Epsom Downs Racecourse News Headlines |
06/08/2008
New Approach wins Vodafone Derby!
New Approach captured the Vodafone Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse on Saturday. New Approach, a 5-1 shot under the direction of jockey Kevin Manning, successfully held off a challenge from Tartan Bearer in the final stages ... read more » [watch video] |
06/04/2008
Dermot Weld shoots for first Derby win with Casual Conquest!
Dermot Weld will be aiming for his first Vodafone Derby win when his steed Casual Conquest runs as the early favourite in Saturday's Epsom Downs racecourse extravaganza ... read more » |
06/03/2008
Henrythenavigator poised to skip Vodafone Derby!
Henrythenavigator now looks likely to skip the Vodafone Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse due to concerns about the ground. This comes just as arch-rival Casual ... read more » |
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Epsom Downs: Home of the Epsom Derby!
 Epsom Downs is a Grade One racecourse near Epsom, Surrey, UK. Epsom Downs is best known for being host to the Epsom Derby, the premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies in the UK. The Epsom Derby is run over a mile and a half (2400m). Epsom Downs also serves as host to the Epsom Oaks for three-year-old fillies and the Coronation Cup for all ages over the same distance.
Other noteworthy races held at Epsom Downs include:
- Blue Riband Trial Stakes
- Coronation Cup
- Epsom Derby
- Diomed Stakes
- Epsom Oaks
- Princess Elizabeth Stakes
Aggressive redevelopment is being done and will continue to be done at Epsom Downs to bring the best horse racing experience to fans.
Epsom Downs Description
Epsom Downs has a left-handed, U-shaped racecourse of 1 mile and 4 furlongs with steep undulations. Epsom Downs has a 3½ furlong run-in with pronounced camber, initially downhill, rising in the final furlong. Horses that have drawn high numbers will be best in races from 5 furlongs to 6 furlongs while those that have drawn low numbers will find it easy in races from 7 furlongs to 1 mile and 2 furlongs.
The racecourse at Epsom Downs presents a bit of a challenge for inexperienced horses and a true test of stamina for many.
Epsom Downs Facilities
Epsom Downs has the following Enclosures:
- The Queen's Stand
- Grandstand
- Tattenham Straight
- Tattenham Picnic Area
- Lonsdale
- Walton
- Upper Tattenham
- The Hill
In addition, Epsom Downs houses the third largest racehorse training facility in the country. The facility is managed buy the Epsom trainers society. There are 11 trainers which use the facility including Simon Dow & Laura Mongan (the only female trainer in Epsom)
Epsom Downs History
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In 1661, the first recorded race meeting was held on Epsom Downs.
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In 1779, Edward Smith Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby, organised a friendly competition for himself and his friends to race their three-year-old fillies over one and a half miles. He named it The Oaks after his estate.
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In 1780, The Derby was first run. It was intended to determine the Best of the Best for both the racing and breeding of racehorses.
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In 2005, Epsom Downs opened a public consultation on a proposed replacement grandstand.
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In 2006, Epsom Downs commenced its Grandstand Redevelopment Programme. Upon completion, Epsom Downs will have a spectator capacity of 10,875, a 625-cover banqueting suite and restaurant, and a 1,400 square meter betting, conference and exhibition hall. It is hoped that the facility will be built between 2006 and 2009. The estimated cost is £23.5 million and the Derby will continue to be held at Epsom Downs during the work.
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