Epsom is determined to restore the prestige and excitement of its showpiece Classic horse race, aiming to elevate the event back to the level of the Kentucky Derby. This year’s preparations signal a renewed sense of occasion and commitment to rebuilding the race’s standing both locally and internationally.
The build-up to the 264th running of the Epsom Classic included a unique and symbolic moment: the draw for the starting stalls was conducted using equipment borrowed from the Football Association. The velvet bag, Perspex bowl, and iconic footballs, familiar from the famous FA Cup draws, added a sense of ceremony and gravitas that had been missing in recent years. This collaboration reflected a broader ambition to inject fresh energy into the event and capture public imagination.
Jim Allen, Epsom’s recently appointed general manager, has been focused on revitalizing the race since taking the helm in October. For him, the Derby is more than just a race; it is a cultural moment with the potential to draw large crowds and create a memorable atmosphere in the town. “It’s my job to try to bring some of those crowds back,” Allen said. His personal connection to the Derby runs deep, having never missed the event as a child, despite a long career away from the course.
Allen is well aware of the challenges ahead. Attendance has been declining steadily over the past two decades, from 48,000 spectators in 2004 to under 27,000 last year. Part of the task is to understand the complexities of Epsom’s racecourse infrastructure, which relies heavily on temporary structures, and to improve the overall race day experience. He plans a comprehensive review of marketing, promotions, and facilities, always with the race itself as the centerpiece.
One of Allen’s inspirations is the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, a race that has grown to become a cultural festival engulfing the entire city. He envisions Epsom evolving similarly, with the town playing a major role in hosting events and creating a vibrant atmosphere around the race weekend. “We’d love to get it to that level,” Allen said, acknowledging that it will take time but expressing confidence in Epsom’s unique character and potential.
The Derby meeting this year opens with the Oaks and the Coronation Cup on Friday, leading into Saturday’s main event. It marks Allen’s first opportunity to make a visible impact on the event and to demonstrate a clear vision for its future. In addition to revitalizing the race’s public profile, the team at Epsom is also looking at ways to enhance the physical environment, including the possibility of bringing starting stalls into town for next year’s draw.
On the racing front, the competition is shaping up to be thrilling. Ryan Moore, the stable jockey for Aidan O’Brien, will ride Delacroix, the winner of the Leopardstown Derby trial, from stall 14. Delacroix remains the favorite with odds of 3-1. Other strong contenders include Ruling Court, the 2,000 Guineas winner, at 7-2, and Pride Of Arras, who triumphed in the Dante Stakes at York, at 5-1. Stablemates The Lion In Winter and Lambourn, drawn in stalls 19 and 10 respectively, are also expected to feature prominently.
With these promising runners and a renewed organizational focus, the Derby weekend is poised to recapture the excitement it once held. The hope is that through improved promotion, a vibrant town atmosphere, and a competitive field, the Epsom Classic will regain its position as one of the world’s premier horse racing events, attracting fans old and new to experience the thrill of the race.
