Epsom Derby Day drew its biggest crowd since 2022 as The King and Queen joined more than 28,000 racegoers at Epsom Downs on Saturday 6th June.

The Jockey Club confirmed that 28,557 people attended Betfred Derby Day, a marked improvement on last year’s modern low and part of a two-day Derby Festival attendance of 48,261.

That total was 10,662 higher than last year, an increase of 28%, and will be seen by Epsom Downs Racecourse as evidence that the first year of its five-year revival plan has made a positive start.

However, the Derby Day figure remained below the 40,000-plus crowd that had been hoped for in some pre-meeting reporting and well below the historic crowds once associated with Britain’s most famous Flat race.

The 2025 Derby Day crowd had fallen to just 22,312 in the paid enclosures, described by the Racing Post as the lowest number in modern history. This year’s figure therefore represents a recovery of more than 6,000 on Derby Day, but not yet a return to the scale of attendance seen in earlier decades.

The Jockey Club said there had been a sold-out Queen Elizabeth II Stand and Grandstand Enclosure, with thousands more across the racecourse, DerbyFest and The Hill.

The presence of Their Majesties gave the day added national profile. The King and Queen arrived after attending the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling in the Cotswolds, and their attendance was widely reported by national racing and news outlets.

The weather was less helpful. Rain fell overnight and for much of Saturday, with the ground officially changing from good-to-soft to soft before the Derby. The Guardian’s live coverage described the event as rain-soaked, and images from the day showed racegoers sheltering under umbrellas.

On the track, Christmas Day won the 247th running of the Derby, ridden by Ronan Whelan and trained by Aidan O’Brien. The victory gave O’Brien a record-extending 12th Derby win and his 50th British Classic success.

The race was not without controversy. Favourite Benvenuto Cellini, also trained by O’Brien, finished the race but was later declared a non-runner after a stewards’ inquiry found that he had been denied a fair start when his hind leg became caught in the stalls.

For Epsom, however, the wider question was whether the meeting itself could begin to recover its place as one of the great public sporting occasions of the year.

The Jockey Club has embarked on a £6 million, five-year plan to revive the Derby Festival. This year’s changes included increased prize money, free admission for under-18s, free parking, the new DerbyFest area on The Hill, entertainment partnerships and efforts to reconnect the event with the local community.

Ahead of the meeting, Epsom Downs general manager Jim Allen said more than 22,000 people had registered for DerbyFest over the two days, and that the racecourse was expecting more than 60,000 people across the Festival.

The final total of 48,261 fell below that aspiration, but still marked a substantial improvement on 2025. The Jockey Club’s own post-event assessment was upbeat.

Jim Allen said initial feedback on the changes to the customer experience had been “extremely positive”. He said selling out the standside enclosures in advance was testament to the continuing appeal of the race and to the work of the Epsom and wider teams.

He added: “Clearly the weather did not get the memo, but ultimately when you run an outdoor event in this country, you are always slightly in the lap of the gods.”

Mr Allen described 2026 as “year one of a five-year journey” and said the racecourse would be guided by customer feedback before making decisions for future years.

The Jockey Club’s use of open-top buses and community-facing measures formed part of the attempt to restore the Derby’s traditional local character. At present, however, no published figures appear to isolate the effect of those buses or say how many additional attendees came specifically through local community group involvement.

The fairest conclusion is therefore that the 2026 Derby was neither a full return to former glories nor another year of decline. It was a measurable recovery: helped by royal attendance, a stronger entertainment offer and sold-out principal stands, but held back by rain and still some distance from the crowds Epsom once took for granted.

For a racecourse seeking to rebuild the Derby as both a world-class sporting occasion and a people’s festival on the Downs, Saturday was a step forward. The test will be whether that recovery can be sustained — and expanded — in 2027 and whether a change of day in the week should be tested.

