Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs is a grade-one
racecourse near
Epsom,
Surrey,
United Kingdom. The "downs" referred to in the name is the
North Downs.It is best known for hosting the
Epsom Derby, the United Kingdom's premier
thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old
colts and
fillies, over a mile and a half (2400m). It also hosts the
Epsom Oaks for three-year-old fillies and the
Coronation Cup for all ages over the same distance.
The Racecourse is between
Epsom,
Tadworth, and
Langley Vale. As it is in a public area, people could watch the derby for free, and this meant that the derby used to be the most attented sporting event of the year. However it is now becoming increasingly difficult to do this, and almost impossible to get a good view for free.
A difficult, undulating course, Epsom presents a stern challenge for inexperienced horses and a true test of stamina for those that might previously have contested the
Two Thousand Guineas over a mile (1600m).
In 2005 the racecourse opened a public consultation on a proposed replacement grandstand. It will have a spectator capacity of 10,875, a 625-cover banqueting suite and restaurant, and a 1,400m² betting, conference and exhibition hall. It is hoped that the facility will be built between 2006 and 2009. The estimated cost is £23.5 million and the Derby will continue to be held at Epsom during the work.
The area is served by the
Epsom Downs railway line as well as
Tattenham Corner railway station which is where
Queen Elizabeth II is dropped off by the
Royal Train on race days.
Epsom Downs Grandstand was also used as St. Petersberg Airport during the filming of the James Bond film, Goldeneye.
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Official site
