Whilst there may be many horse races with the word Derby in their name there is only one “The Derby” and that is the one run on Epsom Downs the first Saturday in June.

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Course Characteristics:

Epsom is a horseshoe shaped course, 1½ miles long and it is left handed (anti-clockwise). From the 1½ start there is a very steep climb for the first 6 furlongs after which the course is downhill around Tattenham Corner and into the home straight, only rising again in the last 100 yards. 6 and 7 furlong races start from spurs off the bend whilst an extension to the home straight allows for 5 furlong races. 5 furlong races are downhill for the first 4½ furlongs before flattening out in the final half furlong meaning it is the fasted sprint course in the world.

There is a very pronounced camber towards the far rail in the home straight (the ground on the stands rail is 5’ higher than at the far rail)

Being a well balanced horse is very important, especially in the closing stages.  

Draw Advantage: Variable but nothing significant, although a high draw can be an advantage on the 5f course

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Admission (2011 prices):

Prices for "standard" meetings in 2009 are £20, for concerts admission is £35.

On Oaks Day the Queen’s Stand is £70, Grandstand £45 and the Tattenham and Longsdale enclosures £15.

On Derby Day the Queen’s Stand is £95, (a two day package costing £150 is available), the Grandstand is £55, and the Tattenham and Longsdale enclosures £20.

Grandstand admission with reserved seating is available, (£60 on Friday and £105 on Saturday)

Annual membership: £225 (includes Derby meeting)

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Location:

Located 16 miles southwest of London access is from either J8 or J9 of the M25 or via the A24 from central London. Local signs will direct you to the course. For Oaks and Derby days it is important to follow the recommended routes.

Ease of public transport access: Good (Three stations in Epsom, two of which Epsom Downs and Tattenham Corner are in walking distance of the course)