Poundland a positive partner for famous Hill says course chief

Phil White, the Jockey Club’s London regional director, is confident Epsom’s new association with Poundland can help “reinvigorate” the track’s symbolic Hill enclosure.

The decision to rebrand the famous free enclosure as Poundland Hill drew a mixed reaction from within the sport, overshadowing the news Investec has extend its sponsorship at Epsom for a further five years to 2026, with Poundland's owners Steinhoff International unveiled as its partner.

White took the opportunity at the track’s annual pre-Derby Breakfast With The Stars morning on Tuesday to reiterate his view the new backing is a positive one.

“Poundland are a high-street brand with over 500 stores nationwide and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to work with a partner to reinvigorate the Hill,” he said. “We’ve doubled the size of the Hill-side enclosure this year and have a huge amount to entertain. We want to attract families.

“The Hill is unique and is a carnival which attracts people from all walks of life. It’s what makes the Derby festival quite special and we want to protect and further that over the forthcoming years.”

Dual Derby-winning trainer John Gosden may not be a regular in the discount shop but has no qualms about the new partnership if it attracts more people to the infield.

He said: “I like the atmosphere in the middle and will often spend an hour out there – I love it. I think anything that increases the take and is controlled is a good thing.”

The area is managed by the Epsom and Walton Downs Conservators – a group of local councillors and racing figures.

The group have not met since the sponsorship was announced but chair Liz Frost said: "We want the Derby to be a success and promote the racing and training industry here because without that the Downs are not going to be preserved in their current state.

"There has been concern among conservators about some of the bad behaviour that goes on, so having somebody who is going to sponsor an event with emphasis on families and facilities for them we would welcome."

In the aftermath of the shocking terrorist atrocity at Manchester Arena on Monday night, White was asked about security plans for the Derby meeting.

He said: “People’s safety and security is our number one priority, it always has been. We’ve been working with Surrey Police and all other partners to ensure we’ve got robust, appropriate measures in place."