Epsom racecourse have confirmed another going change ahead of the Classic meeting this weekend. On Wednesday morning, the ground was officially good-to-soft, good in places. This continued a dramatic change since the beginning of the week, where Epsom was riding good-to-firm.
The going change has already had an impact on the field for the Oaks on Friday. Irish 1000 Guineas winner Precise, who had become an intended runner after her Classic victory at the Curragh, was not declared by Aidan O’Brien. A final field of nine runners has been declared, matching the small number from last year’s renewal.
The rain has not necessarily ceased in the south east yet either. Further showers are expected until the end of the working week. As such, the ground for the Oaks may well be slower still, though the Derby may get one day’s respite and be run on slightly sounder going. That was the case in 2025, with Minnie Hauk winning the oaks on good-to-soft and Lambourn prevailing in a good ground Derby.
Declarations for the colts’ Classic will be made on Thursday morning. By that time, more downpours may well have impacted the decision of numerous connections.
“30 millimetres is a hell of a lot of rain” – Epsom Clerk Of The Course
Andrew Cooper, Epsom’s Clerk Of The Course, has suggested that the track has “taken the rain very well”, but the 30mm of rainfall have prompted two going changes since the start of the week. Nevertheless, Cooper remains positive about excellent racing conditions for the Classic races.
“I think I’m inclined to change things,” Cooper said to the Press Association via the Sporting Life. “Certainly on the Oaks and Derby course, to good to soft, good in places off the back of that shower we’ve just had. Earlier in the day when I walked it, I felt it was probably 60-40 good to good to soft, it’s probably the reverse now.
“30 millimetres is a hell of a lot of rain but the track in general has taken it incredibly well. It’s certainly indicative to where it had dried to by close of play Monday afternoon.
“We haven’t touched the course deliberately since early Saturday morning when we watered having not watered on Friday. I’ve no regrets about putting a little bit on then because by close of play Monday, before whatever rain came to us, we were getting pretty quick here.”
The uncertain forecast could call for swift action from the Epsom ground staff. Cooper is hopeful for the more positive end of the weather, but admits to the track is open to the elements.
“Thursday has a shower risk attached to it and overall the week should get better in terms of shower risk gradually dissipating as you certainly get closer to Saturday but it is fair to say there is some degree of rainfall risk every day up to and including Saturday.”