Epsom Downs Racecourse will welcome tens of thousands of people for the two-day Investec Derby Festival this Friday and Saturday.

We’ve spoken to some members of the team behind the scenes, who make the event happen.

In the second in the series we hear from the event manager Dan Cooper on being first to the racecourse, the Derby build and VIPs.

What is your role at Epsom Downs Racecourse?

I currently work for The Jockey Cub as an event manager, co-coordinating the logistics of day-to-day events and race days.

As a Jockey Club venue, we have lots of conferences, weddings and exhibitions to plan throughout the year.

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How long have you worked at Epsom Downs Racecourse?

I joined The Jockey Club on a graduate placement for eight weeks in July 2014, straight out of university. In September 2014 I was employed full-time and feel very much part of the team.

What does your day entail?

Early starts are the norm. There is something special about arriving at the venue before anyone else and walking around the site to check everything is in place for an event.

An event manager is involved in all aspects of events and race days, from the planning stage, right through to the delivery and breakdown.

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Usually an hour before the event I brief my staff who will oversee the safety, stewarding or security of the event. I will then check the event is under way and continue my day with planning the next event!

How does your role differ over the two days of the Investec Derby Festival from your day to day job?

The Investec Derby Festival is a great event to work on. To begin with I am assigned various projects to manage, such as temporary structures, safety and security and VIP clients, which takes up my time throughout the year.

The festival build begins about three weeks prior to the festival and I work alongside some of the world’s leading event experts to deliver a truly wonderful event for racing fans and locals looking for a great day out.

Surrey Comet:

What is your highlight of the Investec Derby Festival?

The shear prestige and impact of the event. It has global audiences, is of huge significance in the racing calendar and has mainstream media coverage, which is a wow factor for me.

Now the Investec Derby Festival is around the corner how does this affect you?

I had had my Derby hat on for some weeks now, plans are now becoming real and the build is under way. Every day is about meeting our contractors and keeping the build on time to ensure we deliver the event correctly.

What is different about the Investec Derby Festival compared to other race day meetings at Epsom Downs Racecourse?

We don’t have any other ‘festival’ days, so our standard enclosures and grandstands do not compare with what is available at the Derby Festival. Our other highlight Epsom race days are without a doubt the family fun day and music nights.

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And finally who will you be putting your money on in this year’s Investec Derby?

I have some more time to decide, but Churchill is a star and will relish more distance in my opinion. I do think Eminent is going to be interesting as well.

Tickets information at epsomderby.co.uk