The famous Epsom Derby will go ahead this year however it will be behind closed doors a statement from The Jockey Club said today.
The traditional Classic will be staged without spectators in 2020 after local councillors unanimously approved the application on Tuesday local time.
The date of the race is still to be confirmed, however it is slated for a Saturday timeslot in either July or August.
The Jockey Club Racecourses had initially submitted an application in relation to holding the Derby and Oaks on the same day as part of a seven-race card. This however would also require restrictions put in place from the local council in order to comply with health and safety policies the racecourse requires to comply with.
The Downs are owned by Epsom but the public footpaths and bridleways are council land. The application put forth asked for access to be restricted for 24 hours in order to meet health and safety requirements.
The Epsom derby day is still subject to approval from the British government and will require further detailed planning with local authorities and the British Horseracing Authority before it is given the green light to resume.
Delia Bushell, group chief executive of the Jockey Club, said in a statement: “We are working hard on a practical and deliverable plan to stage the 2020 Investec Derby and Investec Oaks at their traditional home, without a crowd and once racing is approved to resume by government.
“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the Epsom and Walton Downs Conservators for their backing today. These two Classics play a vital role in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries, so it’s of great importance for them to be able to go ahead during this difficult period.
“Our teams now look forward to working with the British Horseracing Authority and local authorities to bring our plan to life.”
Meanwhile, Chelmsford City racecourse has made its own safety plans and announced that it will provide Covid-19 tests on the site for all jockeys, trainers and support staff in attendance when action returns to the Essex venue. Phil Siers, the track’s chief executive, tweeted that the results would be available within 25 minutes of each test and would ensure that the track was a “C19-free environment”.
Epsom officials want derby and Oaks on same day.
