Dating back to 1661, the Epsom Derby Festival is one of the most celebrated racing festivals anywhere in the world and we were thrilled to welcome guests back to The Green Room for our second year at this illustrious event.
Encompassing both Ladies Day and Derby Day, the Epsom Derby Festival is the absolute pinnacle of flat racing and as guests began streaming in for the Ladies Day festivities, we knew this was going to be a special couple of days on the Downs.
Frocks, fascinators, and high fashion were out in force on Friday and with dappled sunlight cascading over the racecourse, it was time for the action to begin! Enjoying the action with our guests was a bona fide racing legend – Sir AP McCoy. Hearing insight and stories from the greatest jump jockey was brilliant entertainment, enjoyed by the likes of Linda Robson, Kelly Holmes, Jamie Theakston and Ellis Genge.
The big race of the day on Friday was of course The Oaks and racing legend Frankie Dettori who was making his final appearance at Epsom came through with a hugely popular victory aboard Soul Sister. This was Dettori’s seventh victory in The Oaks and Green Room guests delighted in witnessing one of racing’s great characters triumph on his final appearance.
After the excitement of Friday, the scene was set for ‘the greatest flat race in the world’, the Epsom Derby. The atmosphere was carnivalesque, the drinks flowed freely and as guests arrived on Saturday, we knew another fantastic day was in store! Joining our horse racing legends were special guests Mike and Zara Tindall, TV star Amy Hart and England cricketer Danielle Wyatt.
As the laughs rang around The Green Room and guests soaked up the stunning views and sumptuous hospitality, the fervour for the big race of the day began to reach a climax! Before long The Derby was underway and when the field crossed the path at the top of the straight, half a mile out, 66-1 shot King Of Steel had set sail for home and opened up a three-length lead. No issue for Ryan Moore on board Auguste Rodin though – with eight horses ahead, Moore kicked on and carved up the field, winning by half a length and recording his third Derby victory and a record-extending 9th for trainer Aidan O’Brien.
As the signal of the start of the summer sporting season, there is no better way to kickoff the schedule than by enjoying the action from The Green Room. We can’t wait to be back at Epsom for the Derby Festival in 2024. For more information on our horse racing hospitality options, click here.
