EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE
Skip to Enclosures and Hospitality.
Introduction:
1661 saw the restoration of Charles II to the British throne, and it also saw the beginning of horse racing on a newly established course on Epsom Downs.
With hindsight, it is possible to see how important these two events were to prove in the history of horse racing. Initially, it was Charles II who took centre stage, for he created, and then passed through parliament, the first genuine rules and regulations used to govern horse racing. Furthermore, the monarch also set in motion the breeding programmes which would eventually create the modern thoroughbred race horse.
Although it took over a century longer to manifest itself, the opening of Epsom Downs in 1661 was to prove of equal importance. For by 1779, the course was favoured by several landed families, and their friendly rivalry as to who owned the best horses soon led to the creation of two of British racing's most famous races.
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, and Britain's second Classic race was born.
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 of Derby and his close friend Sir Charles Bunbury, staked the privilege of naming the race on the single toss of a coin, and through this moment of fate, 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 Bunbury.
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 everyone who saw the race, and if example were needed, Frankie's post-race tears of joy indicated the reverence which surrounds the Epsom Derby, and thereby explains why it is still one of the most sought after prizes in world horseracing.
Epsom Downs racecourse opened a whole range of new facilities during 2009, including a new Grandstand complex and an on-site Hotel, and the Epsom's facilities are now comparable with the best racing venues in the world.
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.
Return to top.
Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Owners, Trainers, and jockeys, as these 3 bodies of individuals are catered for in the Prince's Grandstand. details for Corporate bookings can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
The new Duchess 11,000 seater stand was completed in 2009, replacing the old stand and administration blocks. It offers great views of the whole of Epsom's racing action, and the new complex includes the grand 'Oaks hall', with plentiful catering facilities and bars, as follows:
Bridget's Bar - Serves a range of beers, wines and spirits.
Epsom Grill - Serves classic burgers, fries, and soft drinks - vegetarian options are also available.
Fish & Chip Cafe
Coffee Shop - serves a selection of hot drinks, sandwiches and sweet treats.
The Queens Grandstand offers excellent panoramic views of the racing action, and has superb catering facilities, as follows:
Pimms Terrace - On the mezzanine floor, and ofers a sun-trap to enjoy your Pimms and Champagne.
Mezzanine Bar - Suprising considering its name, it is situated on the ground floor, and serves a full range of beers, wines and spirits.
Coffee Shop - Serves hot drinks, light snacks and soft drinks.
The Botttle Bar - Serves beers, wines and champagnes by the bottle.
Champagne and Sea Food Bar - serves a selection of sea-food dishes , and also a whole range of champagnes + a comprenensive wine list.
Prince's Lawn- Open to Queens Stand ticket holders except for the Derby Meeting. Provides outside seating near the winning post
The Blue Ribbon Bistro is on the first floor of the grandstand. It is extremely popular, and advanced booking is essential. It overlooks the home straight, and from as litle as £69 + vat each, race-goers can obtain the Final Furlong pacage - This includes; entry badge, free parking, 2 course meal with coffee and mints, racecard, guest tipster, and a table from which to base yourself for the whole event.
For most race meetings, the Grandstand ticket includes access to the Queens and Duchess Stands, and the Paddock area.
However, for the derby Meeting, the queens Stand Ticket provides prime access to all sections of the racecourse, while the Grandstand Ticket provides access to the Duchess Stand and the Paddock area.
For full details on hospitality, and to book, call: 0844 848 0193.
At the Derby Meeting only, the following areas are also available for booking.
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, and parking facilities.
Return to top.
Disabled Facilities:
Blue badge holders can utilise set aside parking bays in car-parks 2 and 20 near to the racecourse entry points.
Entry points have easy access gates for wheelchair users and guide dog patrons.
Disabled race-goers can obtain free entry for their carers, but people with less obvious disabilities may be asked for documentary evidence to prove their disability.
The Duchess Grandstand has disabled toilet facilities on all floors, and a wheelchair viewing balcony accessible via the lift near entrance 4.
The Queens Grandstand has accessible lifts, and disabled toilet facilities on most floors of the grandstand.
