To access the full report, please click HERE

The economic impact of Epsom Downs Racecourse has been estimated at £63,225,000 in 2024. This figure was calculated in a report compiled by Coast to Capital on behalf of The Jockey Club, which is released today.

Structured across four impact areas, the economic impact report examines the racecourse’s contributions across domains of value creation, which though distinct also contain elements of crossover.

The first area delves into the employment opportunities supported by the racecourse, highlighting its role as a significant provider of jobs in the local area. The second area focuses on the commercial impact generated through events, hospitality, and visitor spending, while the third investigates the critical role of Epsom Downs as a premier training centre for racehorses. The fourth and final evaluates the value of direct taxation paid by the racecourse through business rates and employer and employee levies. Then taking a broader perspective, the report also considers the racecourse’s role as an anchor institution in the local economy – helping to support an ecosystem of businesses and jobs in related sectors.

By combining these areas of analysis, the report presents a comprehensive estimate of the total economic impact of Epsom Downs Racecourse. As one of Surrey's most treasured assets, the racecourse not only preserves an illustrious sporting legacy but also remains a dynamic engine of economic activity, contributing to the prosperity and vibrancy of the local community and beyond.

The key findings of the report were:

• The total economic impact (direct and indirect) of Epsom Downs Racecourse in 2024 was £63,225,000. The economic impact is felt across the borough of Epsom & Ewell, in which Epsom Downs Racecourse is situated, as well as the wider Surrey area.

• The total figure of £63,225,000 can be broken down into £2,614,000 for employment impact, £56,179,000 for commercial impact, £2,912,000 for training grounds impact and £1,520,000 for direct taxation impact.

• Epsom Downs Racecourse is a vital asset to both the local community and the broader equestrian industry. In addition to its rich heritage Epsom Downs Racecourse plays an integral role in the local economy.

• Epsom Downs Racecourse serves as a hub for significant economic activity, generating value not only from its marquee racing events but also from a variety of ancillary operations. From hosting large-scale corporate and social gatherings to serving as a centre of expertise in racehorse training, Epsom Downs is a multi-dimensional generator of economic vitality.

• Epsom Downs Racecourse was shown to be a pivotal anchor institution for a range of regional industries such as food and beverages services, cultural activities and hospitality, which together contribute almost a billion pounds to the East Surrey economy.’

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “With our biggest two days of the year coming up on Friday and Saturday in the shape of the Betfred Derby Festival, it is enlightening to be able to read this very comprehensive economic impact report.

“At Epsom Downs Racecourse we see ourselves very much at the heart of the local community and it was very satisfying to see the significant economic impact we have on the local Epsom and Ewell region as well as further afield in the county of Surrey.

“While the Betfred Derby Festival is massively important to us, this report shows that the racecourse and training grounds play a significant role in the local economy the whole year round, which is encouraging to see.

“I am sure the report will prove very useful as we plan for the years ahead.”