BBC SPORT | Special Events | 2001 | Epsom Derby

While the Derby is the centrepiece of the Epsom meeting, there are a lot of other highlights in the two-day festival.

With all the build-up to the big race itself, it is easy to forget that the meeting boasts another of the season's Classic races.

The Oaks is run over the same course and distance as the Derby and is also for three-year-olds but it is a fillies-only race.

Fillies mature more quickly than colts in their third year - early season form is therefore not always the best indicator and the Oaks is always a tough race to predict even for the top tipsters.

Regal presence

Flight of Fancy is likely to head the betting market this year and would be a popular winner, as her owner is The Queen, who has not had a winner in a Classic since 1977.

The Queen's racing manager, Lord Carnarvon, publicly criticised jockey Kieren Fallon for his riding of the filly in the Musidora Stakes at York recently which adds more spice to the race.

Mot Juste and Silver Grey Lady are other contenders for the Oaks, which was first run in 1779, making it even older than the Derby.

The Coronation Cup is another of Friday's highlights and the entries for this year's race suggest it will be an exciting contest.

The Coronation Cup at Epsom
The Coronation Cup attracts some of the best older horses in Europe

Run over the same course and distance as the Derby and the Oaks, it attracts some of Europe's best older horses.

Last year's second, Fantastic Light, is hoping to go one better this time round but is bound to face stiff competition from St Leger winner Millenary.

Golden Snake is another strong fancy while Petrushka, who won three Group One races last year, will be another contender after coming back from injury.

The other races may not match the grandeur and quality of the Derby, the Oaks and the Coronation Cup but they still provide a fascinating spectacle.

In particular, you will not see racehorses travelling faster on any racecourse in the world than they do down from the start in the shorter sprint races.

Other attractions

The Epsom Downs provide a very picturesque setting for the racing.

Prospective Royal Ascot visitors will get plenty of early season style tips from those dressed up to the nines in the Queen's Stand.

Meanwhile, the centre of the track is filled with picnickers and those who are looking for other amusements in addition to the racing.

There is a huge fun fair with dodgem cars and a big wheel as well as market stalls and the usual food outlets and bookmakers' pitches.

Emma Bunton will be at the Derby Day Picnic
Emma Bunton: Will she sing herself horse?

A feature on the Saturday for the last three years has been the Heart 106.2 Vodafone Derby Picnic.

This year, a host of pop stars, including Steps, Atomic Kitten, Deacon Blue and Emma Bunton will be performing in a six-hour music extravaganza.

The Picnic was first held three years ago and has been a huge success, providing a welcome incentive to stay on and avoid the traffic jams after the last race.