Inside Track: Epsom Derby preview

Jun 5 2009 The Journal

TOMORROW is Derby Day and the masses will descend on Epsom for the annual blue-riband event that hails the best three-year-old colt of its generation over 1m4f.

The two-day Festival that also includes the fillies’ version of the Derby, the Oaks, has been run since 1780 and is steeped in history.

The racing always throws up dramatic stories. In 1913, Emily Davidson, who was born locally in Longhorsely, gave her life for the Suffragette cause when she ran on to the course at the famous Tattenham corner and attempted to grab the bridle of Anmer, a horse owned by King George V. This had fatal consequences for her and confirmed her place in history.

The favourite, Rip Van Winkle, is the ride of the Ballydoyle top jockey Johny Murtagh who had the unenviable task of choosing one of the six Aidan O'Brien runners in the race.

Of the 13 horses entered in the race, only five are not trained in Ireland. Even one of the few that is not is trained by an Irishman, Brian Meehan in Lambourn.

Crowded House may prove the best value of the English horses at 33-1. Today in the Oaks, one has to take note of the very positive vibes being given out by Clive Brittain for his 33-1 filly Waadat.

She was recently beaten narrowly in the Italian Oaks. The last time I remember the trainer being so bullish was when Mystiko won the 2000 Guineas in 1989 – my first visit to Newmarket – and he has all his horses in cracking order at present. My each way money is already on!

Once all the hubbub is over we host a six-race card here at Newcastle Racecourse. The first kicks off at 6.40pm and the last at 9.10pm and should make for a great night of racing.

For tickets to either Plate Day or Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse, please call to book as soon as possible on 0191 236 2020, as tickets for the Premier enclosure are selling out fast!