Epsom Downs

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UK Racecourse
Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs Racecourse logo
Official site
Location	Epsom, Surrey
Owned by	The Jockey Club
Screened on	Racing UK
Course type	Flat
Notable Races	Epsom Derby Epsom Oaks Coronation Cup
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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 alights from the Royal Train on race days.

Redevolpment work has now started on the old stands.

Epsom Downs Grandstand was also used as St. Petersburg Airport during the filming of the James Bond film, Goldeneye.