SANDRACER.COM - The Past And The Future For Epsom Downs

The Past & What The Future Holds For Epsom Downs

In 1661 Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists and mathematicians in history, commenced his education at Trinity College, Cambridge. The same year saw the first recorded race meeting held on the Epsom and Walton Downs. Horse racing continues at Epsom Downs Racecourse to this day and it was in the summer of 1779 when one of today's greatest sporting spectacles was established.

Edward Smith Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby, organised a friendly competition for himself and his friends to race their three-year-old fillies over one and a half miles. He named it The Oaks after his estate. The following year a new race was added, a race that would determine the Best of the Best for both the racing and breeding of racehorses. The title of the race was to be decided by the tossing of a coin between the Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury, a leading racing figure of the day and friend of the Earl's.

This tossed coin was won by Stanley and this dictated the race would be known as 'The Derby'; won incidentally, that very first year by Sir Charles Bunbury's horse, Diomed. This naming of the race was a significant moment in history as all sporting 'Derby's.'

Internationally, 140 other countries hold a 'Derby', but, Epsom still remains The original Home of The Derby as it has been run at Epsom every year since 1779. It still remains the very Best of the Best; it is The race that every owner, trainer and jockey wants to win more than any other.

There is so much more than just The Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse. As well as being the largest public open space South of London (that is enjoyed by thousands of dog walkers, riders, golfers and model air craft flyers) the Queen's Stand has become an aspirational and unique venue for conferences, exhibitions and weddings. The Independent newspaper voted the Queen's Stand as 'The 7th Most Picturesque Wedding Venue in the World'.

To accommodate the growing demand for racing and non racing facilities, Epsom Downs Racecourse commenced its exciting Grandstand Redevelopment Programme in 2006. Phase 1 saw the demolition of the Rosebery Stand and the building of a new Entrance Pavilion which will be ready for The 2007 Vodafone Derby Festival.

The second phase of the Grandstand Redevelopment Programme is demolition of the rest of the old Grandstand and the 1914 Administration Building and the construction of a new stylish Grandstand. This phase will not start until after this year's Derby Festival and will be completed in May 2009. The redevelopment programme has been carefully choreographed to ensure that the two day Derby Festival will always be run at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The new Grandstand will have a capacity of 11,000 and will be a much more comfortable and modern development that will be used for events throughout the year. Inside will be a large hall with catering outlets suitable for conferences, exhibitions and other events. The first floor will also have flexible uses for conferences, banqueting and racing. The second floor will have fourteen private facilities and a 'Super Box' for just over 100 people which will be ideal for intimate parties and weddings as well as sponsors use on race days.

Planning permission for a hotel on the site of the Old Paddock was granted at the same time as the new Grandstand and the development of this facility is expected to start this summer with an anticipated completion date in mid 2008. Epsom is desperately short of decent hotel accommodation and the Racecourse is delighted to be able to help fill this void.

Stephen Wallis, Managing Director of Epsom Downs Racecourse, says 'All of us working at the Racecourse share a sense of excitement now that the vision for our future, and that of The Derby, is being turned into reality. The programme will take just over two years to complete and we fully intend to keep the local community well informed as both to our progress and what is happening over that period, especially given the huge support we received during the planning process.'