Epsom Racecourse Guide

Epsom Racecourse is one of the world's most famous racecourses and it hosts some of the best flat races in the sport.

We have put together the ultimate guide for everything you need to know about the famous racecourse.

Epsom Racecourse Location

Where is Epsom?

Epsom Racecourse is located near Epsom in Surrey, England. It is located around 14 miles from central London.

How to get to Epsom Racecourse

By Train

Epsom Station is connected by both South West and Southern Trains. The station is 10 minutes away from the racecourse via a car or bus.

Tattenham Corner Station is approximately a half-mile from the racecourse, while Epsom Downs Station is a one-mile walk to the track.

By Bus

Metrobus operates a 460, 480, 406F service which runs from Epsom Town Centre to Tattenham Corner Station. A dedicated shuttle bus is also available from Epsom Station to Epsom Downs racecourse.

By Car

Cars can reach the track by leaving junction nine of the M25, with Epsom Town Centre located just a few minutes away from the racecourse.

Epsom Racecourse Layout

Track Layout

Epsom Racecourse is known for being hilly, with the course roughly U-shaped with chutes for the start of races over five, six and seven furlongs.

The course is a left-handed track and horses have to deal with different gradients throughout the route to the finish.

The five-furlong course is the fastest in the world, mainly due to the fact is is all downhill.

Enclosures and Viewing Areas

The list of enclosures and viewing areas at Epsom Racecourse are as follows:

• The Derby Suite Restaurant

• Classic Lounge Experience

• The Winning Post

• The Views

• The Tattenham Straight Marquee

Key Races at Epsom

Epsom Oaks

The Epsom Oaks Stakes is a Group 1 Flat race over 1m4f. It is only open to three-year-old fillies and it is scheduled to take place each year in late May or early June.

It is the second-oldest of the five Classic races after the St Leger.

Epsom Derby

The undoubted highlight of Epsom's calendar is the two-day Derby Meeting, which encompasses the world's oldest Classic in its traditional slot on the first Saturday of June.

The Derby is preceded a day earlier by The Oaks, the fillies' Classic run over the same trip around Epsom.

Coronation Cup

Other feature races over the two days include the Group 1 Coronation Cup, the Diomed Stakes, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, Woodcote Stakes and the iconic speed test that is the five-furlong 'Epsom Dash' - blink and you'll miss it as that one is often run in a sub-55-second time.

The Epsom season begins in April when the Blue Riband Trial Stakes over a mile-and-a-quarter offers some would-be Derby contenders a chance to get a workout at the track.

Epsom have further meetings across the summer, including the August Bank Holiday, before drawing the curtain on their season in early October with a card that includes the Apprentices' Derby.

Epsom Racecourse History

Epsom Racecourse Opening Date

The famous Epsom Downs has been staging racing since as far back as 1661 and has been home to The Derby since it was inaugurated in 1780.

When was the first Derby?

The Derby was first run in 1780. It originated after the first running of the Oaks Stakes in 1779.