Epsom Derby Day will look very different from next year with the Jockey Club bringing in Frank Warren’s team to boost dwindling attendances.
The early June fixture, home to the famous Classics competition, has seen an alarming drop in attendances in recent years, with 22,000 attending this year, down from 38,000 in 2019.
In response, Epsom has announced a number of changes, including a new DerbyFest area on ‘The Hill’, run in partnership with Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, with the aim of attracting more runners and increasing engagement with the local community.
Other changes include free entry for under-18s at Epsom Downs and free parking across the road.
The big race itself will be run with an increased prize fund of £2 million, making it the richest race in the UK, while the Coronation Cup will be moved to Saturday from Friday’s match.
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Epsom Downs managing director Jim Allen said in a statement: “Epsom Downs Racecourse is home to the ‘Original Derby’, a race widely regarded as the most important two and a half minutes in the racing and breeding industry, shaping pedigrees, stallion careers and the bloodstock market for generations.”
“My passion for the Derby and Epsom Downs goes back many years, from my childhood, and while I was extremely proud to oversee my first Derby as General Manager earlier this year, I was eager to tackle some of the things that the team and I knew could be improved.
“The changes we are making, both on and off the track, would not be possible without the key input from runners, annual members, the local community, numerous stakeholders from across the sport and our sponsors Betfred and other partners, who have all helped shape this painstaking review process.”
“It is so important to us that we are constantly evolving and improving to give everyone the best possible experience over the two days. Ultimately, we want to deliver something that Epsom and the surrounding area, along with everyone associated with British racing, can feel really proud of and that befits the Betfred Derby Festival’s status as a world-class and prestigious event.”