Epsom Downs Racecourse is delighted to announce Horses Help Heroes as the official charity of the 2011 Investec Derby Festival, which takes place on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th June at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

Horses Help Heroes will travel to Surrey on Investec Derby Day before starting their fundraising attempt on June 21st. A horse-drawn WW1 ambulance replica will be driven by a team of wounded servicemen 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The ambulance will travel non-stop, day and night, for an estimated 10 days as HHH aims to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes and service charities, including the Army Benevolent Fund, Blesma and Combat Stress; providing direct support for the growing number of physically and psychologically war-damaged servicemen and women.

The first race on Investec Derby Day will take on the name of the charity and be called The Investec Horses Help Heroes Stakes (Handicap). The race will be shown live on the BBC and be watched by a global television audience.

HRH Prince William has enthusiastically backed the efforts of the charity, saying: “I salute all those involved with Horses Help Heroes for their tireless commitment, energy and originality in their drive towards their vision. I urge everyone to support them in whatever way they can.”

Rupert Trevelyan, Managing Director of Epsom Downs Racecourse, commented: ‘It is with enormous pride that I can confirm our support for Horses Help Heroes. We look forward to welcoming the team to Epsom Downs Racecourse on Britain’s biggest day out featuring the world’s greatest flat race, the Investec Derby’.

For further information visit www.horseshelpheroes.org.uk Tickets for the Investec Derby Festival are now on sale. To buy tickets call 0844 848 0197 or visit www.epsomdowns.co.uk