What's the buzz? Epsom tree attracts swarm of bees seeking new home

There were a few red faces on show at Epsom on Saturday, and not just because of the heat, as a swarm of bees descended on the course to make a ceremonial tree planted in the paddock their new home.

Earlier in the day a tree, gifted by Tokyo Racecourse, had been planted in the parade ring to mark the accession of a new emperor in Japan and the goodwill between the Jockey Club, owner of Epsom, and the Japan Racing Association.

However, the arboreal ornament, planted by Koji Tsuruoka, the Japanese ambassador to the UK, and Masayuki Goto, the JRA president, also proved the perfect place for a wandering swarm to land.

Having swept past the nearby ITV Racing television rostrum, the bees gathered en masse on the wooden plaque commemorating the occasion, where they remained for the afternoon.

Stephen Wallis, group director of international and racing relations at the Jockey Club, said: "Everyone’s seen the funny side of it and taken it very well – although they’re blaming me for the swarm!"

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