Epsom starts watering as threat of heavy showers this week diminishes

Watering began at Epsom on Monday morning after a more favourable forecast for this weekend's two-day Derby festival, with the previous threat of heavy showers diminished.

Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper took the decision to water after walking the course a little after 8am and finding that certain parts of the track, including from the Derby start to the mile pole, were drying out quicker than others. The going was described as good, good to firm in places.

Given the Surrey course was bathed in sunshine on Monday afternoon with peak temperatures of 22C, Cooper is also expecting to water the rest of the track on Tuesday and then take stock.

Cooper said on Monday: “We started watering this morning. We walked the track first thing and got the latest forecast, which was talking down the risk of showers at the end of the week, and that seems to be the direction of travel of that weather feature which is currently over Europe.

"The track walked good for the last mile, but a bit quicker from the Derby start to the mile pole as well as on the chutes and the top of the five-furlong track, so we have just finished applying 5mm of irrigation to those areas.”

He added: “We’ll take stock of things in the morning but I would say we’ll very likely water the last mile after such a dry, warm day today.

"The temperatures are expect to peak on Wednesday with it a bit cooler towards the weekend. We’ll take each day as it comes and see how we are. I’m pleased that we’ve started watering, especially with that shower risk diminishing as the last rain we saw was on May 24.”

Cooper is hoping the meeting will start on Friday with the current going description with it a touch quicker for Derby day itself.

He added: “If we’d sat back and done nothing to the track we’d be looking into going into a Classic on firm ground which nobody wants. I’m no fan of overnight watering, so hopefully we can have nice going on Friday morning so we don’t have to turn on the taps that night.”

Read more on the Derby festival at Epsom:

Cleary has no doubts about Derby trip for Irish 2,000 Guineas star Mac Swiney

Aidan O'Brien could saddle six in Derby as ten taken out at five-day stage

2021 Cazoo Derby festival: essential information for the Epsom spectacular

Seamie Heffernan gives his expert opinion on Aidan O'Brien's Epsom squad (Members' Club)

'He has tactical speed and a change of gear' – Youth Spirit team back for more

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a three-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday