FURLONG TO GO'S COVERAGE OF THE DERBY MEETING 

The Epsom Derby is by far the most famous and prestigious flat race run anywhere in the world. The race gets its name as a result of the successful call of the then Lord Derby; who correctly 'won' the right to name the race, on the toss of a coin against the unfortunate Lord Bunbury.... The latter isn't forgotten though, and is remembered in the annual running of the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket's July Meeting.

The Derby is regarded as the ultimate test and usually attracts a decent field. Now in its 222nd year, having first been won in 1780 by Diomed, racing at Epsom continues to thrill and entertain. It is one of the most unique racecourses in the world, and is a thorough test of the thoroughbred. 

DIVERSITY OF ATTENDEES

Tens of thousands of spectators make their way to the Epsom Derby annually to watch and experience the thrills and is a complete mix of enthusiasts, corporate groups, day trippers, gypsies and of course Royalty. It is more that just a race, The course is trying to recapture the atmosphere of the 1950's when the race was a major social occasion. Apart from the racing, free musical performances from the likes of Steps; Damage, and Atomic Kitten at the 'Derby Day Picnic', and the traditional Derby Fun Fair are being laid on to attempt to appeal to a wider audience. 

THE COURSE 

Epsom is left-handed. The course is shaped like a horseshoe, and from the moment the runners leave the start, they'll face a right hand bend and a rise of some 140 feet followed by about 3 furlongs level ground at the highest point of the course. Once there, they encounter the descent around Tattenham corner in a final finishing straight of 3 1/2 furlongs. What makes Epsom unique us the gradient her isn't level it continues to fall another 100 feet until 100 yds from home where the course finally levels before the winning post 

Sprint races are run from two chutes on the course; The 5 furlong course in particular is downhill for the first couple of furlongs, and is one of the fastest courses in the country

WEIGHTS 

The Derby is run over the full length of the track; a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs, and each three-year-old colt carries 9 stone. The fillies and the older horses also run the same course and distance for the Vodafone Oaks and Coronation Cup respectively. 

THE RACES

There are a total of fourteen races at the Derby meeting this year including three Group 1's , a Group 3, and both Listed and Handicap races.

On the 8th June 2001 the Epsom Derby racing begins with the Vodafone Oaks Day and Vodafone Coronation Cup followed by the main event the Vodafone Epsom Derby on Saturday 9th June 2001.

OUR COVERAGE

Hopefully our coverage is entertaining and informative ....... and of course hopefully we find you a few winners at the meeting !!!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER OUR COVERAGE OF THE DERBY MEETING 2001

This page was updated - Monday December 24, 2001 09:20:10 PM