EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE

One of the most popular racecourses in the United Kingdom, the Epsom Downs racecourse is highly famous for the Epsom Derby, which is the leading thoroughbred horse racing event in the whole of United Kingdom. This and many other notable races make Epsom racecourse one of the best centres for horseracing in UK. Its credentials can be vouched for by any horseracing enthusiast and for those who completely love to watch the sport. Coupled with an interesting historical background that dates back to the 17th century, the Epsom Downs racecourse is a paradise for all horseracing fanatics.

LOCATION OF THE RACECOURSE: The Epsom Downs racecourse is always thumping with activity with the various notable races run here. This racecourse is located amidst picturesque surroundings near the town of Epsom, in Surrey in England. This grade-1 racecourse is situated between the towns of Epsom, Langley Vale and Tadworth. The term “downs” inscribed into the name of the racecourse is attributed to the fact that this racecourse lies in the region of North Downs in England. Because this racecourse is located in a public area, the Epsom Derby can be viewed for free, making this the most viewed sporting event in the country.

HISTORY: Epsom Downs racecourse has a history dating back to the year 1661 when the first race (that has been recorded) was held here. This trend continued till the year 1780, after which the Twelfth Earl of Derby Edward Smith-Stanley ordered a race to be conducted, in which 3 year old fillies were to race over a distance of 3 ½ miles. This race was named by the Earl after his estate and was called the Oaks. Due to the thumping success of this race, the concept of using fillies and colts for racing was used in the following year, giving rise to a new pattern of horse racing on this racecourse. In the year 1784, the racecourse was extended to a distance of one and a half miles (this is its present distance). In the year 2009 a new Duchess Stand was inaugurated at the racecourse with a capacity to accommodate 11,000 people and a hall spread over 960 square metres.

NATURE OF THE RACECOURSE: The Epsom Downs racecourse is a tricky undulating track and the racecourse falls under the category of a flat racing course. It is a U-shaped, left-handed one-mile long course. Epsom is a 4-furlong track that has steep undulations with a 3.5 furlong run-in having a prominent camber that is initially downhill and then rises towards the final furlong.

MAJOR RACES: The Epsom Downs racecourse hosts some of the most-awaited and watched races in the United Kingdom. Some of the notable races that are run here include the Epsom Derby, the Coronation Cup, Epsom Oaks and the Epsom Dash, which is the fastest 1000m or 5 furlong race the world over. It is because of the Epsom Dash that this racecourse has received the title of being the “Fastest Place on Turf”.

One of the most notable of the races run in Epsom Downs racecourse is the Epsom Derby, also known as the Derby Stakes. A Group-1 flat horse race, it is run over a distance of a mile, four furlong and 10 yards. The Epsom Derby is supposed to be the richest of the horse races in Great Britain and is included in the list of the five “Classic horse races’ of the country.

FEATURES OF THE RACECOURSE: The Epsom Downs racecourse lists third on the largest training facilities for horse racing in UK, and the managing staff is constituted by members of the Epsom Training Society. There are a total of 11 trainers, including Laura Morgan, who is the only woman trainer in the Epsom racecourse, and Simon Daw. The grandstand at the racecourse was used as the St. Petersburg Airport while filming Golden Eye, the James Bond flick.