Issue - meetings

This report informs the Conservators of dates for race meetings in 2021 and presents a request from Epsom Downs Racecourse for consent for race meetings and extensions to the periods permitted for fencing, as required by the Epsom and Walton Downs Regulation Act 1984 and Epsom and Walton Downs Byelaws.

The Conservators received a report informing the Conservators of dates for race meetings in 2021 and presented a request from Epsom Downs Racecourse for consent for race meetings and extensions to the periods permitted for fencing, as required by the Epsom and Walton Downs Regulation Act 1984 and Epsom and Walton Downs Byelaws.

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Vice-Chairman, highlighting the challenges going forward over uncertainties due to the pandemic.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Fencing: Conservators noted that arrangements for the racing season were still fluid as it was not known what the Government’s regulations and guidance would be for events such as horse racing.  Adherence may be achieved by fencing off a smaller area of the Downs than was necessary last year.

b)           Deadlines: Following a question from a Conservator, the Officer confirmed that they would liaise with Democratic Services to ascertain the legal deadlines for any upcoming events and publications.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously:

(1)      That the Conservators note the dates of the 2021 racing season for Epsom Downs detailed in paragraph 2.1 of this report, and grant their consent to the following meetings in accordance with section 14 of the Epsom and Walton Downs Regulation Act 1984:

Thursday 1 July (Evening)

Thursday 8 July (Evening)

Thursday 15 July (Evening)

Thursday 29 July (Evening)

Sunday 26 September

(2)      That the Conservators note that Epsom Downs Racecourse has applied to Surrey County Council for the temporary suspension of Footpath 50 as detailed in section 4 of this report.

(3)      That the Conservators consider and determine an application from Epsom Downs Racecourse for consent under the Byelaw 2 (i) (a) to extend the fencing period for the Upper Tattenham Enclosure and Lonsdale Enclosure for 4 days to cover the period 17 May - 20 May 2021.

(4)      That the Conservators consider and determine an application from Epsom Downs Racecourse for consent under the Byelaw 2 (i) (a) to extend the fencing period for the Lonsdale Enclosure to enable fencing to remain in place on 16 June and between the dates of 9 – 15 August 2021.