Epsom Downs Racecourse will welcome tens of thousands of people for the two-day Investec Derby Festival this Friday and Saturday.

We’ve spoken to some members of the team behind the scenes, who make the event happen.

In the third in the series we hear from Richard Herring, general manager of Jockey Club Catering, on the unique crowd, the Queen arriving and afternoon teas.

How long have you worked at Epsom Downs Racecourse?

Since October 2016.

What does your day entail?

I liaise with my team, including the head chef and operations manager to ensure that our conference and meeting element of our business is running smoothly.

There are regular meetings with the Epsom events team to discuss operational matters for all events.

It’s important to engage with numerous stakeholders around plans for the Derby and other Epsom racing fixtures.

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I review financial results daily with team and always check the lunch service at the venue for all guests.

Some days involve hosting future client venue show-rounds and working with the sales team to help design packages for future events. My normal day starts at 7am and finishes between 6-7pm!

How does your role differ over the two days of the Investec Derby Festival from your day to day job?

The day is slightly longer than normal, with a 5.30am start to meet with the chef team, and then the manager’s briefing is at 6.30am.

Then I make sure staff check in runs to plan, do a ‘walk round’ of areas to ensure that we are ready for gates at 11am.

Once we tart to welcome guests I check the lunch service in the hospitality rooms around site, check the retail operations throughout the day, and then that the afternoon tea service in hospitality is going to plan and engage with key clients and guests.

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I make sure that the communication between the team remains strong to deliver the best event we can. once racing is finished on day one I make sure the event is ready for Derby day, checking staff off-site, do a de-brief with the core team, check the financial results, then head to the hotel to do it all again for Derby day!

What is your highlight of the Investec Derby Festival?

I think it will be seeing plans that we have put in place come to life, seeing the Queen come onto site and hearing the roar of the crowd during the greatest flat race in the world!

Now the Investec Derby Festival is around the corner how does this affect you?

The building begins, the pressure builds and we start to enjoy the build-up to a major sporting event!

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What is different about the Investec Derby Festival compared to other race day meetings at Epsom Downs Racecourse?

The crowd, the history, the prestige.

And finally who will you be putting your money on in this year’s Investec Derby?

Cracksman.

Tickets information at epsomderby.co.uk