NEXT year's Epsom Derby will be run on Saturday June 7th. Track executives voted in favour yesterday of continuing with the Classic as a Saturday fixture.

A campaign, led by racing cornmentator Peter O'Sullevan, had demanded a return to the traditional Wednesday slot.

But the boards of Rncecourse Holdings Trust and United Race courses are not changing. They have the support of sponsors Vodafone, the British Horseracing Board and the Jockey Club.

RHT chairman Christopher Spence said: "A number of factors influenced our decision, the most important being our belief that the Vodafone Derby, a national event and one of the eight sporting events listed by Parliament, should be held on a day that can attract the largest potential audience."