Overview

The Epsom Downs is a large open country space which is mainly chalk grassland and woodland, an ideal habitat for wildlife. Although it’s a preserved area, walking, cycling and horse riding is encouraged across the downs, which offers peace and tranquillity in its rolling landscape, in 600 acres of unspoilt downland, nowadays looked after by the Epsom and Walton downs conservators, who enforce the act of 1984, whose responsibility it is to preserve the downs as a natural public right of way for access for air and exercise use on foot over the downs. Casual horse riders are permitted to use the over 20 km of the downs, these riders being known as hack riders, and are strictly controlled. Free parking is allowed on marked areas, but the only public toilets are situated at the rear of Tattenham corner at the tea hut, with the toilets to the west of this. THE DERBY The famous grade 1 race course is situated in the north downs, the premier thoroughbred horse race for 3 year old colts and fillies, which holds the Derby every year over a distance of one and a half miles. The course is also the host for “The Oakes stakes” and “Coronation cup” and these are also grade 1 races run over the same distance, on the same course. The first ever recorded race on the downs was held in 1661, and by 1730, twice yearly race meetings were being held here. During 1779 the 12th Earl of Derby, Edward Smith-Stanley, organised a race for three year old fillies which he named “The Oakes” and a year later a new race was added for three year old colts and fillies, and named “The Derby”. 4 years later the race was made the distance of one and a half miles, as it is today. The term Derby is used in reference to restricting the race for three year olds, and many world wide courses hold an annual Derby race. The first English Derby that held a race was won by “Diomed” on 4th May 1780. In 1884 the first ever Derby deadheat was recorded. the 2010 race was won by “Workforce” with jockey R. Moore setting the fastest time of all up to date, of 2 minutes 31.33 seconds. The most number of times won by the same jockey, Lester Piggott, was 9 wins. And in 2021 the 242nd race was won by “Adayer” ridden by Adam Kirby. The course itself is unusual in that it is not a round circuit, it is in fact a “U” shape course, the race being run anti-clockwise, with the Derby course having an ascent to the top of the hill, before a sweeping left hand turn follows, known as Tattenham corner, and the last half- mile straight is downhill, until the final hundred yards which has a stiff climb to the finish. So who will win the 2022 Derby ? With price money this year of £850.000, all trainers will be trying hard to get a share, so what are the thoughts of punters. ? Will it be the hot favourite, or an outsider, it’s anyone race. OUR REVIEW OF THE COURSE Right, you have read the review, you have picked the winner, so it’s now time for the race itself. Let’s Start with the course. The race will be run over the downs, which in themselves are an area of a large open expanse of grassland and wooded areas (photo 1) and from a small side parking area, we can see the stands ahead of us (photo 2). The main gates will not be used on race day, (3) instead you will be directed to car park 20 for blue badge holders, it’s just beyond the stands. (4). On the main road in front of the stands are the stables (5) and the horses will be taken into one of the stalls (6) where your fancy for the race will be saddled (7) it’s a bit of a mess today, workers are preparing the stalls for the great day. Now it’s time to get into the stands (8) and take a look over to where the race will begin (photo 9). The starting gates will be placed at the far end of the course and you need to get your binoculars out now as horses are milling around as being taken into their Stall number for the race. The excitement starts to build, and suddenly they are off, a mass charge to get a good position as they gallop across the long first half mile and some of the straight (10) and on the downs itself, spectators have claimed there free viewing spot on the downs, and suddenly, a minute later the horses disappear over the horizon (11) as they head down towards the long sweeping bend of Tattenham corner (photo 12) and suddenly, the straight lies ahead, (13) and the race is on, there’s less than half a mile to go, the jockeys have held back long enough and now they urge the horse to find all the strength it’s got left and make that final uphill push towards the winning post (14) and you are on your toes, shouting with all your heart, your horse is in the lead and you can see the two red dotes that mark the finishing post, (15) just a few yards left, and at last, your horse tired out you, came in 11th. Gasping for breath the horse must continue its gallop beyond the stands (16) and round behind the Holiday Inn Express hotel, (17) to be sharply pulled up and turned around (18) to make the long disappointing walk back to the crowd lining the stands. (20) What a day ! You have loved every minute, the heart steadies itself again, and you plan for next year, you’ll get the winner then. On Derby day, remember to open up this review, and get the feel for what lies ahead, we hope you have enjoyed our review and it’s been of help to you all. OUR FINAL THOUGHTS Sadly, we were rather disappointed, it was not as grand as we expected, the stands looked worn out, very few stands in fact, the course offered little, and it was to far to see much of the actual course, but never mind, we have marked off another review for you, and you are now ready for the big day.

Transport & Parking

It will be busy on Derby day, expect delays. It’s a pleasant enough drive to reach the course, with disabled parking available at the clearly marked “gate 20” for blue badge holders, close enough to the stands. All car parks are on the grass areas of the course., and whichever car park you use, expect a walk to get you into the stands.

Access

You will be guided to the blue badge bays, in carpark 20, reasonable near enough to the stands. Most of the paths are tarmac or block paving, with bench seating in places, and you will find “step free” access around the racecourse. A dedicated outside area is provided for disabled to view the races, it’s below the main stand. For more details about disabled information, use the “Jockey club, Epsom downs” website.

Toilets

There are no accessible public toilets on the racecourse, but they are available in the “Duchess stand” at each end of the main stand. And on the smaller “Queens stand” the disabled toilet are over on the right hand corner. Don’t expect anything fancy, just use if needed, they will be clean enough, but I would hold back if possible until you reach a hotel or arrive home.

Staff

Having sought permission to go and review the stands in advance for you, we were very pleased about the help being offered to us by staff, they advised us well, and tried to arrange for someone to escort us around, but sadly we choose the wrong day to visit as they were very busy on our day. But our thanks go out to the course for trying.

Photos