The international television rights to the 2001 Epsom Derby have been secured by BBC Worldwide in a deal with United Racecourses.

The Derby is Europe’s richest horse race and BBC Worldwide have secured all international TV rights outside the Middle East.

The Epsom Derby meeting will showcase two of Europe’s classic horse races, The Vodafone Oaks on 8 June and the most famous flat race in the world – The Vodafone Derby on 9 June.

The £1 million Vodafone Derby has run since 1780. 220 years later, it remains the most coveted prize in thoroughbred racing and a major occasion on the international sporting calendar, whilst The Vodafone Oaks is the first of the meeting’s Classic races.

Richard Hornsby-Smith, Sports Sales Manager at BBC Worldwide said, ‘We are delighted to be able to add this prestigious meeting to our portfolio of major racing events. We look forward to working with United Racecourses and we are confident that The Derby will complement the other main races on our calendar including the Grand National and Royal Ascot. It will provide an attractive option for our clients.’

For further information please contact:

Erica Docherty,
BBC Worldwide Press Office
Tel: 0208 433 3995