Issue - meetings

This report accompanies a proposal from the Jockey Club, seeking the approval of the Conservators for the installation of running rails alongside key gallops and horse-walks on Epsom and Walton Downs.

The Conservators received a report presenting a proposal from the Jockey Club, seeking the approval of the Conservators for changes to the route and  rails alongside key  horse-walk by the racecourse between the Queen Elizabeth II Stand and the Rubbing House crossing on Epsom and Walton Downs.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Overview of application. Andrew Cooper provided the Conservators with a verbal summary of the proposed works. Mr Cooper informed the Conservators that the planning application for the works had not yet been submitted to the Council, as the Racecourse wished to consider the Conservators’ comments prior to doing so. It was intended to undertake the majority of the proposed works following this year’s horse racing season, and for it to be in place for the 2024 Derby Festival. It was proposed to undertake works to move the chute by which mounted horses with jockeys access the racecourse track prior to the 2023 racing season. 

Mr Cooper informed the Conservators that in addition to benefits to access for horses accessing the racecourse track, the works would also enable the footprint of the existing hospitality area at the location to be altered. Contractors would access the area for the build of the hospitality area via the hard standing area at the rear of the Prince’s Stand.

b)           Views of local Racehorse Trainers. Simon Dow informed the Conservators that local Racehorse Trainers were supportive of the proposed works. It was noted that further consultation with local Racehorse Trainers would be undertaken by the Racecourse

c)            Exit/escape routes from horsewalk for pedestrians. The Conservators were informed that the horsewalk would have at least 3 exit gates built into the Ashley Road side, to enable safe pedestrian exit in the event that walkers found themselves trapped in the area with horses approaching. It was noted that these would need to be checked as being shut during times of movement of horses in training through the area. There would also be an open end to the horsewalk at its Rubbing House end. Andrew Cooper informed the Conservators that the Racecourse would consider whether manning of the horse walk during key times immediately following its completion would be necessary, and that signs to inform pedestrians would be provided.

d)           Existing low level lighting. Following a question from a Member, Andrew Cooper informed the Conservators that the existing lighting in the area had been placed there to assist pedestrians walking from the hotel to events at the Racecourse. The existing lighting was not currently functioning and the Racecourse would look into the fault with it. The works to the horsewalk proposed installing lighting on the Ashley Road side in addition to the existing lighting.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Approve the proposals set out in the application by the Jockey Club, subject to planning permission being obtained.