'Epsom Derby one of police's biggest operations'
Getty ImagesOfficers are preparing to police the Epsom Derby, which they say is one of their biggest operations of the year.
Surrey Police Ch Insp Daniel Gutierrez said: "It is one of the biggest operations, sort of long-standing and ongoing operations, that we have annually in Surrey.
"It takes a lot of planning. Almost the day after the event finishes we will start planning and working with The Jockey Club and other agencies for the event for next year."
Gutierrez said the force had been running through possible scenarios ahead of the event, which is due to start on Friday, to protect an anticipated 60,000 spectators - including King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
In 2025, police made four arrests during the two-day event, while 10 people were arrested the year before.
"Each year we review the number of arrests, the type of offences that occur, the type of incidents that are reported, [and] any issues around community tension as well that might be present," Gutierrez told BBC Radio Surrey.
He explained that the event was an opportunity to "showcase the best of policing".
"I think working the derby in different roles, different ranks and responsibilities for the past 25 years, it's an event I have grown up with in terms of my policing career and I absolutely love that event," Gutierrez added.
A dispersal order covering all of Epsom, Walton Downs, and Langley Vale will be in place from 10:00 BST on Friday until 06:00 on Sunday.
It gives officers the power to remove people from a specified area where their behaviour is "contributing, or likely to contribute," to anti-social behaviour, crime, and disorder, police say.
'Best thing for Epsom'
Planning for the 2026 event started in February 2025, the race course's general manager Jim Allen said.
The Jockey Club said it expected in the region of 60,000 people to attend the event.
"It's a massive week," Allen added. "It's really the biggest week, not just for Epsom, but for horse racing."
Many residents in the town also agree, with James Moule saying "the derby is the best thing for Epsom".
While resident Terry Yems said: "It shouldn't be anywhere else, it's part of this town's history."
