Why has the Epsom Derby race time changed? FA Cup final decision and TV schedule confirmed

The FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United isn’t the only major sporting event on the agenda this weekend - horse racing’s iconic Epsom Derby is also taking place.

City and United do battle at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday afternoon while 25 miles away, British flat racing’s biggest event is being staged.

The Derby is always run on the first Saturday of June each year but it is set for its earliest-ever start time this weekend. The 1½ mile Group One race usually starts at 4:30pm but that has been brought forward on Saturday.

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Why has the Derby start time changed?

Race organisers have opted to bring the start time forward to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final. Saturday’s Manchester derby kicks off at 3pm.

This year, the 240th running of the famous race takes place at 1:30pm, well before the Wembley showpiece takes centre stage. The final was initially due to kick off at 5:30pm, but it was moved to 3pm after consultation with police and local authorities.

James Crespi, Epsom Downs Racecourse's general manager said: “This year, the first Saturday in June will play host to two derbies and two of Britain’s great sporting events.

“In order to give fans of both horse racing and football the opportunity to enjoy the Betfred Derby and the FA Cup Final and to maximise the publicity and exposure of these two iconic sporting occasions, which will both be broadcast live on ITV1, we have made some changes to our usual schedule.

“We are grateful to our partners at ITV and our generous sponsors, Betfred, for their help in facilitating the move, and we can’t wait for what is sure to be a great afternoon for British sport.”

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