The 2021 Star Sports English Derby has been brought forward by a week to conclude on Saturday July 10. The first round will take place on Friday and Saturday June 4/5.
Track spokesman Nathan Corden said: “The move is because of the clash with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. When we originally chose the dates, we had assumed that the Grand Prix would take place the same as last year, in August.
“Their current date, July 17th, is still only provisional, awaiting ratification from the FIA, but given the difficulties in finding hotel accommodation and local traffic issues, we will just have to take the risk that they don’t re-schedule. Hopefully this is still enough time for everyone to get sorted. Basically, we have listened to what the people want.
“On behalf of everyone here, I must thank Amanda Duplock at GBGB for being so accommodating. She has also had to change her schedules which has created extra work. I am sure it will be worth it.”
GBGB MD and Chair of the Open Race Planning Committee said: “The GBGB received a request from Towcester to further amend their dates and the (open race planning) committee have been as flexible as possible as it is vital that the sport’s premier event is as successful as it possibly can be. These will be treated as the confirmed dates for the Derby and we will now move our focus to the remainder of the calendar which needs to be scheduled for the benefit of trainers, owners and stadia.”
