Epsom Downs on the Derby Day

In June 1993, I flew to England in order to see The Derby. It was my first overseas trip. Anyway, I was at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Before leaving Japan, I asked a travel agency that organised tours to go to Epsom for watching The Derby. They organised package tours and they told me that the Derby tickets and reserved seats had been available. So I decided to join the tour but only The Derby. On the Derby Day, I met the travel agent at the hotel in London, and he took me to Epsom with other tourists by coach.

Thousands of spectators in Epsom

The top favorite horse, Tenby Tenby was put in Ireland as a stallion after he retired. In 1997, he came to Japan. Debuts of his crops in Japan was in 2000.

The photos of Commander in Chief at the Paddock ring.
About 10 minutes later, he won the Derby. (below)

When horses coming at the middle of home stretch, the man next to me suddely stood and shouted, "Come on, Commander in Chief! Come on." I never forget his cry.