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EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE.
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Introduction:
Amongst many historic events, 1661 saw the restoration of Charles the second to the British throne, and the beginning of horse racing on a newly established course on Epsom Downs.
With our gift of hindsight, it is possible to see how important these two events were to become in the history of horse racing. Initially, it was Charles the Second who took centre stage, for he created, and then passed through parliament, the first genuine rules and regulations used to govern horse racing. In addition, the monarch also set in motion the breeding programmes which would eventually create the modern thoroughbred race horse.
Although it took over a century more to manifest itself, the opening of Epsom Downs was to be of equal importance. For by 1779, the course was favoured by several landed families, and there was considerable friendly rivalry as to who owned the best horses.
Using the template established by Colonel Anthony Saint Leger at Doncaster, In 1779, Edward Smith Stanley, the twelfth Earl of Derby, organised a special racing competition at Epsom. This new race was to establish the best three year old filly over a set distance of one mile and four furlongs. He named the race after his estate, The Oaks.
After the unprecedented success of the first Oaks race, the natural progression was to stage a similar race for three year old colts, also over the distance of one mile and four furlongs. To decide the name of the new race, The earl, and his close friend, Sir Charles Bunbury, staked the privilege of naming the race on the single toss of a coin. As a result, the Derby became the name synonymous with the best thoroughbred racehorses. Ironically, the first race was won by Diomed, a horse owned by
Sir Charles.
Today, there are around one hundred and forty races all over the world, which carry the title of Derby. But it is the British classic at Epsom which remains the pinnacle for any owner, trainer, or jockey. If proof were needed, it is only necessary to consider Frankie Dettori. Although considered by many as one of the greatest jockeys of all time, Frankie had never won the Derby, despite fourteen previous attempts. When he eventually won the 2007 running of the Derby on the favourite, Attraction, his genuine celebrations were obvious to all viewers of the television coverage of the race.
Epsom Downs racecourse is opening a whole range of new facilities during 2009, including a new Grandstand complex, and an on-site Holiday Inn Hotel. So after a hiatus of one year, a full programme of racing will return to this historic and unique racing circuit.
Placepot, Dual Forecast, and Super7, are all online when you sign up with:
Track facts:
The racecourse is situated on the largest remaining public space south of London. Epsom is a unique left handed course, which exclusively hosts flat racing.
The course looks like a disfigured horseshoe which is lying on its side. In relation to the grandstand area, the open end of the horseshoe is to the right.
The main track is just over 1 mile 4 furlongs in length, and has a home straight of approximately three and a half furlongs in length. A chute joins on to the home straight, to produce a five furlong straight sprint course.
Most of the main course is subject to major undulations, but horses in longer races have to cope with massive changes in elevation. In fact, under modern criteria, it is most unlikely a course like Epsom would ever be built.
The Derby and Oaks races both begin at the one mile four furlong start. This position, although a few furlongs distant, is actually opposite the grandstands. In the first five furlongs after the start, runners navigate a saucer shaped course, which climbs up a rise of around one hundred and five feet. To save distance, from the starting stalls, runners plot a straight course, which at first, takes them over to the right hand running rail, but then, takes them back to the left hand rail. Even at this stage of the race, a position close to the pace is preferred by most jockeys.
At around the seven and a half furlong point, the field takes a sharp turn to the left, and immediately meets a downhill slope, which drops by around ninety two feet in three and a half furlongs. Needless to say, horses are running at considerable pace when they have to navigate another tight left handed turn at Tattenham Corner. This brings runners into the unique finishing straight. If you could look back along the straight from the winning post, you would see the considerable down slope from the left hand grandstand rail across to the inner right hand running rail. This means to pass runners positioned on the inner running rail, eventual winners may have to have the ability to, Race against the collar.
From the five furlong chute start, the course is straight, downhill, and cambered. Although it is probably the fastest sprint course in the world, it favours horses which are drawn low against the grandstand running rail, as high drawn horses have to climb a right hand gradient before they are in a position to challenge. Only fast starters usually have a chance from an outside draw.
From the above information, it is easy to understand why the course suits well balanced horses who can hold a prominent position, and then use agility and stamina to secure victory.
Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
A new pavilion opened in 2007, and a new eleven thousand seater stand will be completed in 2009, replacing old stand and administration blocks. The building work is being synchronised to ensure no interruptions to the Derby festivals. The new stand will include a grand hall, with plentiful catering facilities and bars.
Queens Grandstand and Junior Queens Grandstand Tickets.
