Derby could be set for big change amid safety concerns over FA Cup final on same day
The Epsom Derby and first all-Manchester FA Cup final are at risk of clashing.
Both are scheduled to take place on June 3 but the Metropolitan Police are refusing to sanction the FA's preferred kick-off time due to safety concerns, Mail Sport has learned.
The Metropolitan Police have deemed the clash between United and City as a high-risk fixture and the FA will have to follow police advice.
The Derby is set for an off at 4:30pm at Epsom, with the FA's preferred time for the final at 5:30pm.
Mail Sport understands that the police have made it clear 4:45pm is the latest kick-off they will tolerate, pushing it into the lap of Britain's most prestigious Flat race.
Both events are due to be shown on ITV, but they would ideally want a substantial gap between the two key sporting fixtures.
A potential headache looks inevitable, with The Jockey Club needing to sanction any changes to the Derby card.
Epsom's Derby card is scheduled to be a seven-race affair that kicks off at 2:00pm, with four other races prior to the Derby itself.
Last year's race was won by Desert Crown for trainer Sir Michael Stoute and jockey Richard Kingscote.
The Derby was previously run at 4:00pm until 2015, when it was changed to its current slot of 4:30pm.
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –