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banner Saturday, 2 June, 2001, 10:42 GMT 11:42 UK
Derby returns to BBC
Sinndar wins the 2000 Vodafone Derby
Sinndar triumphed in last year's race
Fresh from its success in recording increased viewing figures for the Grand National, the BBC will be screening the Epsom Derby for the first time since 1979.

The Derby will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC Radio Five Live and webcast on BBC Sport Online on 9 June.

The Grand National enjoyed peak viewing figures of 10 million earlier in the year, and the BBC hopes its Grandstand coverage will help restore the Derby to a similar status.

Grand National effect

Grandstand editor Carl Hicks said: "We hope that through Grandstand, the Derby can return to its rightful position as a national sporting event.

"Rather like the Grand National, we intend to make the Derby the centrepiece of our coverage for the whole day.

"We're confident that the BBC Grandstand treatment can see the Derby back at the centre of national consciousness.

"The Derby is the jewel in the crown for our portfolio of Flat racing this summer.

"Along with Royal Ascot, the King George and Glorious Goodwood, the Epsom Derby is a peak in the calendar."

Peter Bromley
The race will be Bromley's last commentary
BBC Five Live will also provide live coverage, and the race will be veteran broadcaster Peter Bromley's last commentary.

In a BBC career that began in 1959, he has covered 40 Derbys and 41 Grand Nationals.

Bromley said: "The Derby will be my last ever commentary. I've had a great innings."

Arguably, his most memorable Derby commentary was Shergar's runaway victory in 1981, which prompted him to say, "You'll need a telescope to see the rest!"

BBC Sport Online will provide live video pictures of the Derby for the first time.

This follows on from the success of its Grand National and Aintree festival webcasts.

Sport Online will also webcast all other Epsom races covered by the BBC, including the Oaks on 8 June.

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