Pictures show how Derby day crowd on the hill has shrunk in the last decade

Derby day images from 2011 and 2019 starkly illustrate the decline in popularity of the Epsom hill, which was once mobbed with daytrippers for the Classic.

The free-to-attend infield, which has historically helped the Derby draw crowds of well over 100,000, appeared to be relatively sparsely populated on Saturday and one bookmaker compared the level of business he did on the premier raceday to what he would expect at Lingfield on a Saturday.

Officials at Epsom said they do not keep attendance figures for the hill, but added there was a sellout 36,000 crowd in the ticketed enclosures for Saturday's card – which saw Anthony Van Dyck take the 240th running of the Derby – and an attendance of 28,000 on Oaks day.

Bookmaker Ian Moss, who was based on the hill, said: "The feedback I got from other bookmakers up there was that business was down. It was a lovely day but I was honestly a bit disappointed with the level of business. I would say the level of turnover I took was similar to at a standard [Saturday] meeting at Lingfield.

"There aren't many bookmakers up there but there aren't many punters either – it was much busier on the Wednesday. But it was a great day, with lovely sunshine, and the punters were great and good craic."

The scene at Epsom on Derby day 2011 when the hill was much busierCredit: Mark Cranham

Mick Howard, president of the Southern Bookmakers' Protection Association, added: "The hill attendance is declining but that may be because more people are going to the Lonsdale and Tattersalls. You are probably seeing more and more grass [on the hill] but everything seemed to hold up well and the punters were in great spirits."

Simon Durrant, general manager at Epsom, said on Monday: "The two-day Investec Derby Festival was a huge success with fantastic racing and excellent crowds. Epsom welcomed 36,000 people into the ticketed enclosures for Investec Derby day, in line with the sold out 2018 Derby day, plus tens of thousands more enjoying free access to the hill.

"Investec Oaks day welcomed 28,000 racegoers into ticketed enclosures, 2,000 more than in 2018, with the Queen's Stand sold out.”

Six arrests made

Six on-course arrests were made across the two days – down by three compared to last year – plus an arrest for drunk and disorderly behaviour at Tattenham Corner railway station on Derby day.

Those arrested included a 45-year-old man from New Malden on suspicion of recording an image under clothing to observe without consent – an offence known as upskirting. He was released from custody under police investigation, which remains ongoing.

Chief superintendent Fiona Macpherson said: "We had a brilliant time at the Investec Derby Festival this year keeping people safe and secure.

"Events such as these give us a larger platform to meet and engage with members of the public and that’s what policing is all about.

"We had extremely hot weather, especially on Derby Day, and our officers worked long, hard shifts in the heat preventing crime and ensuring everyone was safe.

"As always, we worked extremely closely with our partners, including the racecourse, and our planning was meticulous and detailed to ensure a well organised and policed event."

Durrant added: "Over the course of the weekend the Police made just six arrests, despite this being one of Britain’s busiest events. In line with that we have a robust security and stewarding operation in place, which includes search procedures, CCTV surveillance and high visibility patrols. We thank Surrey and Sussex Police and other local stakeholders for their support in delivering such an enjoyable event this year."

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