The Epsom Derby is set to receive a huge boost as it was announced the King and Queen will be attending the Epsom Classic this Saturday. The visit follows the long tradition of Royal presence on the downs. Queen Elizabeth II missed just two Derby days during her reign – prior to the COVID pandemic – in 1956 and 1984.
The late Queen was a Patron of The Jockey Club for 68 years beginning in 1954, with the current Monarch’s succeeding her role. Per the The Jockey Club, Epsom Downs’ Racecourse General Manager Jim Allen said:
“We are honoured and thrilled that 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. 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.”
Queen Elizabeth’s passion for the sport was in abundance throughout her reign. She won each British Classic (2000 & 1000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger), bar the Derby. Her closest encounter was Aureole, who was second to Pinza in 1953 during her Coronation year.
She celebrated 24 Royal Ascot winners as an owner, including Estimate winning the Gold Cup in 2013. Her first Classic winner was Carozza, who won the Oaks for Noel Murless under Lester Piggott in 1957.
Her first home-bred Classic winner came in 1958, with Pall Mall taking the 2000 Guineas.
Royal tradition continues
King Charles and Queen Camilla continued the Royal passion, and experienced their first winner as an owner at the Royal meeting with Desert Hero in 2023.
Their attendance this weekend is a significant boost for the historic race that’s lost its prestige in recent years. As per the Guardian, the track brought in just 22,787 fans, compared to the 37,274 in the post-pandemic edition.
Since its inception in 1780, the Royal presence has been consistently strong on the Downs. The importance on the race itself was discussed by Jim Allen last year, via SurreyLive, as he stated:
“Epsom Downs Racecourse is the home of the ‘Original Derby’. A race which is widely regarded as the most important two-and-a-half-minutes in the racing and breeding industry. Shaping pedigrees, stallion careers and bloodstock markets for generations.
“Since the first running in 1780, The Betfred Derby has not only established itself as the definitive test of the Thoroughbred. But as a race so prestigious that its name has been adopted worldwide. Inspiring hundreds of races from the Kentucky Derby to races in Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.”