Ground ready for Epsom Derby

Posted on Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 10:38 am and is filed under Uncategorized.

The 2009 Epsom Derby is set to be run in perfect conditions, with good to firm ground expected for the weekend’s Derby Festival.

Watering at Epsom Racecourse has stopped, and with no more heavy rain expected at Epson Downs until after the weekend, course staff are confident that a perfect turf will be delivered for two of the greatest thoroughbred races in the world.

“The going is very much good in the main and just on the quick side in a few places, between the 10-furlong and the mile starts and little bits elsewhere,” Epsom director of racing Andrew Cooper told the Press Association.

“There is no watering planned. The weather outlook is dry until possible showers overnight Friday into Saturday - we could get no rain or up to a maximum of five millimetres.”

The rails at Epsom Racecourse have been moved out 6 yards for Friday’s races at Epsom, and will be moved back on Saturday morning to ensure that the Epsom Derby is run on fresh ground.