Sam Jones – Reporter

Photo: Grandstand and Racecourse at Epsom Derby Day at 14:15pm

Related reports:

Derby Prize Money to Rise to £2m as Epsom Seeks to Reassert Its Place at the Top of British Racing

Should Epsom’s Derby revert to Wednesday?

A historic community sports club on the edge of Epsom and Ewell is making an urgent appeal for support as it seeks to raise funds to save its last remaining tennis courts.

Worcester Park Tennis Club, part of the Worcester Park Athletic Club, says its two courts have reached the end of their operational life and require resurfacing if they are to remain open. Club representatives warn that failure to secure the necessary funding could result in the closure of the courts, which are used by more than 100 junior players each week.

The wider athletic club traces its origins back to 1921, when it was founded by former servicemen returning from the First World War. Club volunteers say the tennis section has served generations of local families and remains one of the few accessible grassroots tennis facilities in the area.

To support the fundraising effort, the club is hosting a Family & Community Open Day on Sunday 28 June, from 11am to 3pm, at Worcester Park Athletic Club, off Green Lane, KT4 8AJ.

The event is free to attend and will include coaching taster sessions, tennis games and activities, face painting, refreshments, and a grand raffle. Organisers say the day is intended both as a celebration of community sport and a final push to secure the future of the courts.

Weronika Kalka of Worcester Park Tennis Club told the Epsom & Ewell Times:

“Our courts have almost reached the end of their operational life. Without raising the vital funds required to resurface them, we face the heartbreaking reality of having to close them entirely. Over 100 local juniors rely on these courts every single week, and losing them would mean losing a crucial, accessible grassroots tennis space right on the borders of Epsom and Ewell.”

Alongside inviting local families to attend the open day, the club is appealing to local businesses to contribute prizes for the raffle or to support the fundraising campaign through direct donations.

The club’s fundraising campaign emphasises three objectives: preserving the history of the club, improving facilities for current players, and creating opportunities for future generations of young tennis players.

Residents wishing to support the appeal can attend the open day or donate via the club’s crowdfunding campaign.

Event at a Glance

What: Worcester Park Tennis Club Family & Community Open Day and Court Fundraiser
When: Sunday 28 June, 11am–3pm
Where: Worcester Park Athletic Club, off Green Lane, Worcester Park, KT4 8AJ
Admission: Free
Activities: Coaching sessions, tennis games, face painting, refreshments and grand raffle

For further information, contact worcesterparktennis@gmail.com or follow the club on Instagram at @worcester_park_tennis.

Sam Jones – Reporter

It’s Derby Day at Epsom Racecourse; one of the most important race meetings of the year. Today’s card consists of eight races, with the two Group One contests taking centre stage; the Coronation Cup and the Derby itself. These are supported by two Group Three races, the Dash Handicap and three further handicaps.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Epsom card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who have all the horse racing odds. 

Racing kicks off with the Group Three Tattenham Corner Stakes (13.30). This is a race for older horses run over seven furlongs. There is plenty of good quality recent form on show here, with Never So Brave as the top rated runner for Andrew Balding. His first effort this season was underwhelming, but improvement is expected. Alcantor is a consistent sort who seems likely to run to at least a place, while Golden Mind could spring a surprise if the rain continues to fall.

Next is the extended mile Group Three Princess Elizabeth Stakes for fillies and mares (14.05). Shes Perfect and Sparks Fly jointly top the ratings, and bring a similar level of form to the table. Shes Perfect has very well to place in Group One company but lacks a Group level win, while Sparks Fly has won a Group Three contest before. She was two lengths behind last year’s Derby winner Lambourn in the Huxley Stakes last month, which is promising, and was third in this race last year. Shes Perfect has the most potential for improvement, though. 

