Epsom Downs
Date of Review: 9th July 2026
RCA Reviewers: Dave & Ray
Address: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5LQ
Website: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpsomDownsRacecourse/
X: https://x.com/EpsomRacecourse
Email: epsom.reception@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Phone: 0137 2726311
Accommodation: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/visitor-info/accommodation-where-to-stay/
Course Information: Epsom Downs Racecourse is a left-handed, undulating, turf flat-racing track in the shape of an extended horseshoe.
Aerial View – Epsom Downs Racecourse (Image credited to Google Earth)
The Derby and Oaks races, run over a mile and a half, are widely considered to be the ultimate test of both horse and jockey. There is a steep uphill climb at the start of the race, then a challenging downhill section as the horses turn into the home straight, with a pronounced camber leading to a tough uphill final furlong to the finish. The straight five-furlong sprint course is recognised as the fastest in the world because it is virtually all downhill from the start to the finish. It has chutes for races of over five, six and seven furlongs. Due to the downhill nature of the shorter sprint races, out-and-out speedsters generally come out on top. An excellent video flyover view of the racecourse can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqMVrxCsDdM
The Racecourse Advisor Guide to Epsom Downs Racecourse: Epsom Racecourse is located in the south of England in the county of Surrey, situated on a range of hills commonly known as the North Downs.
Location Map – Epsom Downs Racecourse
Very few, if any, racecourses anywhere in the world have the historic significance of Epsom Downs. Records show that horse racing has taken place in this area of Surrey since 1661, making it one of the oldest sporting venues in Great Britain. In 1779, the first Oaks race for 3-year-old fillies was held, named after the estate of the Earl of Derby. The following year, a race for 3-year-old colts was added, named the Derby, and it has since become the benchmark worldwide for flat racing in all its forms. Originally, the Derby was over a straight mile, and Tattenham Corner, the downhill turn into the home straight, was added in 1784, and the race was extended to its current distance of a mile and a half. It has since become the most recognised horse race in history and has resulted in similar races around the world, such as the Irish Derby, the Kentucky Derby and the Australian Derby.
In its heyday during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, it regularly attracted tens of thousands of spectators from all walks of life, and the government suspended Parliament so its members could attend the meeting. The 1913 Epsom Derby is also synonymous with the death of the suffragette Emily Davidson, who was killed when she threw herself in front of the King's horse Anmer at Tattenham Corner and died of her injuries four days later in hospital.
Over the years, the Derby has declined sharply in popularity, with only 22,312 paying customers attending the meeting in 2025. The good news is that the Jockey Club has launched a five-year plan this year (2026) to revive the famous race and has made a £6 million investment to support this aim.
Course Access:
By Road: The racecourse is situated a few minutes from Epsom Town Centre on the B290 Epsom Downs Road, or alternatively just off junction 9 of the M25. During the racing season, AA signs will mark all major approach routes. If you are using satellite navigation, please use the postcode: KT18 5LQ.
By Rail: Epsom Station is served by both South West Trains and Southern Trains. Connections from London Waterloo & London Victoria. Take a 10-minute taxi or bus ride from the station. Please note that during the Investec Derby Festival, a shuttle bus service runs from Epsom station. Tattenham Corner Station is approximately a 1/2-mile walk to the racecourse, and Epsom Downs Station is approximately a 1-mile walk to the racecourse.
By Air: Heathrow Airport (LHR) is approximately 27 miles from the racecourse. Gatwick Airport (LGW) is 19 miles from the racecourse. It is also possible to land a helicopter on the Downs, subject to prior approval. Rating: 7/10.
Parking: There is a large, grassed area with free parking a short walk from the main entrance. Rating: 10/10.
