Epsom Downs Racecourse

have you come from?

Epsom Downs, Surrey.

Why have you come to Shaftesbury?

Well, it's a pit stop, so we've had lunch here and then we're off to...

oh my gosh yeah the donuts were massive

well you can get one of those and put a candle in it later can't you hope something a bit better yeah although reeves cakes are good so why should we go to epsom we always ask visitors to tell us what they've got in their own home patch what's your highlights

uh epsom downs where the derby is and well the king will go now won't he

yeah

It's very racy.

And, of course, I told you about Prince Monolulu at the Epsom Downs and the Epsom Derby.

Yes.

so you get the connection

Sport involves measurement, not just against the best of contemporary standards, but also against the inspirational stories of the past.

It unquestionably matters when a sportsman or woman walks for the first time on Centre Court in Wimbledon, or onto the field of play at Croke Park or Semple Stadium, approaches the first tee in a major championship, or enters the parade ring at the Curragh, Cheltenham or Epsom Downs.

These are the fields of dreams and memories.

They follow in the footsteps of heroes, tragic victims and occasional villains.

In 1960 was my first OE to UK, arriving about the 16th of May.

And then on the 1st of June, English guy called for me and we went down to Epsom Downs to see the running of the Derby.

And it was the 181st Derby on June the 1st, 1960.

And it was won by St. Paddy, ridden by Les the Piggot.

And the reason he was so pleased was because he was known as the galloping doctor.

on Epsom Downs.

He used to ride out to the jockeys to see whether they'd broken any bones.

Wow, The Galloping Doctor.

Well, how do you do, Mr. Raymond? No, I can't say that I do particularly.

I've been to Epsom Downs on a few occasions.

I see.

Well, I've become rather fond of the horses.