Epsom anger at Derby 'don't care' comment
4:26pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008 in Search By Thais Portilho-Shrimpton
A racing commentator has sparked anger among racegoers and Epsom resident after saying people “don’t care” about the Derby.
Mark Johnson, one of Britain's senior racecourse commentators, made the comments on a US website, despite the Epsom Derby being watched by 500 million viewers worldwide.
Mr Johnson, who regularly comments for Channel 4 at Britain’s major race courses told a journalist from The Courier-Journal racing blog, in Kentucky that “our (Epsom) Derby isn’t the race that stops our nation. Yes, lots of people watch it and we get a lot in the infield.
“However, since it moved from a Wednesday to a Saturday, a lot of people don’t care.”
But Mr Johnson now claims there was a line missing from the interview and is bidding to commentate the great race.
The Epsom Derby is the longest running annual sporting event in the world. It still managed to hold an event during both World Wars and predates the storming of the Bastille in 1789.
Mr Johnson’s comments have upset local residents who welcome the event which attracts 140,000 people each year to the town.
Chris Grayling, MP for Epsom and Ewell, said: “I think this is just not true and an unfair comment. How many other races really grab the nation’s attention? Anybody who thinks the Derby is not what it used to be is wrong.”
Conservative Epsom and Ewell Councillor Sean Sullivan said: “He should know better.
“It’s a popular event and it’s certainly not in decline. It’s a world renowned event which is popular whether it’s on a Wednesday or whether it’s on a Saturday.”
Epsom Derby managing director Nick Blofeld said: “It’s a strange thing to say. The Epsom Derby is striving and doing extremely well on a Saturday.
“The Derby is still one of the greatest occasions on the British calendar and I know it has it’s pros and cons, but I think it’s very good for Epsom.”
John Earnshaw, the owner of local stable Glanmire Farm said: “I would have to disagree with his comments greatly.
“To me the Epsom Derby is something that is unique and fantastic. It’s a family day out and racing is an important part of this community.”
Yesterday Mr Johnson, who is bidding for a job to call the Kentucky Derby, claimed he was misquoted.
“There was a line which did not appear in the sentence. In these circumstances you’re in the hands of the person who writes the interview.”
Mr Johnson revealed he was vying for the job of commentator at the Derby next year.
• What do you think about Mark Johnson’s comment? Have your say in the comments section below.
