber Kington, Chairman of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy & Resources Committee, said: “With the Government’s decision to encourage the return of national sporting events we welcome the innovative approach being adopted by the racing industry in order to ensure a safe Investec Derby and associated day of racing in these exceptional times.
“Racing is a part of our borough’s proud heritage, but we recognise that, this year, the only way to support and celebrate this day of racing is to enjoy it from home.”
INVESTEC DERBY DAY RACE PROGRAMME
1.50pm Investec Woodcote EBF Stakes 6f
2.25pm Investec Surrey Stakes (Listed) 7f
3.00pm Investec Handicap 1m 2f
3.40pm Investec Oaks (Group 1) 1m 4f
4.15pm Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored by Investec) (Group 3) 1m 113y 4.55pm The Investec Derby (Group 1) 1m 4f
5.35pm The Investec Zebra Handicap 7f
HOW TO ENJOY THE GREATEST FLAT RACE IN THE WORLD REMOTELY:
TV COVERAGE
Six races will be televised on free to air television on ITV1, including the Investec Oaks and culminating with the Investec Derby. Coverage will begin at 1:30pm and the Investec Derby will take place at 4:55pm after which coverage will conclude at 5:30pm.
BETTING
Bookmakers will continue to take bets as normal either online or at your local betting shop. They will have their own social distancing measures in place.
RACECARD
Epsom Downs Racecourse will be producing a digital racecard with interactive content including exclusive videos, to enable fans to access facts and information about the day’s contenders on their device from the convenience of their own home.
Within the racecard, Epsom Downs Racecourse will be supporting both The Jockey Club’s charity, Racing Welfare, and Investec’ pledge to support London foodbanks with The Trussell Trust by running a raffle to win a pair of breeches, signed by the Jockeys running in the 241st Derby.
If you would like to subscribe to receive this on the morning of the meeting please sign up at https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/newsletter/ or visit the website on the day.
THE GREAT BRITISH GARDEN PARTY
Race fans can still get involved and enjoy the ‘fun of the fair’ flavour of the Investec Derby at home with (socially distanced) family and friends; the racecourse has launched a downloadable ‘Great British Garden Party’ pack including bunting, games and recipe content.
What is more, the racecourse is looking for the best home setups and will be sharing favourites on the day with the chance to win the incredible prize of a Private Tour around The Jockey Club’s sparkling wine partner, Coates and Seely’s vineyard, for up to 12 people!
Visit https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/events-tickets/epsom-derby/derby-at-home/garden-party-pack-form/ to learn more about this amazing prize and download your pack now.
Karen can usually be found glued to her computer or at the stables. Having edited several national magazines she co-founded Eclipse Magazine in 2008 after realising that many of her friends were nervous about going racing due to lack of information – what to wear, how to bet etc.
She absolutely loves her job (how many people can say that?!) and is truly grateful to all supporters of and contributors to Eclipse Magazine.
If you are reading this she would like to say THANK YOU! (And please spread the word about Eclipse…!!)
