Nescot students restore Pat Eddery Memorial Bench at Epsom Downs Racecourse

Students from Nescot, one of Surrey’s leading further education colleges, have helped preserve a cherished piece of Epsom’s racing heritage by restoring a memorial bench dedicated to legendary jockey Pat Eddery at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The project provided Nescot’s alternative provision program for 14 to 16 year olds, with the opportunity to develop practical woodworking and restoration skills while making a meaningful contribution to their local community and one of the town’s most iconic sporting venues.

Pat Eddery was one of the most successful jockeys in the history of British horse racing. During an illustrious career spanning more than three decades, he rode over 4,600 winners and claimed the title of British Champion Jockey on eleven occasions. His achievements at Epsom Downs Racecourse were particularly notable, including multiple victories in The Derby, one of the sport’s most prestigious races. Widely regarded as one of racing’s all-time greats, Eddery’s legacy remains deeply connected to Epsom and the rich heritage of the Derby Festival, making the restoration of his memorial bench especially meaningful.

Following the restoration, the students were invited to Epsom Downs Racecourse to see the bench proudly reinstated in its home within the Parade Ring. The visit also included a special VIP tour of the historic Queen Elizabeth II Stand, led by Julie Kapsalis MBE, Principal and CEO of Nescot and member of the Epsom Downs Racecourse Committee.

Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the racecourse’s history and operations, Julie guided the students through areas rarely seen by the public, providing a fascinating insight into what goes into staging one of the world’s most famous horse racing events.

The students followed the same route taken by their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their recent visit to the Betfred Derby Festival, entering through the stand and making their way to the Royal Box balcony, where they enjoyed panoramic views across the racecourse.

Throughout the visit, the students displayed enthusiasm and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions about the racecourse, its history and the wide range of careers involved in delivering major sporting events.

Julie Kapsalis MBE, Principal and CEO of Nescot and Committee Member at Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “Working alongside The Jockey Club on projects like this is a fantastic example of how education and industry can come together to benefit both students and the wider community. Our students have shown tremendous dedication in restoring this important memorial, gaining valuable practical skills while helping to preserve a piece of Epsom’s unique heritage. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership with The Jockey Club and creating even more opportunities for our students to learn through real-world experiences.”

Jim Allen, General Manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse, added:  “We were delighted to involve Nescot’s students in this project. The restoration of the Pat Eddery memorial bench is a wonderful example of how local organisations can work together to preserve the heritage of Epsom Downs while creating valuable learning opportunities for young people. The students have done an outstanding job – the bench looks absolutely fantastic and is a fitting tribute to one of racing’s greatest jockeys. We are proud to see it back in the Parade Ring where racegoers, owners, trainers and jockeys can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”

The bench restoration project forms part of a growing partnership between Nescot and The Jockey Club, built on a shared commitment to supporting the local community and creating meaningful opportunities for students. Last month, Nescot was pleased to make use of one of the community buses during the Betfred Derby Festival, showcasing the work of their talented students who also sang on the Community Zone stage. Art students have also commenced a large-scale mural on the underpass on the course, which will be concluded to mark the 250^th running of the Derby in 2029. As the relationship continues to develop, both organisations are looking forward to exploring further opportunities to work together on initiatives that celebrate Epsom’s heritage while providing valuable learning experiences for young people.

The project highlights the positive impact that can be achieved when education and community come together, providing students with practical experience while helping to preserve an important part of Epsom’s sporting heritage for future generations.