Derby set for earlier start this year to avoid FA Cup final clash

The Betfred Derby will be run at 1.30pm at Epsom on June 3, the Jockey Club has confirmed.

The premier Classic was originally due to be run at 4.30pm, but has been brought forward to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final, which itself is set to be brought forward following safety concerns.

Manchester City and Manchester United will meet in Wembley’s showpiece fixture for the first time, and that will reportedly kick-off at 3pm on the advice of police.

The Derby has been run at 4.30pm on all but one occasion since 2015, while the last three FA Cup finals have kicked off between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

The Jockey Club said the first race would take place at 12.50pm with the Derby the second race on the card.

James Crespi, general manager of Epsom, said: “This year, the first Saturday in June will play host to two Derbys 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.”