Epsom Downs Racecourse
 
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| Location | Epsom, Surrey, UK |
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| Operated by | Jockey Club Racecourses |
| Screened on | Racing UK |
| Course type | Flat |
| Notable races |
Epsom Derby Epsom Oaks Coronation Cup |
| Official website | |
Epsom Downs is a Grade 1 racecourse located in Epsom, Surrey, England which is used for thoroughbred horse racing. The "Downs" referred to in the name are part of the North Downs.
The course, which has a crowd capacity of 130,000, is best known for hosting the Derby Stakes which has come to be widely referred to as the Epsom Derby (however, 'Epsom' is not part of the title of the race), the United Kingdom's premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies, over a mile and a half (2400m). It also hosts the Oaks Stakes (also widely referred to as the Epsom Oaks) for three-year-old fillies, and the Coronation Cup for horses aged four years and upwards. All three races are Group 1 races and run over the same course and distance.
The course, owned by the Jockey Club, has enjoyed a long association with the British Royal Family, with the Queen attending most years for the Derby.
The first recorded race was held on the Downs in 1661, although a local burial list of 1625 refers to "William Stanley who in running the race fell from his horse and brake his neck" so it is likely that racing was established much earlier than that. Epsom is referenced in the diary of Samuel Pepys in 1663 and Charles II is said to have been a racegoer there. By 1684, Epsom had a clerk of the course and from 1730 was hosting twice yearly race meetings.
At Epsom on 3 May 1769 the famous racehorse 'Eclipse' had the first of his many victories in an undefeated career on the turf.
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Wikipedia