The Derby Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse is a horse racing meeting run on the flat so has no obstacles. Different races at the meeting are of varying lengths and have different numbers of runners and riders entered.
The feature race of the 2-day meeting is the Epsom Derby - known as the "Greatest Flat Race in the World" and is Britain's richest flat race - which is a Group 1 race open to 3-year-old male and female horses. It is run over a distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs and 6 yards (2,420 metres). The race is the middle leg of the Triple Crown between the Newmarket's 2000 Guineas and Doncaster's St Leger.
Another huge race at the meeting is the Epsom Oaks which is a Group 1 flat race specifically for 3-year-old female horses (fillies). Similar to the Derby, the Oaks is the middle leg of the Fillies' Triple Crown between Newmarket's 1000 Guineas and Doncaster's St Leger.
There is no official dress code in the Lonsdale, Upper Tattenham, and Family enclosures at the Derby Festival. You are encouraged to come “dressed to feel your best” and enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
The Jockey Club has loosened its dress code requirements and suggests guidance to come "dressed to feel your best". It is advised that you dress for the weather. Please keep in mind the following:
On Ladies Day, ladies can enter the Style Awards. This is an opportunity to flaunt your outfit and win some fantastic prizes!
Whether you're looking for a stylish hip flask, a cute teddy bear, some binoculars to enhance your racing experience, or an item of memorabilia, you can find a range of equine-themed items at The Jockey Club shop. Koobit may receive a commission from the supplier if you make a purchase, at no cost to you.
Epsom Downs Racecourse has 3 main entrance points. Main access is through the Entrance Pavilion where tickets can also be collected. For The Derby Festival, the type of ticket bought will permit access to the relevant enclosure:
There are several emergency exits located throughout the course.
Toilet facilities are located throughout the racecourse and in each enclosure or stand. The Duchess's Stand has toilet facilities at either end of the stand, the Queen Elizabeth II Stand has toilet facilities on the Parade Ring side of the stand, and there are also extra facilities in the Entrance Pavilion at the Ticket Collection Point.
For the Epsom Derby Festival, additional toilet facilities will be available at the venue, particularly in the Lonsdale Enclosure which sits on the opposite side of the track than the main stands.