When you think about iconic sporting moments, certain places instantly come to mind — Wembley, Lord’s, Wimbledon.
But for horse racing fans, Epsom’s Derby is right up there. It’s a race steeped in history, passion, and drama.
Yesterday, Francis-Henri Graffard, one of the top trainers in the world, got to experience that magic firsthand.
Yet, even someone who lives and breathes racing couldn’t help but feel like a starstruck fan standing at the famous winning post.
A Trainer’s Dream and a Fan’s Awe
After a walk along Epsom’s famous rollercoaster course, Graffard asked a stranger to take a photo of him by the winning post.
To put it simply, this moment was akin to cricket legend Virat Kohli walking into the historic Long Room at Lord’s and asking for a picture.
The winning post is more than just a finishing line — it’s a symbol of centuries of breeding, training, and dreams.
Graffard shared with Mail Sport that his love for racing came from his grandfather, and one special book — Federico Tesio’s classic about the Derby — sealed his devotion. “It’s the race,” he said with a smile.
The Derby’s Unique Place in Racing History
For 245 years, breeders have been perfecting horses for this exact test.
The sound of hooves pounding down the track connects the present with legends like Nijinsky, Shergar, Galileo, and Sea The Stars.
Tesio, an Italian breeder whose words still echo today, once said that the thoroughbred exists because of one thing: the Derby’s winning post.
At Coolmore’s offices in Tipperary, his quote hangs on the wall as a tribute to the race’s importance.
It’s not just a competition — it’s a national event, a piece of sporting theatre that deserves to be celebrated with reverence.
The Derby’s Crowded Day and the Need for Change
But here’s the catch.
This year, when Graffard’s horse Midak and the 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court take their places alongside 17 other contenders, the Derby is squeezed into a jam-packed schedule.
Between 3pm and 4pm on Saturday, there are four other races happening around the country — two at Musselburgh and two at Worcester.
What’s worse, a National Hunt bumper race with a modest £2,451 prize will take place just 15 minutes after the Derby starts.
It’s a situation that exposes flaws in planning and puts the spotlight on the Derby in a way that feels diminished.
Why the Derby Deserves to Be the Only Show in Town
It’s been 30 years since the Derby moved from its traditional Wednesday slot to a Saturday, a big shift that brought more attention and crowds.
But now, many believe it’s time for another bold move: to make the Derby day at Epsom the only racing event on the calendar.
Imagine the atmosphere if all eyes were focused solely on Epsom for the day — no competing races on all-weather tracks or minor jumping events.
It would be like the FA Cup final, a standalone event that commands full national attention.
The Magic of the Moment and the Call for Focus
Watching Ryan Moore, arguably the world’s best jockey, ride the favorite Delacroix could be a moment you never forget.
Contrast that with a minor race at Worcester that’s likely to be forgotten by the time the day ends.
Brian Finch, Epsom’s chairman, is committed to restoring the Derby’s grandeur.
Listening to Graffard talk passionately about the race shows just why the Derby still captivates the racing world.
A Trainer’s Pride and Hope in Midak
Graffard’s connection to the race goes beyond admiration.
“When I worked in England for Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley operation, I’d come to Epsom just to walk the course,” he said. “It’s so impressive.
A horse needs so many qualities to compete here. As a trainer, it’s an honor to send a horse to this race.”
Midak, Graffard’s horse, was added to the Derby at a hefty cost of £75,000 and will run in the iconic green silks of the late Aga Khan — in whose memory the race is run this year.
“My horse has a lot to prove,” Graffard added.
“He matured late, both mentally and physically, but he’s in perfect form now. Let’s see what happens.”