Epsom Derby, Belmont Stakes aim to raise horse racing’s profile

Few would dispute the suggestion that the sport of kings is sporting a pretty tarnished crown these days, with track attendance, purses and even the number of races on the decline. Then along come two showpiece events on the same day on opposite sides of the Atlantic, and suddenly the sport looks downright royal again. The Queen is even showing up at the Epsom Derby, an event with a history so colorful, it makes a rainbow look dishwater grey. Not to be outdone, the Yanks are staging the final jewel in the Triple Crown at Belmont Park. Sadly, there’s no royalty due to appear at Belmont, but I hear Sarah Ferguson‘s available if the price is right.