A Guide to Epsom Race Course

Overview

With a rich heritage in horseracing, Epsom Downs race course, at the foot of the North Downs in Surrey first recorded its first race in 1661. It is referenced by Samuel Pepys in a diary entry of his in 1667 where he wrote about attending a day at the races.

With a capacity of 130,000 Epsom is a massive Grade 1 venue, and is most famous for hosting the Derby, which is run every June. The Oaks and the Coronation Cup are also run as part of this meeting.

Racegoers can watch the racing for free due to its location on the Downs, which mean that the Derby used to be the most attended sporting event of the year.

Epsom is one of a handful of horse racing tracks that is not circular in nature, instead it is made up of an “n” shape in appearance. The spur is used as a start point for 5,6 and 7 furlong races.

The Debry course itself starts with an uphill climb with a long sweeping bend before a steep descent downhill to the finish. Because of this downhill slope, the 5 furlong course is the fastest in the world.

The course is left handed and measures 1 mile and 4 furlongs with 11 fences to negotiate.

Epsom Downs houses the third largest racing facility in the country and 11 trainers are based there.

Bullet Points

• Left handed course
• 1 mile and 4 furlongs in length
• The 5 furlong course is the fastest in the world
• Home of the world famous Derby