Derby considers following Irish example by moving to evening slot
Epsom may consider moving the Investec Derby to a Saturday evening slot to reverse the declining television audience of the great race.
Managing director Rupert Trevelyan told The Times that moving the off time is likely to come under discussion in a move already taken by counterparts here in Ireland.
The peak audience for this year’s race last month, won by Australia, was 1.55 million, less than half that achieved by the last time the Classic was shown on television.
However, any change is likely to need the approval of Queen Elizabeht II as the course is well aware of the influence placed on the attendance of the monarch.
“We may decide to innovate. I’ve never ruled anything out and staging the race later in the evening could be considered,” said Trevelyan.
“The broadcasters tell us that every hour later could be worth an extra million viewers.
“The presence of the Queen is paramount and she will be consulted before we make any such change.”
The Derby was moved from it’s traditional Wednesday slot to a Saturday 20 years ago and some still believe a move back would be the way forward but Trevelyan dismissed such ideas.
“In the paid stands, we had the biggest crowd ever this year, so that view is misguided,” he said.
“Rain in the morning reduced the walk-up crowd on The Hill but that is not a trend. The race is in good shape but we should never rule out change.”
