Dow believes Derby should be staged this season even if venue and date change

Enabling this year's Investec Derby to take place regardless of location should be a priority for racing due to the Classic's lasting impact on the sport and the thoroughbred breed, according to leading local trainer Simon Dow.

The prospect of Epsom not staging the Derby for the first time since the end of WWII increased on Tuesday after the Jockey Club revealed the Oaks and Derby were being postponed from their scheduled dates on June 5 and 6 respectively as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

With Epsom being on the outskirts of London, a major Covid-19 hotspot, any plans to reschedule the Derby may result in the race being moved to an alternative location this season, as racing's stakeholders are keen to ensure any meetings that do take place minimise the risk of transmitting the infection or cause any potential disruption to the NHS.