EPSOM DOWNS

Epsom is the home of The Derby, the richest Flat race in Britain which takes place in early-June every year. The Derby is the fourth classic of the British Flat season, following closely after the Oaks, the fillies’ equivalent which takes place a day earlier over the same course and distance. Italian breeder Federico Tesio once said that “The thoroughbred exists because its selection has depended, not on experts, technicians, or zoologists, but on a piece of wood: the winning post of the Epsom Derby”, and indeed the race has big implications on demand for the winner for stallion purposes. Some of the best modern stallions have won The Derby, including both Galileo and his half-brother Sea The Stars. The other big races run at Epsom include the Coronation Cup and the Epsom Dash, a very fast sprint handicap.