By Community Correspondent: Marcus Gosling.

In the wake of a field day for the bookies at the Grand National at Aintree, Epsom is preparing for their annual classic race, the Derby. On Derby Day 2008, the stands and surrounding areas of downs were packed solid; even the newly built hotel was bursting at the seams. Residents have even been known to rent out their drives to car-driving day-trippers wanting to come to the spectacle. But it is something else which has caught the eye this year. Despite lacking a sponsor, Epsom has pushed forward to complete a fantastic-looking new grandstand, which has now been officially opened by the Duchess of Cornwall. Nonetheless, the economic downturn has become a huge problem for the event, with sponsors dropping out (Vodafone did not renew their contract), and even the much loved funfair is closed this year. Epsom, like most towns is having economic problems, but due to the lack of sponsorship, the winner’s prize will have to be funded from the racecourse’s own pocket. The new grandstand, however, provides a source of optimism that this year’s Derby will be the best ever, despite the difficult circumstances.