Derby set to be run at 1.30pm to avoid FA Cup final clash

Derby-winning jockey John Reid has added to widespread criticism on social media following the decision to move the Epsom Classic to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final, saying it was "very disappointing" that the race, which had been listed with a 4.30pm off-time on June 3, will now be run at 1.30pm.

The Betfred-sponsored Derby will be broadcast on ITV1 and be the second race on the eight-race card, with ITV's coverage beginning half an hour before the first race at 12.50pm. The Cup final, featuring Manchester City and Manchester United, has been brought forward to 3pm due to safety concerns and will be broadcast on ITV1 from 2.15pm, when coverage of the racing will switch to ITV4.

Reid said: "It's a sad day. Why have we got to bend over for everything else when the Derby is our biggest race? Every racing fan will be watching and I don't understand why we have to play second fiddle to a football match. They will argue it is to ensure the race has TV coverage and obviously we want as many people as possible to watch the Derby but I'm still very disappointed and this feels like a kick in the wrong direction."

Winner of the 1992 running of the Classic aboard Dr Devious, Reid added: "I would never like to believe we have to put our biggest race at some different time because there's something else going on but there we go. If that's what is needed due to television and other demands then so be it but it really is a sad day for me to think the Derby can just be pushed around like that."

The Jockey Club had been waiting for the outcome of last week's semi-finals before agreeing a post time with ITV to avoid clashing with the channel's football coverage. Other than in 2020 when the race was run in July due to the Covid pandemic, the Derby has been listed for a 4.30pm start since 2015, while the last three FA Cup finals have kicked off between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

"They were probably boxed into a corner in this situation," said trainer Michael Bell, winner of the 2005 Derby with Motivator and a Manchester City fan. "It's always nice at a raceday to build up to the feature but in this circumstance, it is a huge match and it probably makes sense to get the biggest audience. It will be a very early start for some of the horses to get there, so it does pose logistical changes, but I don't think it's a decision that's been taken lightly."

Epsom general manager James Crespi said: "This year, the first Saturday in June will play host to two Derbys and two of Britain's great sporting events. In order to give fans of both horseracing and football the opportunity to enjoy the Betfred Derby and the FA Cup final, and to maximise the publicity and exposure of these two iconic sporting occasions, which will both be broadcast live on ITV1, we have made some changes to our usual schedule.

“We're grateful to our partners at ITV and our generous sponsors Betfred for their help in facilitating the move, and we can't wait for what is sure to be a great afternoon for British sport."

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