The Coronation Cup follows, run over a mile and a half (14.40). Francis-Henri Graffard’s revered gelding Calandagan comes back to attempt to reverse last year’s form with Jan Brueghel here, having won five back-to-back Group One races since that day in France, England, Japan and the UAE. Now rated five pounds higher than the Coolmore representative, the Aga Khan horse will be hot favourite and for good reason. He faces some top class opponents, but he is the highest rated horse in the world over this distance currently and will take all the beating. 

Race four is the five-furlong Dash Handicap (15.15). Ian Williams’ Dyonisos is god on undulating tracks and could pick up a place at least, having been only narrowly beaten last time, but this is a big ask for him. Kinswoman is a consistent sort who ought to factor, and Cindy Lou Who looks somewhat overpriced and could be a good each-way play.

Onto the feature race of the day, the Derby, worth £1million to the winner (16.00). Benvenuto Cellini is Coolmore’s first string, under Ryan Moore, having won the Chester Vase last time. Item is a very strong candidate for Juddmonte, but is unproven on softer ground. James J Braddock and Pierre Bonnard finished within a short head of one another at Leopardstown last time and are contenders, but both would need a career best. Action is worth keeping an eye on too. 

A 10-furlong handicap follows (16.40). Pendella could go well for Karl Burke, given five pounds by rider Jack Nicholls. Savvy Disko makes his handicap debut and could be of interest, while Folk Pageant could be in the mix. Hell Yeah He Did has shown plenty of potential so far and could have a good chance for Ralph Beckett. 

Second to last is a mile and a half handicap (17.20). Hengest has recently completed a hat-trick but would need a real career best to win this, while Charlie Johnston’s Elsass seeks a similar achievement, having won both of his two most recent starts. Regal Ulixes looks competitive and could be at a winnable mark. He performs on any ground too.  

The Derby Festival concludes with a six-furlong handicap (17.55). Gold Star Hero has recently completed a hat-trick and comes here 16 pounds higher than his last start in 2025. Partisan Hero could get involved, as could Saint Lawrence. Sondad looks competitive on last year’s form, but must leave a disappointing return to action behind him. 

Epsom selections – Saturday:

13.30 – Alcantor

14.05 – Shes Perfect

14.40 – Calandagan

15.15 – Cindy Lou Who 

16.00 – Item 

16.40 – Hell Yeah He Did

17.20 – Regal Ulixes

17.55 – Sondad

Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0

A remarkable hand-coloured plan of Epsom Racecourse dating from 1848 has been rescued from severe deterioration following an extensive conservation project.

The historic document, which provides a detailed record of the racecourse in the mid-19th century, had reached a fragile state. Conservators warned that without intervention valuable information about the history and development of the course could have been lost forever.

A Race Against Time

The plan was prioritised for treatment because of its worsening condition and the fact that much of its detail had become obscured beneath a darkened varnish layer.

Conservators found the document had suffered from multiple forms of damage over the years.

The paper itself was made from machine-produced wood pulp, which is naturally acidic and becomes increasingly brittle as the fibres deteriorate. At some point the plan had been mounted on a linen backing using starch paste, but the paper had begun separating from the fabric. In places, fragments had broken away altogether.

Evidence also suggested the document had previously been stored in damp conditions, leaving mould staining across parts of the surface.

Further damage had been caused by the way the map had originally been displayed. Wooden poles had been attached using nails driven through the paper, leaving rust stains and tears, particularly along the upper edge.

Perhaps most significantly, the entire plan had been coated in a thick glossy varnish which had darkened dramatically over time, concealing much of the image beneath.

Delicate Conservation Work

The first stage of treatment involved removing the remaining wooden pole to prevent further damage during handling.

Conservators then carefully detached the mould-stained linen backing before carrying out extensive surface cleaning on both sides of the document. Throughout the process the plan was supported on woven polyester sheeting to ensure that loose fragments remained safely in place.

Attention then turned to the dark varnish coating.

Specialist tests were undertaken using a range of solvents to identify the safest and most effective method of removal. Once a suitable solvent had been selected, conservators worked section by section to lift the varnish without harming the original inks and pigments.

