Epsom team reflect on ‘extremely positive’ feedback to Derby day changes

Rain and high winds on Derby day meant changes aimed at boosting the attendance at Epsom and reinvigorating the atmosphere surrounding the premier Classic will need to be judged on their true merits next year – but officials were nevertheless pleased with how the two-day meeting was received by racegoers.

Having seen crowds sink to an historic low of just over 22,000 in 2025, plans were put almost immediately in motion to avert a further slump. Jim Allen, the new general manager at Epsom, set out his intention to lead a return to something like the glory days when over 100,000 people attended a midweek Derby.

But the one thing out of the control of everyone was the weather – even if the King and Queen braved the downpours when they arrived just after 3pm to present the trophy for the Derby, having earlier attended the wedding of the Princess Royal’s son, Peter Phillips, in Kemble, Gloucestershire.

Obviously, a crowd of such proportion is not going to return overnight, but a significant increase saw over 28,500 people arrive on the Surrey Downs to see Christmas Day claim Derby glory in the wind and rain – the highest Derby day crowd since 2022.

With the near 20,000-strong figure clocked for Ladies Day on Friday taking the two-day attendance to 48,261 – an increase of 10,662 on last year – Allen is encouraged and hopeful for the future.

Allen said: “Derby day always stays long in the memory and I’m sure today will be no exception. Alongside some brilliant action on track, the initial feedback we’ve had for the changes that have been made to the customer experience has been extremely positive.”

One of the Jockey Club’s first moves was to get boxing promoter Frank Warren involved to revitalise the area known as The Hill. He introduced DerbyFest where there was live music and entertainment which was free to attend, as was the parking.

New seating had been installed near the winning line while the Galileo’s presents O Beach area was supposed to replicate a nightclub experience with entertainment, food, drink and an after party.

In addition, double decker buses had been donated to local charities on Tattenham Corner in a new community area with the aim being to attract racegoers who were likely to return.

“To sell out the stands side enclosures in advance of Derby day is testament both to the appeal this great race still has and the hard work of the Epsom and wider teams,” Allen continued.

“The likes of Galileo’s presented by O Beach and the work done by Queensberry have been a great addition and we hope that those who have joined us over the two days, whether trackside or on The Hill, will be back in the future as we look to build on this year.

“Clearly the weather did not get the memo, but ultimately when you run an outdoor event in this country, you are always slightly in the lap of the gods.

“What we are focusing on is the massive strides forward this year and the exciting platform it gives us for the future. This is year one of a five-year journey for this event and there will always be learnings we can take away and consider for 2027 and beyond.

“Ultimately we will be guided by our customers and what they tell us, but our initial reaction is that we’re delighted with the last two days as a first step back in the right direction. We are also extremely grateful to the support we have received from our sponsors, Betfred, over the two days and the passion they have for promoting the Betfred British Classics.”