Issue - meetings

To provide an update on this year’s Derby Festival.

The Conservators received an update on this year’s Derby Festival.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Note of Congratulations. A Member of the Conservators extended congratulations to the Jockey Club on the success of the Derby Festival weekend and the efforts gone into the planning and careful execution of the event under difficult circumstances and with great respect and cooperation of the other users of the downs.

b)           Explanation of Security Issues. A Member of the Conservators expressed thanks for the explanation provided by the Vice Chairregarding the security issues that were faced at this year’s Derby Festival. The Conservators expressed the hope that the explanation would provide some reassurance to local residents who were concerned about the lack of communication regarding security arrangements for the Derby.

c)            Royal Attendance. A Member of the Conservators noted that there was no working Royal in attendance at this year’s Derby and asked if there is anything that the Council or the Conservators could do to re-establish that connection with the Royal family and encourage future Royal attendance at the Derby. The Vice Chair responded to inform the Conservators that the Queen attended the Derby in a personal and private capacity instead of as part of a diarised official engagement. It was noted that there was nothing that the Council or Conservators could do to influence the arrangements and there was nothing to suggest that working members of the Royal family would not attend in future years.  

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the update on the 2023 Derby from the Epsom Downs Racecourse