Using a Japanese paper barrier and a solvent gel, the varnish was gradually drawn away from the surface and transferred onto the paper layer.

The process was compared by conservators to waxing, with the Japanese paper peeled away carrying the dissolved varnish with it.

As the treatment progressed, details hidden for decades began to reappear.

Although some staining remained embedded deep within the paper fibres, the plan’s image and written information became visible once again, making the document accessible for the first time in many years.

Washing and Stabilisation

Following varnish removal, the plan underwent a careful washing process designed to remove any remaining residues.

Once the rinse water ran clear, the paper was treated with a mild alkaline solution to neutralise acidity and slow future deterioration.

The document was then lined with a specially selected Japanese paper backing. Favoured by conservators for its purity, flexibility and exceptional strength, Japanese paper provides long-term support while remaining lightweight and unobtrusive.

After several days of drying, missing sections of the original document were filled using handmade paper closely matched in tone and thickness.

Conservators emphasised that the work followed established conservation principles rather than restoration. Repairs remain visible and distinguishable from the original material, ensuring future researchers can identify what is original and what has been added.

All treatments are reversible, with wheat starch paste used as the adhesive. Bleaching treatments, which can brighten paper but may accelerate deterioration over time, were deliberately avoided.

Preserved for Future Generations

Once fully dried, trimmed and stabilised, the restored plan was placed within an archival polyester sleeve and transferred to environmentally controlled strongroom storage.

The conservation team believes that without intervention the plan would have continued to darken, weaken and eventually disintegrate.

Instead, this important piece of Epsom’s racing heritage has been secured for future generations, preserving a unique snapshot of the racecourse as it appeared nearly 180 years ago.

The conservation project not only saved the physical document but also revealed historical information that had been hidden beneath layers of damage and ageing for many decades.

Surrey County Council– History Centre

For more news from Surrey History Centre READ HERE

The first day of the eagerly anticipated Derby Festival is finally here. Today’s eight-race card has the Group One Oaks as the headline race, supported by the Listed Surrey Stakes, the Group Three Diomed Stakes, the Woodcote Stakes, Nifty 50 handicap and three further handicaps.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Epsom card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who provide all horse racing odds. 

The action kicks off with the five-furlong Dash Handicap for two-year-olds (13.30). Alfa Duplicate, U S S Charleston and Wedonttelllies were all winners last time out, with U S S Charleston looking possibly the most likely to repeat the form, given five pounds by his rider. There is no guarantee that he will handle this track, though, therefore Coyy might be worth thinking about. Charmanfourtimes could go well having come down four pounds, while Naana’s Shadow has an eye-catching booking in Oisin Murphy. 

Next is the Woodcote Stakes; a six-furlong race for two-year-olds (14.05). Plenty of the runners have already won a race, and this should be an exciting watch. Charlie Hills’ El Lambo won his race by the biggest margin – over four lengths – but has a tricky draw in 11. Rlasthope is worthy of some each-way interest, while George Boughey’s Havana Flash is an interesting debutant. WIld Terrain impressed on winning debut at Hamilton, and again the booking of Oisin Murphy is a potential indicator. 

Race three is the extended mile Group Three Diomed Stakes (14.40). Karl Burke’s Boiling Point tops the ratings and won last time out in Listed company at Goodwood recently. He should handle this track well and is a serious contender. Seagulls Eleven equally should go well around Epsom and can handle some rain too. Chancellor has limited form on turf but won well on his debut on soft ground at Doncaster, so he could outrun his odds. 

The Nifty 50 Handicap follows, run over 10 furlongs (15.15). Roger Varian’s Sallaal returned to action nicely over course and distance in April, but he is drawn wide here. Respond’s new mark needs to be proven today, whereas Alpha Crucis’ looks appealing. Let’s Dream steps up in class here and could have an each-way chance after a win at Chester in May. 

