Jockey Club Catering heralded the start of the summer racing season by catering for over 100,000 racegoers at the Investec Derby which took place 2-3 June.
The team from Jockey Club Catering partnered with some of the leading businesses from restaurant and bar interior design, to curate a series of innovative and memorable dining experiences across Epsom Downs Racecourse.
A new collaboration with British Fine Foods created the summer’s quintessential picnic with hand-packed hampers bursting with seasonal treats. With the famous Tattenham Straight as the backdrop for the picnic lawn, guests enjoyed track side seats while the horses made their final flight for victory. Highlights from the Great British Picnic included:
- Scottish smoked salmon mousse wrapped in smoked salmon, sun blushed tomatoes and olives
- A choice of herb and mustard crusted beef, coronation chicken, summer super salad and pesto pasta salad, all served on artisan rolls
- British artisan cheddar, quince and savoury biscuits and millionaires shortbread for dessert
Epsom Downs Racecourse head chef, Julian Frost Wilson, along with his brigade of 100 chefs also created menus across the racecourse’s 35 catering sites. Menus were headlined by the best of British produce such as British beef from Heanans butchers; Spring season British lamb; a selection of British artisan cheeses; Winslade, Alex James’ Blue Monday No 7, Ashlynn goat’s cheese and Shorrocks bomb.
New as well for this year is The Terrace Bar. Located trackside, it has two bars on the ground level and a viewing terrace on top, providing a great view over the racetrack. And returning for the third year culinary icon Albert Roux OBE and supported by son, Michel Roux Jr., and granddaughter, Emily Roux will be bringing the sell-out legendary Chez Roux luxury hospitality experience to guests at Epsom Downs.
Richard Herring, Jockey Club Catering general manager for Epsom Downs Racecourse, commented, “The Investec Derby is always one of the highlights of the year and you cannot beat the atmosphere at the ‘greatest flat race in the world’. We worked closely with the team at British Fine Foods to create the ultimate summer picnic in celebration of the UK’s best ingredients.”
Jockey Club Catering is a joint venture between The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British racing, and Compass Group UK & Ireland. The partnership was launched in 2009 with the aim of providing premium quality catering at all 15 of The Jockey Club racecourses. In 2013, the exclusive business relationship was extended until 2025.