There is a raised viewing platform on the home straight for wheelchair users, and there are accessible balconies in all privat boxes and corporate grandstand facilities.
Wheelchair's can be hired for the day on payment of a £50 refundable deposit, but for big meetings, booking in advance is advised - wheelchairs can be picked up in the first aid post in the administration block.
Auditary description loops are also available on request.
Guide dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Fixtures:
All races at Epsom are run under flat racing rules.
2011:
Thursday 14 July
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
Telephone number: 01372 726 311.
Fax number: 01372 45 66 42.
E-Mail: epsom@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Express London Epsom Downs.
UK Tel No: 01372 755 200.
From Eire Tel No: 00 44 1372 755 200.
Located on the historic Epsom Downs Racecourse, with good road access to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and Central London, or just a few minutes taxi ride from Epsom railway station with it’s regular connections to London Waterloo and London Victoria, the Holiday Inn Express London Epsom Downs is the popular choice for race-goers attending the extensive and important racing programme at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Externally, there is a short walk from the front of the hotel to the racecourse grandstands, there is ample parking, while the hotel building provides a panoramic view of the world famous Epsom Downs Racecourse – the home of the Derby Festival. On race-days, guests can even watch the racehorses being groomed in the nearby stabling area.
Internally, the hotel is modern and comfortable, and there are always friendly and helpful staff on hand to ensure you enjoy a pleasant and stress-free stay.
The Holiday Inn Express London Epsom Downs offers 120 spacious and comfortable contemporary en-suite guest rooms, all offering interactive televisions with sky, wi-fi internet access, a desk and working area, direct dial telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, a power-shower and fluffy white towels, and the other room amenities discerning guests expect from a quality modern hotel.
When it comes to a good night’s sleep, that is the forte of the Holiday Inn Express London Epsom Downs, with each of our guest rooms being laid out with comfortable double or twin beds, crisp white sheets, and a choice of pillows, all designed to ensure you have a restful slumber, and so awake refreshed in the morning.
The hotel offers a FREE hot breakfast with a choice of three selected hot favourites of the day together with an assortment of fresh fruits, yogurts, cheeses, breakfast cereals, croissants and breads. If you wish to dine in the hotel evening meals are available Monday to Thursday from 6.30pm.
Every evening, guests can relax on the comfortable sofas in the Great Room Bar and Lounge, where pleasant conversation can be enjoyed with a choice of drinks and a lite-bite menu, while the more sports minded can keep abreast of the latest developments via the Sky Sports channel displayed on the large television screens dotted around the bar.
For full details on the Holiday Inn Express London Epsom Downs, and to ensure early booking of your room for the major meetings at Epsom Racecourse, please click on the link below:
Click Here
Holiday Inn London Sutton.
Tel no: 0871 423 4876.
Located in its own grounds in the town centre of Sutton, just 7 minutes walk from Sutton railway station, and with easy access to the M25, the modern four storey, Quality Excellence Award winning Holliday Inn London Sutton is ideally situated for visitors who may want to combine a trip to the many quality afternoon and evening race meetings at Epsom racecourse with a mini break that could take in the nearby attractions at Chessington World of Adventure, or the historic beauty of Hampton Court Palace.
Situated just 45 minutes from both Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, the Holiday Inn Sutton has 119 air conditioned en suite guest rooms, includingsingles, doubles, 4 suites, and specialist accessibility rooms. All rooms have remote controlled television, high speed broadband internet access, and a large variety of room amenities discerning guests expect from a quality hotel. There is 24 hour room service, and a same day dry cleaning service is available on request.
The Junction Restaurant offers the choice of the famous hot or cold Holiday Inn breakfast. While in the evening a varied menu offers cullinary delights to satisfy every palate. The restaurant is complimented by the contemporary and stylish Junction Bar. Guests can also choose to relax in the Squiggles Lounge, with access to a fine selection of teas, coffees, and 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 fully equipped gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, solarium, and spa. Within our treatment rooms, skilled therapists also offer a wide range of beauty treatments.
To find out more about the Holiday Inn Sutton, or to book your overnight stay, or mini-break, while taking in the Racing at Epsom, please use the link below.
return to top