In the afternoon’s feature race, the mile and a half Group One Oaks (16.00), Coolmore’s Amelia Earheart looks the likely favourite after winning the Cheshire Oaks at Chester in May. Charlie Johnston’s Venetian Lace tops the ratings and ran significantly better than expected in the 1,000 Guineas, finishing third, and she could run another solid race here. She is probably better on firmer ground, though. Cameo can go on softer ground, as can Thundering On, who could be worth thinking about. 

An extended mile handicap is next (16.40). Celeborn is a useful sort who could be of interest in first-time cheekpieces after a midfield finish last time, while Stem can act on any ground and stays on a competitive enough mark to get involved here. It’s worth looking out for Man Of La Mancha, while Walsingham could prove to be overpriced for David O’Meara. 

Second to last is the Listed Surrey Stakes, run over seven furlongs (17.15). This looks a reasonably open race, but Joseph O’Brien’s Irish raider Greek Mythology could be an interesting one to side with. He has won on the all-weather and is still relatively unexposed on turd, but has placed on both starts on that surface so far. 

Finally, racing concludes with a seven-furlong handicap (17.50). Zarathos seeks a hat-trick, but looks unlikely here. Course and distance winner Rhoscolyn is now down to an attractive mark and warrants serious thought, while Colombier is entitled to improve on his seasonal reappearance at Ascot. 

Epsom selections – Friday:

13.30 – Coyy

14.05 – Wild Terrain

14.40 – Boiling Point

15.15 – Alpha Crucis

16.00 – Thundering On

16.40 – Stem e/w

17.15 – Greek Mythology

17.50 – Rhoscolyn

Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0

A 12-year-old boxer from Epsom has brought home the town’s first National Schools boxing title in 15 years after a series of dominant performances at the England Boxing National Schools Championships.

Amelia O’Hagan, of Epsom Boxing Academy, claimed gold in the Class A 44kg category after progressing through Surrey, Southern Counties and the national finals.

Having qualified through the county and regional stages, Amelia faced London champion Davene Asabere of Newham’s Fight for Peace club in the quarter-finals.

Coach Joe Harding described Amelia’s performance as explosive from the outset. Starting at high tempo, she used fast attacks to head and body to control the bout, before forcing a stoppage early in the second round after a sustained assault left her opponent unable to continue.

The championships then took Amelia north to Newcastle for the semi-finals and finals weekend.

In the semi-final she met Midland Counties champion Hollie Browne of Black Country Boxing Club. Determined to improve on last year’s runner-up finish, Amelia produced what her coaches described as a controlled and disciplined display.

Using speed, footwork and sharp combinations, she repeatedly caught the taller opponent with attacks to head and body before moving safely out of range. After three rounds of sustained pressure and tactical boxing, Amelia secured a unanimous 5-0 points victory to reach the final.

There she faced local favourite Imogen Paylor of Felling ABC, champion of Tyne, Tees and Wear and a boxer with significantly more competitive experience.

According to Epsom Boxing Academy, Amelia again began strongly, attacking with body-to-head combinations and forcing her taller opponent backwards. The second round saw more sustained exchanges, with Amelia’s footwork and ring movement proving key.

Knowing the final round would bring an all-out response from her opponent, Amelia maintained the pace, countering effectively and finishing strongly. The judges awarded her a second unanimous 5-0 victory, crowning her National Schools Champion for 2026.

The success marks Epsom’s first National Schools “Golden Gloves” champion since Charlie Eastwood, who won the title 15 years ago and later added further national honours.

The victory also secures Amelia a place on the England Boxing National Development Pathway.

Joe Harding, head coach at Epsom Boxing Academy, said: “This girl is an amazing talent and at 12 years old this is only the start. She is hard-working and determined and I’m certain she will go on to represent her country.

“We have come close several times since starting our new Epsom club four years ago, with several silver and bronze medals, so bringing home the Golden Gloves with Amelia was a little emotional, to say the least.”

Epsom Racecourse report: Spring Meeting kicks off the new season as trainers John and Thady Gosden land a double on the day – including a potential Derby runner shortening in price after Trial victory

The new Flat campaign is off and running at Epsom after its Spring Meeting took place on Tuesday and yielded a double on the day for the Gosden’s, who saw one of their winners cut in price for the Derby. 

Saxon Street maintained his unbeaten record when landing the Listed Blue Riband Trial on Tuesday’s card and has seen his price more than halve to land the Derby at the same track on June 6. 

Read below for a full report of the Epsom card courtesy of Sporting Life. 

Up first on the card was a mile novice stakes and the Gosdens landed the opener with Runman, another to maintain a perfect record in his career when landing the contest by a length and three quarters as a very prohibitive 1-12 favourite under jockey Oisin Murphy. 

The mile and a quarter Blue Riband train was up next which was won by Saxon Street for Team Gosden, with William Buick riding this time, scoring by two and a half lengths from Rebel Rocker in second. Odds-on favourite New Zealand for Aidan O’Brien finished down the field in fourth.

Another mile and a quarter contest was up next at 3.15 and Rathgar landed the spoils here for trainer Jack Channon and jockey Tom Marquand, scoring by a length from 5-2 favourite Sallaal in second with the winner making all and always looking on top of proceedings. 

A field of five tackled the mile and a half handicap in class three up next, where trainer Ian Williams picked up a win with Night Breeze ridden by Rossa Ryan – who landed a double of his own on the card – by a comfortable three lengths as Night Breeze landed the win just four days after finishing fourth at Musselburgh.

Ryan picked up a second win in succession when piloting On Message (2-1) to victory in the mile and a half a furlong class four handicap, another cosy winner by two lengths for trainer Ralph Beckett, while the finale of the afternoon (4.58) went the way of Shafdar, a three quarters of a length winner at odds of 15/2 to bag a second winner on the card for trainer Williams. 

Epsom results – Tuesday

2.05 – Runman (1-12F)

2.40 – Saxon Street (5-2)

3.15 – Rathgar (3-1)

3.50 – Night Breeze (5-2)

4.23 – On Message (2-1)

4.58 – Shafdar (15-2)

Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0

The Flat season at Epsom is back as the Spring Meeting, the traditional season opener at the track, arrives this afternoon.

Six races are slated for the card, kicking off at 2.05pm with a novice stakes in class four before ending at 4.58pm as a field of ten heads to the stalls for the mile handicap in class four. 

Read below for a full rundown of the Epsom card on Tuesday courtesy of Racing TV, who have the very latest free bets offers throughout the Flat season.

Runman looks very much the way to go in the opening race of the new season at Epsom (2.05) as nine runners take on the novice stakes in class four over the mile trip. The John and Thady Gosden-trained runner was a winner at Salisbury on debut in October and under top jockey Oisin Murphy, is very hard to oppose here to follow up.

The Listed Blue Riband Trial Stakes is up next at 2.40 with a handy £34,026 going to the winner. Of the six runners, it is tough to look past Frankel colt New Zealand for the all-conquering duo of Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore, last seen when finishing fifth behind stablemate Puerto Rico in the Group 1 Criterium at Saint-Cloud but only by three lengths, while New Zealand has Group 1 entries further down the track this season including in the English and Irish Derby’s so this could be a stepping stone to major success later in the year. 

A class two handicap marks race three on the card (3.15) over the mile and a quarter distance. Aurel has had some time off since finishing seventh in the Golden Gate Stakes at Royal Ascot but was a fine winner at Leicester prior to that so a repeat of that previous form should see him go close here for the Ralph Beckett team. 

