The Investec Derby returns to Channel 4

This weekend (Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st) sees the two-day Investec Derby Festival return to Channel 4 following a 12-year sabbatical.

Coverage starts at 1:10pm on Friday that includes five feature races.  The opening day carries the much anticipated 4:00pm Investec Oaks Grade 1 contest run over one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards. From the 12  fillies entered, three - Moth, Say and Snow Queen – come from the legendary Aiden O’Brien stable in a bid to retain the Oaks title.

Channel 4’s racing coverage from the Investec Derby Festival is presented by Clare Balding and Nick Luck with Jim McGrath, Mick Fitzgerald and Graham Cunningham providing analysis from the track-side studio that will be positioned within the winning post facade.  Commentator Simon Holt will call home all 10 feature races with Rishi Persad and Emma Spencer responsible for reporting duties.  To assist on the unprecedented Irish entries and form, Brian Gleeson will be called to action.  The latest betting news and statistics will be scrutinised by Tanya Stevenson while Alastair Down completes the line-up to deliver daily essay-style preview packages.

Saturday’s Morning Line is live at 9am on Investec Derby Day with three and a half hours of afternoon action live from 1pm.  An array of global features will complement the coverage including an At Home With Aidan O’Brien – here Mick Fitzgerald secures an invaluable insight into the Irishman behind the sunglasses.  Germany is the next port-of-call for a training preview of Derby contender Chopin trained by Andreas Wohler.  Going one step further, presenter Rishi Persad, gallantly tests his fitness and undergoes jockey training to compete in the Equisiser Derby run over the exact distance and speed of the blue riband race.  Channel 4’s Investec Derby Festival coverage will also include additional footage from Clare Balding’s Secret of the Suffragettes.

45 cameras will be deployed around Epsom:

•           A helicopter and a tethered blimp will give an overview of the Downs.

•           Jibs and camera cranes will provide a dynamic view around the Parade Ring and Downs, whilst low level cameras will be put in place to show a low re-run of the classic Oaks and Derby contests. This will give a perspective of the undulations of this unique, stamina-zapping track.

Channel 4’s digital platforms will also provide a comprehensive racing service across the two-day meeting to support viewers’ experience.   channel4.com/racing online features include an exclusive Epsom ride-guide by Jamie Spencer that reveals the course’s unique undulations; Tanya Stevenson previews the Classic contests with an eye on long-term trends and statistic plus full post-race analysis by the team.  This is supported by multi-media live text commentary with complementary activity on @channel4racing and Facebook.