Stewards Inquiries to be screened live at Epsom Stewards' inquiries will be broadcast live for the first time at this year's Investec Derby meeting at Epsom. The BBC are covering the two-day Classic fixture, which begins on Friday week, and their cameras will allow the public to see the crucial workings of racing's referees. The deliberations of the stewards have taken place behind closed doors for nearly 250 years but as part of the Racing For Change campaign, inquiries will be shown on a trial basis. RFC are aiming to broaden the appeal of the sport and will gain feedback from the public and participants to this latest initiative. They also hope the trial will help the sport to be more open and transparent. Nic Coward, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: "British racing leads other major sports in how it manages its disciplinary functions. "We believe that running this trial will help demystify an important aspect of racing whilst adding to the excitement and drama of a race day." While the racing authorities are firmly behind the trial, the idea met with a mixed response from the riders. Kevin Darley, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: "The idea of a trial of televised stewards' enquiries has been debated widely by jockeys, culminating in a vote among our Flat membership. While our decision was in no way unanimous, a majority voted in favour of the trial. "As an association, we are keen to play our part in modernising the image of racing, and I'm sure the viewing public will grow to appreciate the skills that jockeys employ in our sport. "This trial will help to illustrate the challenges faced by riders when split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat. "Epsom Downs' unique gradients, uphill finish and deceptive camber test a jockey's skills to the limit."
