Just on the outskirts of the capital London, racing would make a return to the Surrey venue of Epsom after its winter hiatus; the spiritual home of racing. The twisting, undulating nature of Epsom Downs plays host to the Epsom Derby, flat racing's biggest prize, as well as being the ultimate test of a racehorse. Climbing uphill initially and then falling dramatically around Tattenham Corner, the racecourse has been seen on television screens around the world for decades. 
This opening meeting of the year had a slight setback as a failure to the watering system meant the ground would be unsafe to race on for its original spot in the calendar. The fixture was moved back a week, but a week is a long time in racing and the plans of trainers were quickly rearranged. The Derby would be the main focus here as the Blue Riband Trial would take place over ten furlongs. Elsewhere on the six race card, some historical handicaps would take place in 2026 in the form of the City And Suburban Handicap and Great Metropolitan Handicap on the round course. The countdown to the Epsom Derby would begin here.

Race One: The Weatherbys Racing Bank Novice Stakes - Class Four - One Mile - Runners:

Race Two: The Betfred Blue Riband Trial Stakes - Listed Race - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners:

The main attraction of the card would take place with competitors looking to secure their spot in the Derby in just over a month's time. Trial races for the Derby take place around the country, but the Blue Riband Trial is the most natural trial for the Epsom as it provides a first hand experience of the unique Epsom course ahead of the Derby. Despite this, the record of previous winners of this race in the Derby isn't a good one. The last horse to complete the double was Blue Peter, back in 1939; almost 90 years ago. Horses who have gone close in the big one include Daliapour in 1999 and Cracksman in 2017, while top class fillies Midday and So Mi Dar also competed in this contest during their careers. Last year, the race saw another surprise winner as Sea Scout bravely held on to win, but finished tailed off in the main event.

Winner: 

Race Three: The Lilley Plumber Risks City And Suburban Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners:
Next up would be a throwback for many of the older generation with a well known race continuing in the modern day; the City And Suburban Handicap. The class two contest was first run all the way back in 1851 and remains as strong as ever in 2026. In the early years, this was a high quality prize to win and attracted Classic winners aplenty. Nowadays, the ten furlong contest sees plenty of hardy handicappers who could break into pattern company, just like Duncan in 2009 who went on to win an Irish St Leger the following year. Twelve months ago, the race went the way of David Menuisier's City Of Delight, who was progressing quickly through the ranks at the time.

Winner:

Race Four: The Weatherbys Global Stallions App Great Metropolitan Handicap - Class Two - One Mile, Four Furlongs - Runners:
The second of the historic handicaps would be the "Great Met", which took place over the slightly longer trip of twelve furlongs. This contest is even older than the preceding City And Suburban Handicap as it first took place in 1846 and during its infancy, took place on an extended course which no longer exists over two and a quarter miles. Another titbit of history involves the Great Met as the first ever photo finish was needed in this race in 1947, a staple of current day horse racing. In more recent seasons, the course expert Soto Sizzler won this race in 2019 before completing a rare double in the City And Suburban Handicap in 2022. Last year, the Dylan Cunha-trained Asgard's Captain would take the win here before going on to win again at York's Ebor Festival later in the season. 

Winner: 

Race Five: The Betfred "Nifty 50" Handicap - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: