'We were unable to see anything' - top commentators question Epsom fireworks

Commentators Richard Hoiles and Simon Holt have joined jockey Adam Kirby in questioning the Jockey Club's decision to stage a pre-race firework display before the Cazoo Derby at Epsom on Saturday.

The display, arranged to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, began with a loud bang and colourful flashes as the runners reached the stalls, followed by a cloud of grey smoke across the stands, which temporarily obscured the view from the commentary boxes.

It was criticised on social media over the weekend and staff working in the racecourse stables said their horses were upset by the noise.

Kirby said the display affected the chances of his mount Nahanni, while the Jockey Club maintained it had carried out "thorough" tests.

"I don't believe it was properly thought through, both in terms of the sound impact, namely the big boom, and the impact of the smoke lingering," said Hoiles, who was representing ITV Racing at Epsom.

Fireworks surprise: 'It wasn't entirely necessary,' said Simon HoltCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's something we could do without at that stage, because we were unable to see anything and we weren't sure how quickly the smoke was going to clear.

"It's not exactly what you want before the Derby. Had I been coughing and spluttering I'd have been less forgiving."

The display came as a surprise to Holt, who provided commentary for the track. "It did cloud the skies a little bit but it was never in the direction of the horses. When I used to go to the Dubai World Cup, there was often fireworks before the feature race.

"Overall, I just think the less noise the better when there are horses involved. It was obviously well intentioned and a spectacular display, but it wasn't entirely necessary and they'll perhaps reconsider it. I wasn't expecting it either, so there was an element of surprise."

Responding to criticism on Sunday, a spokesman for the Jockey Club said it would always aim to create a "special atmosphere" around the Derby, but it would review all feedback before next year's race.

Read more:

'It was a silly thing to do' - Adam Kirby critical of pre-Derby fireworks

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