Racing: Epsom's buyers reflect on a Derby day switch

THE BATTLE for ownership of Epsom and two other racecourses was won yesterday by Racecourse Holdings Trust, a Jockey Club subsidiary. The company's pounds 30.25m bid to take control of United Racecourses, which owns Epsom, Sandown and Kempton, was accepted by the Levy Board.

RHT was chosen ahead of the media company Sunset & Vine and a consortium headed by Uttoxeter racecourse owner Stan Clarke. The successful bidder immediately pledged itself to breathe new life into the Derby, having already promised to maintain the quality of racing at the three courses.

David Hillyard, RHT's managing director, said yesterday: 'The Derby does need revitalising and that is certainly something we will be looking at. It does not necessarily follow that we will switch the race to a Saturday or a Sunday but it does seem wrong that the major event of a meeting should be held on the first day as it is at present.'