The Queens Grandstand is still available during the redevelopment work, and offers excellent panoramic views of the racing action. Ticket holders also have access to all the other public areas of the racecourse.
The Blue Ribbon restaurant in the Queens Stand will be extremely popular, and advanced booking is essential.
Grandstand Ticket.
The standing grandstand terraces at Epsom still provide excellent views of the racing, including all activity in the home straight.
For the 2008 Derby Festival, the racecourse is providing a large number of temporary dining and bar facilities. Full details are available upon request.
Tattenham Corner Reserved Picnic Area.
This special enclosure includes seating and a picnic hamper for couples. Full details on request.
Tattenham Straight Enclosure.
Provides centre course views of the racing action. There are bar and hot food kiosks.
Gentlemen who want to look their best shop at:
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Disabled facilities:
During the redevelopment work, disability facilities will be in a state of flux. To obtain up to date advise, please contact the racecourse.
Fixtures:
All races at Epsom are run under flat racing rules.
Thursday 20 August.
Monday 31 August.
Thursday 03 September.
Wednesday 09 September.
Thursday 10 September.
Saturday 03 October.
TRANSPORT LINKS.
By Road:
Leave the M25 at junction 9, follow the signposts to Epsom, and the Races. Go through Epsom, and follow the B290 Epsom Downs Road, which leads to the course.
By Rail:
Trains run between London Victoria and Epsom on a regular basis. It is then possible to take a bus or taxi to the course. Alternatively, passengers can alight at Tattenham Corner station, and then walk the remaining half mile to the course.
By Bus:
There are bus services between Epsom and London, with connecting services to the London airports.
By Air:
Gatwick international airport is twelve miles from the racecourse.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land on the racecourse.
CONTACT DETAILS.
Address: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom Downs, Surrey, KT18 5LQ
Tel no: 01372 72 63 11.
Fax no: 01372 45 66 42.
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ACCOMMODATION.
Aerodrome hotel, Croyden.
Tel no: 0208 680 1999.
Located conveniently on the A23 and just 10 minutes drive from junction 7/8 of the M25 and the M23 interchange, the Aerodrome Hotel is an ideal base for race goers visiting Epsom. Originally built during the heyday of Imperial Airlines, the Aerodrome Hotel played host to many of the leading international personalities of the early twentieth century.
Now coming to the end of a multi- million pound refurbishment, the Aerodrome Hotel offers 110 convenient and comfortable en suite guest rooms, including 24 superior deluxe rooms and suites. Every room is equipped with LCD interactive TVs, and guests can enjoy multiple channel access plus films and games. There is also fast broadband internet access via the TV and wireless keyboard, or laptop connection in the bedrooms, plus free WiFi in all public areas. Naturally, every room also includes the quality amenities expected by discerning guests.
Formerly the historic courtyard of Airport House, the hotel’s Courtyard Restaurant is now utilised to provide a light and airy breakfast room. While the Rayon d’Or Brasserie is named after the special gourmet service which was offered on the flights between Croydon and Paris in the 1920’s. To honour its name, the award-winning restaurant now serves an excellent selection of quality French and European dishes.
The Amy Johnson and Rayon d’Or Bars combine with the hotel Lounge to offer friendly and intimate areas where guests can relax and unwind after a hectic day. In summer, the hotel garden and patio offers a secluded and enjoyable outside space. Guests also receive concessionary access to nearby Health and Fitness Clubs, and these facilities possess all the latest equipment plus swimming pools.
The hotel also offers some excellent function rooms for dinners and parties, available if you wish to organise an end of racing day event with your friends.
http://www.aerodrome-hotel.co.uk/
Holiday Inn London Sutton.
Tel no: 0870 400 9113.
Located in the town centre of Sutton, and just north of the M25, the modern four star Holliday Inn London Sutton is ideally situated for visitors to Epsom racecourse. The hotel has 115 air conditioned en suite guest rooms, including executive rooms, suites and specialist accessibility rooms. All rooms have remote controlled television, high speed broadband internet access, and a large variety of standard amenities. There is 24 hour room service, and a same day dry cleaning service.
In the Junction Restaurant, guests can enjoy the famous Holiday Inn breakfast, or they can enjoy lunch or dinner from a comprehensive and high quality menu. The restaurant is complimented by the contemporary and stylish Junction Bar. Guests can also choose to relax in the Cocktail Lounge, or Squiggles Lounge, which serves all day hot and cold snacks.
The hotel’s spirit Health and Leisure Club is open to guests on a complimentary basis, and offers a gym, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, solarium, and spa. Within our treatment rooms, skilled therapists also offer a wide range of beauty treatments.
