Agenda item

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)            Derby Update. The Vice Chair commented that operationally the Derby Festival was successful. He explained that the weather was unfortunate over the festival period, but he had observed everything from the build-up the de-rig and is hoping to try and streamline these processes next year. The Vice Chair reported that the travellers camp caused very few issues. He acknowledged the issue prior to the festival, regarding arriving early and parking on Old London Road and steps have been taken to ensure the same does not happen next year. The Vice Chair highlighted that there were only four arrests across the 34,000 attendees. He informed the Conservators that there had sadly been no royal attendance this year, which does affect the event, however the racing was brilliant. The Vice Chair explained that Epsom Racecourse are currently undergoing an extensive strategy review, of almost every aspect of the Derby, and will be creating a 5-year strategy to revive to Epsom Derby Festival.

b)            Thanks. The Chair acknowledged that there were several meetings with residents in Langley Vale and significant efforts by several stakeholders, notably the PSPO that came through Crime and Disorder committee, so huge thanks to  that Committee and the Police as their efforts did make a difference. The Chair continued to thank the Council’s Public Protection Manager and team for the CCTV installation. that went on – thanks to Oliver and team. The Chair expressed thanks to the Police, the Downskeepers, and Sam Whitehead for all the work in ensuring the event ran smoothly. The Chair also thanked the Jockey Club for all the effort they put in to make the Derby a successful and safe event. Several Conservators echoed the thanks of the Chair and highlighted how smooth and wonderful an experience it was attending the Derby Festival.

c)            Security risks. A Member of the Conservators raised an issue that a resident had mentioned about security around the roundabout behind the Grandstand and if the Jockey Club have considered the potential security risks if someone tried to attack the event. The Vice Chair responded to explain that all potential security risks are considered and discussions take place with the police about potential incidents prior to the Derby event. The Vice Chair acknowledged that this was a major concern during this year’s security briefings and the police advised the racecourse all the way through. The Vice Chair thanked the Member for raising the concern.

d)            Trespass Incident. A Member of the Conservators S Dow asked if the trespass incident that occurred the week before the Derby has been attributed to the presence of travellers in the area. The Vice Chair stated that to his knowledge the unauthorised encampment that arrived were purely people who wanted to come early to move onto the travellers’ camp on the Downs and as soon as the camp opened, they moved straight on there. The Vice Chair explained they tried to avoid this situation of early arrivals on the Downs but acknowledged there wasn’t a lot that could be done. He explained that the Jockey Club will be banking the edges of the area to try and ensure that the same situation does not happen again next year. The Vice Chair also expressed a wish to have a better relationship with the people that organise the travellers camp on the day. The Member expressed that they were concerned about the track trespass incident and highlighted a specific concern about damage to the track prior to the Derby event. The Vice Chair explained that when the incident happened, it was quickly stopped, and that it is suspected to have been locals, not those staying in the travellers’ camp. The Vice Chair informed Conservators that they were aware of what needed to be done to avoid a similar incident happening next year.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Note the update on the 2025 Derby from the Epsom Downs Racecourse