Epsom History

Epsom is synonymous with horseracing and the Downs are steeped in racing history. The area has been a favoured place to train since the 1640’s and it was on Epsom Downs in 1769 that the great Eclipse was trained and won his first race.

Ten years later saw the first running of the Oaks and a year later, in 1780, the first ever Derby, still arguably the world’s most famous and influential race.

In the 19^th century both Classic winners and Grand National winners were prepared in Epsom and its pre-eminence as a training centre continued into the 20^th century and beyond World War II.

In the 1990’s The Jockey Club took over the running of Epsom Downs Racecourse and the training grounds have been under the management of Jockey Club Estates since 2014.