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 fourth of the series we hear from estates manager Craig Williamson on early starts, preparing the racetrack and weeks of planning.
What is your role at Epsom Downs Racecourse?
Estates manager, I am responsible for the upkeep of the racing surface and preparation of all horticultural areas around site as well as the infrastructure surrounding the racing, horses and all stakeholders.
How long have you worked at Epsom Downs Racecourse?
I have been involved in every Derby since 1994 but this is my fourth Derby in this role.
What does your day entail?
Derby day starts at 3.30am preparing the track from the previous day’s racing. We start early to get all this behind-the-scenes work done before we start to see the crowds arrive.
MORE: Meet the man who has to keep a lot of people - and horses - happy during the Epsom Derby Festival
Jobs involve rail movement, overseeing the cutting of the course and all lawns, repair of the track from the previous days racing.
How does your role differ over the two days of the Investec Derby Festival from your day to day job?
There are some key jobs to do on race days in terms of track set-up and final preparations but most of my team’s work goes on in the weeks prior to the meeting.
My job during the meeting is very much about the planning we have put into the day and then reacting to any issues on course.
What is your highlight of the Investec Derby Festival?
It is the greatest test of a thoroughbred and the highlight is undoubtedly the Investec Derby itself and the magnificent equine stars.
Now the Investec Derby Festival is around the corner how does this affect you?
It has long been part of my life and it takes over my thoughts for many weeks beforehand.
MORE: This man has the Queen coming to lunch - and thousands of other racegoers - at the Epsom Derby
What is different about the Investec Derby Festival compared to other race day meetings at Epsom Downs Racecourse?
Whilst we take as much care preparing the course for every fixture the Investec Derby carries a lot of pressure and huge media coverage.
The whole team want to have the track at its peak for the day.
And finally who will you be putting your money on in this year’s Investec Derby?
Churchill.
MORE: Think your week at work will be busy? This is the man in charge of building the Epsom Derby
Tickets information at epsomderby.co.uk
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