A mile and a half handicap in class three is up next (3.50) and five runners are set to head to the stalls. Topteam has been very progressive for the Andrew Balding team, having resumed winning ways at Kempton on seasonal return and was a hat-trick winner last campaign so gets the vote in this one over Asgard’s Captain, who won twice last year – one of those being in this exact race 12 months ago – for trainer Dylan Cunha. 

Six runners will line up for the penultimate race of the Spring Meeting card at 4.23 where On Message could pick up a second winner on the card having got off the mark in good fashion at Wolverhampton in October and progress is expected here after now being sent handicapping for the prominent yard. 

Finally, the card concludes at 4.58pm with a mile handicap in class four. Defending champion Tribal Rhythm is back for more having won this race 12 months ago for the Denis Coakley team. He could be a good shout to repeat the trick 12 months on with Oisin Murphy booked to ride following an encouraging second on his seasonal reappearance at Bath 23 days ago. 

Epsom selections – Tuesday

2.05 – Runman

2.40 – New Zealand

3.15 – Aurel

3.50 – Topteam

4.23 – On Message

4.58 – Tribal Rhythm

Image: Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0

Epsom Oddballs Running Club is bringing back a much-loved local race this summer, as the 2000 Perch returns to Epsom Downs after years away from the Surrey running calendar.

Set for Friday 26 June 2026, with a 7pm evening start at Epsom Downs Racecourse, the revived event aims to capture the spirit of the original Perch races while introducing a refreshed format suited to today’s runners. Open to all levels, the race will cover a 10km single-lap route across the Downs, combining scenic views with a gently challenging profile.

The “Perch” takes its name from an old English unit of measurement—2000 perch equates to just over six miles—reflecting the distance of earlier editions that were popular throughout the 2000s. Those races, held on Epsom Downs and in Nonsuch Park, built a loyal following among local runners.

In its 2026 return, the race has been extended to 10km, but organisers say the essence remains the same. The focus is still on accessibility, community, and showcasing the natural beauty of the area.

The race begins and ends inside Epsom Racecourse near Tattenham Corner, taking runners on a loop that is approximately 70% off-road. After heading west along the racecourse railings, participants join Chalk Lane and Grandstand Road before moving into open downland.

The route passes through bridleways towards Langley Vale, dips slightly, then climbs steadily through the village edge and into the peaceful Langley Vale Centenary Wood. From there, runners loop back north, tackling a longer incline near Epsom Lane North before returning across the Downs. A final downhill stretch brings competitors back into the racecourse for the finish.

Organisers describe the route as “undulating but very runnable,” making it suitable for both seasoned athletes and newcomers to mixed-terrain racing.

The return of the 2000 Perch is as much about community as it is about competition. The club is currently working with local businesses and organisations to support the event through sponsorship, prizes and race-day assistance.

Organisers say they are keen to involve as many local partners as possible, helping to re-establish the Perch as a key fixture in the area’s sporting and social calendar.

Early bird entry is open until 30 April 2026, priced at £22 for affiliated runners and £24 for unaffiliated runners. Standard race rules apply.

Book here: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/EpsomOddballs2000Perch2026

Get Involved with Epsom Oddballs: Try before you join, everyone is welcome to attend a couple of free, coached training sessions with no commitment. For more information, prospective members can contact the Membership Secretary at membershipsecretary@epsomoddballs.org

Romy Sustar

Freelance journalist | SIA-certified | Covering crime & community safety.

Email: romana.epsomandewelltimes@gmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanasustar/

X:@RomanaSustar

.

.

.

.

Epsom & Ewell FC Sunday progressed to the quarter-finals of the Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup after a tense 0–0 draw with Sutton Common Rovers was settled by a composed 5–3 penalty shoot-out victory at Chalky Lane. The win sets up a Saturday away tie at Abbey Rangers.

There were several changes from the final league fixture of the season. Kit Fletcher returned in goal following injury, while Stefan Aiwone slotted into the back line in place of the injured Tom Collins. In midfield, captain Brendan Murphy-McVey continued his partnership with Callum O’Keeffe, and Craig Dundas came in for the cup-tied Courtney Swaby.

