Report: Epsom Derby, Oaks may be rescheduled for same day

The postponed Epsom Derby and Oaks races, highly anticipated European races for 3-year-olds, may be rescheduled for early July, the Racing Post reported Friday.

Traditionally contested with the Oaks on the first Friday in June, with the Derby the following day, two of the premier races on the UK racing schedule could be run on the sam, so far unspecified day in front of an empty grandstand.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the postponement of racing at Epsom, which would have started the spring meet this Wednesday. Major races such as the Derby, Oaks and 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas will be rescheduled, possibly necessitating a consolidation of dates.

The Derby, a Group 1 turf route for 3-year-olds, is run at one mile, four furlongs and six yards (2,420 meters). The Group 1 Oaks is run at the same distance but is restricted to 3-year-old fillies.

Racing was halted in the UK on March 18 because of the global pandemic. The British Horseracing Authority has canceled all racing until May 7 at the earliest.

"Work is ongoing to agree an amended fixture list and race program beyond this point and further details will be communicated within the next fortnight to assist with planning," a BHA statement read Friday. "The amended program will be based on the original one as far as is possible."

In wartime years, the Derby and Oaks have been held at alternative venues, but planners of the amended Epsom meet wish to keep both races at the traditional site.