The Derby is the richest race in the British racing calendar and is always sure to draw a selection of the finest three-year-old colts to Epsom on the first Saturday in June.
The Derby is the biggest race of the Flat season and the most important of the British Classics.
Cheltenham and Aintree will be among the courses replacing their birch hurdles in time for the start of the jumps season in October with a padded foam alternative which is estimated to be 11 per cent safer.
Cheltenham and Aintree are among racecourses which will switch to 'safer' foam-padded hurdles. Exeter, Market Rasen and Wincanton had already used padded hurdles. Now the eight remaining Jockey Club racecourses which stage jumps fixtures will follow suit.