Andrew Cooper - The Custodian Of A 200-Year-Old Classic

ANDREW COOPER
Epsom's Clerk of the Course and Head of Racing

The year 1996 will be of special significance whenever the modern-day history of the Derby is scrutinised. That year, Shaamit, trained by William Haggas, was a worthy but largely unheralded winner of the Classic that is widely accepted as the most important in world racing.

No horse made it a particularly noteworthy renewal. But, in the context of maintaining and updating an iconic British sporting event, the appointment that year of Andrew Cooper as Epsom's Clerk Of The Course really did make a difference.

Cooper, 52, is the custodian of a Classic that dates from 1780. The responsibility weighs heavily on his shoulders, but now preparing for his 21st G1 Derby, it could be argued that he thrives on the experience. His respect for the race, its rich history, status and importance, is very evident.

Epsom is a unique racecourse. Its quirky undulations and camber, its steep uphill climb and often frightening (to some) descent, combine to make it a track that would, and could, never be built again. Thus, for the safety of horses and riders, providing good racing ground is paramount.

For months and weeks beforehand, Cooper is ever conscious of that requirement. "The preparation of the ground, and the decisions on watering, are going to influence the state of the going - and there are pressures attached. You know that you won't please everybody.

"These are massive decisions with big implications," he points out. "But we take the position that the ground should never be faster than 'Good to Firm' for the Derby."

To achieve this, there is a programme of selective watering leading up to the two-day Investec Derby and Oaks Festival at Epsom. Constant monitoring of the weather forecast is crucial - and Cooper and his staff are expert at finding the most accurate.

Arguably, the turning point in official approach to Epsom ground came in 1995 when Pennekamp, the 2,000 Guineas winner, broke down in the Derby. "I understand that showers were forecast but they did not materialise. There had been no watering," Cooper explains.

From that point, Jockey Club Racecourses guidelines demanded good, safe ground be an essential requirement for every meeting at Epsom. Cooper has carved his reputation by achieving that on the Epsom Downs.

Cooper's favourite Derbys were those won by Galileo (2001) and Sea The Stars (2009). "They went on to do great things, both on the racecourse and as stallions," he says.

But, what would be the 'Perfect Derby' in Cooper's eyes?

"It would be a 16-runner field, running on ground officially 'Good, Good to Firm in places,' with an outstanding colt winning - and with every horse coming back safe and well."