There is nothing quite like a day at the races. The visceral experience of watching a jockey and their steed compete at the very top of the game with extraordinary pace and power is a heart-racing affair to behold. When combined with the thrill of an occasional wager and the company of friends and family, it can be an exciting and unique highlight in the UK social calendar.
The sport of horse racing and the wonderful theatre that accompanies it have been an important part of the rural lifestyle for hundreds of years in this country. From mediaeval roots of trading the prized Arabian horses brought back to breed with native stock through to the royal patronage of monarchs such as Henry VII, The Sport of Kings remains an enduring pastime. As the Industrial Revolution took hold, betting became big business and purpose-built tracks and racecourses began to emerge all over England to support the stables, owners and jockeys that democratised the sport with huge annual events and competitions for all walks of life to attend.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
It would appear appropriate that the chalk uplands of Epsom in Surrey have always been a hotbed of horse racing. The rolling hills and countryside scenery in a location so close and well-connected to the city of London provide the perfect backdrop for cantering hooves and cheering crowds. Records show that the first ever recorded horse race here was in 1661 and even the great diarist Samuel Pepys referred to his own experience of the sport here just a few short years later.
In the modern era, the Epsom course is one of the finest and most recognised horse racing destinations in the world, with capacity for around 130,000 spectators watching from the enclosures and on the freedom of the downs.
Like all great courses, Epsom is synonymous with a great race. In 1780, the inaugural Derby Stakes was held here and eventually this annual event became known simply as The Derby, occupying the prestigious status as one of Britain’s five Classic races and considered by many as the finest. The Derby takes place on the first Saturday of June and is always preceded by the spectacle of Ladies Day on the Friday, where fashion and status are almost more important than the results themselves.
Importantly, on the same day every year, purple, white and green flowers are laid here at Tattenham Corner. This was the part of the course where the suffragette Emily Davison tragically lost her life during the 1913 Derby as she staged a protest in front of the King and Queen during the race. Her actions became one of the defining images for Women’s Rights in the country and had a huge impact on the journey to full suffrage finally being realised.
Refined Race Day Facilities
Planning your day at Epsom will inevitably involve making a few key choices on where to position your party. The private boxes in the Queen’s Stand offer the best view with room for up to 20 guests, which includes a balcony overlooking the track and private bar and lounge. Your dedicated host will be able to attend to every request to ensure that none of the vital race day action is missed, with canapes and drinks on hand to keep everybody well refreshed.
If one does prefer to mingle and take a stroll around the arena to take in more of the atmosphere on the ground, then there are some fantastic areas to visit too. The Derby Suite delivers a premium dining menu with some great Afternoon Tea packages to experience in a break between the races. For more of a social energy, the hospitality packages such as The Tattenham Straight Marquee and the Winning Post Pavilion often have Champagne receptions or the obligatory Pimm’s selection of cocktails during the spring and summer months. Live music from acoustic performers or DJ sets all adds to a thriving party energy that many guests find to be an exciting addition to the day’s proceedings.
Dress to Impress
The celebratory event of a significant Epsom day at the races owes much to the aesthetics and images that are always present. This means that the dress code should not be viewed as a limitation but rather an opportunity to create outfits of elevated elegance in formal daywear. For ladies, that does generally discourage bare shoulders, with polished and smart suits always advised for the gents. However, within those boundaries, there is space to respond to the spectacle with one’s own personality and individuality to stand out from the crowd, of course. There is often a real clamour from the UK press and style publications to observe and report from race meetings, with a keen eye for the most innovative outfit combinations.
A Seat for all Seasons
If one is serious about making appearances all across the racing calendar, then memberships and season cards are a great idea. The Jockey Club offers a tiered structure that provides admission to all race meetings with the best view guaranteed and a host of other advantages such as dedicated parking and club facilities. With King Charles III and Queen Camilla as patrons, and keen racegoers themselves, you may even find yourself in regal company too.
Get Off To A Great Start
With the smell of the turf in the air, the chatter of the crowd on the wind and the unmistakable thunder of hooves on the track, Epsom Racecourse is a captivating experience that makes for a fascinating day out while appreciating the history and allure of this enduring sport in the country. It calls for a rare kind of attention, drawing racegoers back year after year. For those looking to experience the 2026 season at its finest, securing a vantage point early on is well worth the consideration.
