Epsom Downs Racecourse opened its doors on Bank Holiday Monday for a family fun day, giving the public a look at the stables before an afternoon of racing and children’s entertainment.
There was poor weather as the day began. At the Epsom Downs Trainers’ open morning, when the public got a closer look at the stars of the track.
Then they watched an afternoon of racing, with the annual Shetland pony race for jockeys aged between nine and 14 years-old kicking off proceedings on the hallowed Epsom turf.
The race, run over two furlongs, was won by Cranford Fantastic under a strong ride by Digby Shepherd.
Epsom trainer Simon Dow said: "Despite the weather it really worked. Horseracing is part of the fabric of Epsom so it’s really important the public gets to come along and see the place.
"The Downs racecourse is a great heritage asset to this place - kings and queens have visited the racecourse and we’ve had some very famous horses train here over the years.
"It’s good to get the public as involved as possible and in the future we’d definitely look to further developing the open day."
Nick Patton, the training grounds manager for the Jockey Club Estates said Epsom wouldn’t be what it is without the famous racecourse.
He said: "When people think of Epsom, the Downs are usually what they associate with it the most. Horseracing is a big part of our cultural stock.
"This is one of the oldest and most famous grounds in the world - racing has been taking place here since the 17th century.
"It’s really enjoyable welcoming the public into the grounds, to let them see what we do day in, day out."
Later in the day there was more thoroughbred racing, fairground attractions, face-painting and free indoors kids’ stage shows.
The open day was in aid of Epsom Racing Staff Welfare, a charity set up to improve the welfare and conditions of racing staff in Epsom.
According to Mr Dow, the trainers are the ‘unsung heroes’ of Epsom Downs, caring for the every needs of the valuable bloodstock 24 hours a day and all year round.
He said: "The trainers are so important to the racecourse. These lads and lasses work very hard and without them we wouldn’t be able to run.
"But the licensed stable staff are unfortunately paid agricultural wages in an affluent, semi-urban environment and so the charity primarily looks at securing affordable accommodation for them."
Pic: Racingfotos.com
Following the Shetland pony race was the Amateur Derby, won by the aptly-named English Summer, while local trainer Pat Phelan won the 4.45pm race with Leah Freya.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here