King and Queen to attend Derby day at Epsom There will be a royal flavour to this year’s Betfred Derby with the King and Queen set to attend Epsom Downs for its showpiece occasion. The Derby was the only Classic the King’s late mother Queen Elizabeth II failed to win as an owner, coming closest in her Coronation year of 1953 when Aureole was second to Pinza. She was an avid attendee of the Derby, missing the fixture only twice in her long reign, with that tradition being continued by the King and Queen, who visited on Oaks day on 2024 to present the Coronation Cup and will return to the famous Surrey Downs to witness its most prestigious day of racing. Epsom’s general manager Jim Allen said: “We are honoured and thrilled the King and Queen will be joining us at Epsom Downs on Derby day. “Their Majesties show great enthusiasm, interest and support for horseracing in the UK and their attendance next week will be a proud moment for all of the team here and everyone connected with the racecourse. “Derby day provides joy and entertainment to millions of people around the world as one of Britain’s most famous and iconic events, and royal attendance has been synonymous with the meeting for generations. We are delighted that Their Majesties will be continuing this tradition next week.” The King and Queen are both patrons of the Jockey Club which owns and runs Epsom Downs Racecourse, while there appearance will come just over a week before Royal Ascot begins, where the famous purple, gold and red silks will have many chances of adding to Desert Hero’s victory at the meeting in 2023.
