The Epsom Derby is taking shape with its ambassadors named and a BBC DJ announced for the after-party at the richest contest in horseracing.
Silent Witness star Emilia Fox, two-time Derby winner Frankie Dettori MBE, and fashionistas Teo Van Den Broeke, Grey Fox, and Ella Catliff have been announced as the festival’s ambassadors.
And after the race one of the most recognisable voices in British broadcasting, BBC Radio 2’s Jo Whiley will play a DJ set at the event’s after-party.
This year, the two-day horseracing festival gets underway on Friday, June 2 with Ladies Day, and culminates on Saturday, June 3, with Derby Day itself, featuring Britain’s richest race, contested by 129 three-year-olds, the £1.5 million Epsom Derby.
Emilia Fox (pictured above) said: “I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the Investec Derby.
“I love horse riding with my family and to be involved in such a historic, prestigious event as the Investec Derby is a complete privilege and joy.
The actress, who is currently playing the lead theatre role in Sex With Strangers, will collaborate with royal milliner and Derby fashion consultant Rachel Trevor-Morgan to design an exclusive, bespoke hat for the big day.
Ms Fox added: “I also adore gardening in my time off, so I can’t wait to work with Rachel on creating a stunning floral hat to wear on the day!”
She is joined by two-time Derby Derby winner and three-time Investec Derby ambassador Frankie Dettori MBE (pictured above) who won the race in 2007 on Authorized and 2015 on Golden Horn, and will be looking for a further win in 2017.
He said: “The Investec Derby is the greatest flat race in the world and something I’m incredibly honoured to have experienced and represent.
“I am very proud to have won it twice and it is something I will continue to strive to win again as long as I continue to race.”
DJ Jo Whiley added: “Wow Derby Day! Looking forward to being there with everyone to celebrate such an important day in the racing calendar.
“I’ll be playing massive tunes across all musical genres to make sure winners or losers alike all end the day on a real high. I cannot wait!”
Got a story? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk
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