The opening half was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances but neither able to take control. The Salts appeared the more organised of the two, moving the ball with greater fluency and showing more attacking intent, yet the breakthrough proved elusive and the match remained goalless at the interval.

A similar pattern followed after the break, although Epsom & Ewell began to assert greater pressure. Several promising opportunities came and went as the home side spent long spells on the front foot, but the final touch was missing. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie was ultimately decided from the penalty spot.

Epsom & Ewell were clinical in the shoot-out. Brendan Murphy-McVey, Ryley Merrett and Toby Young all converted confidently, while Sutton Common Rovers missed one of their attempts. Substitute Karl Bailey then scored to maintain the perfect record before Ali Fofahan stepped up to convert the decisive penalty.

With five successful strikes and just a single miss from their opponents, the Salts secured a deserved 5–3 shoot-out victory and a place in the next round.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Epsom & Ewell signed off their league campaign in positive fashion with a narrow but well-earned 1–0 victory over Tadley Calleva at Chalky Lane on 14th April.

With several changes to the starting line-up, the Salts were forced to adapt. Goalkeeper Kit Fletcher was absent through injury, handing Faebian Witter a start, while Tom Collins dropped into central defence alongside stand-in captain Toby Young and Prince Aderogba. In midfield, Ore Allen partnered Ryley Merrett, and up front Ali Fofahan and Karl Bailey led the attack, with Brendan Murphy-McVey rested.

Epsom began on the front foot and looked the more purposeful side early on, but their rhythm was disrupted midway through the first half when Collins was forced off with a groin injury. Leo Cunningham replaced him, prompting a reshuffle in both personnel and shape. Despite the disruption, the hosts maintained the greater attacking intent, though the sides went in level at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Epsom pressing for a breakthrough. Their best chance fell to Courtney Swaby, whose powerful effort crashed back off the crossbar. The introduction of debutant Joshua Arthur in the 70th minute injected fresh energy into the attack and would prove decisive.

With the match seemingly heading for a stalemate, a late error from the Tadley goalkeeper in the 89th minute handed Arthur his moment. Reacting quickest, he calmly slotted into an empty net to seal victory and mark his debut in memorable fashion.

The win secured a third consecutive home clean sheet and ensured Epsom & Ewell finished the season in 13th place. Back-to-back victories against play-off-bound sides provided a strong finish and underlined clear progress compared to last season.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Epsom & Ewell made it back-to-back 3–0 home victories with an impressive and controlled performance against play-off chasing Fleet Town at Chalky Lane on Saturday 11th April.

Facing a side now managed by a former Epsom boss, this result carried added satisfaction for the hosts. The Salts named an unchanged squad but were forced into a late reshuffle when Kionte Gillfillian-Waul was delayed in arriving. Jason Vincent stepped into the starting XI, while Callum O’Keeffe again showed his versatility by filling in at left-back, allowing Tom Collins to move into midfield.

Epsom & Ewell started on the front foot, immediately putting Fleet under pressure and setting the tone for the match. Their bright opening was rewarded in the 12th minute when Callum Wilson rose highest to meet a Brendan Murphy-McVey corner, powering a header into the net at the back post to give the hosts a deserved lead. The Salts continued to dictate the play for the remainder of the first half, restricting Fleet’s chances while posing the greater attacking threat.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Epsom & Ewell remaining organised and patient in possession. Their control was eventually rewarded in the 74th minute when Jason Vincent doubled the advantage, producing a superb volley from another Murphy-McVey delivery to give the hosts breathing space.

There was still time to add further gloss to the scoreline. In the 88th minute, substitute Ore Allen applied the finishing touch, lifting a delicate low chip over the goalkeeper after a trademark mazy run from Courtney Swaby.

Three goals, three points and another clean sheet marked a superb home display and a statement victory against strong opposition.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media