Derby to be run at 4.55pm with later start time designed to attract more viewers

This season's Investec Derby will be staged at a later time of 4.55pm on July 4, headlining a seven-race card that also features the Oaks but not the Dash.

The Derby time has been moved back by 25 minutes for this year's behind-closed-doors meeting, with the course looking to attract a bigger television audience for the Classic.

The change will avoid a clash with Premier League football games kicking off at 3pm.

View the potential Derby runners here

The Oaks, run on the same day this season, will be held at 3.40pm, with the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes taking place between the two Classics.

ITV will be broadcasting the first six of the seven races from the Derby day card on the main channel. The meeting kicks off with the Woodcote Stakes – won by Pinatubo last season – but will be missing the Dash due to measures needed to be taken relating to Covid-19 and the meeting's go-ahead.

Ornate: whizzed home to win the Dash last seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Phil White, regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "We've worked closely with ITV to try to maximise our best possible reach for the Investec Derby. We're always keen to explore ways to enhance our broadcast audience, and this unique year has provided us with an opportunity to do this.

"The Investec Derby is one of the greatest sporting occasions in the world and we are excited about showcasing it to a wider national and global audience."

'It's a real shame' to lose the Dash says Griffiths

David Griffiths is one of the best trainers when it comes to preparing horses for the unique rollercoaster speed test that is the Dash. He trained Ornate to win last season and went close on two occasions with Duke Of Firenze. Griffiths is disappointed not to have the race in 2020 but is thankful the meeting is going ahead.

The Dash has been cancelled due to the logistics of staging Derby day behind-closed-doors. When the course received approval by the local council to run the Derby, it meant the Downs – a public space – had to be shut, with the five-furlong start not part of the exclusion zone around the racecourse.

The five-furlong course crosses the B290, and using it would have meant further disruption in the local area.

David Griffiths: specialises in training rapid sprintersCredit: Patrick McCann

Griffiths revealed he had written to Epsom to request the race be run over four and a half furlongs, avoiding the road crossing, but the Dash will not feature in 2020.

The trainer said: "It's disappointing. The Dash is such a good spectacle and betting race. I thought it would be fine over four and a half, and it's the same for everyone. It's a real shame but at least we can say we've defended our crown until 2021. And, after all, we've just got to be thankful racing's back."

Read more:

The Derby will stay at Epsom after backing is given to Jockey Club proposal

Walker dreaming as English King leaps to head of Derby market after stylish win

Buick offered chance for Classic glory on Military March in Derby

Russian Emperor enters Derby picture with powerful Hampton Court win

Get ready for Royal Ascot and download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile