SATURDAY'S Vodafone Derby received a further boost yesterday with the announcement of a huge increase in television viewing figures.
John Fairley, the executive producer of Channel 4 Racing, announced: "The audience for the Vodafone Derby was 3.5 million compared with two million last year. Furthermore, 5.9 million tuned into the programme as a whole plus an estimated one million in clubs, betting shops or pubs.
"This gave Channel 4 one of the biggest viewing shares ever, 36 per cent compared with 26 per cent for BBC 1, six per cent for BBC 2 and ITV and two per cent for Channel 5."
A Saturday Derby certainly looks here to stay after receiving a massive thumbs-up from the public. A crowd of 72,000 thronged Epsom Downs, an increase of 28 per cent on last year's attendance.
Delighted race organisers claimed it demonstrated that the race, switched from its traditional Wednesday slot three years ago, can work at the weekend.
Blue Goblin dominates the betting at 11 to 10 favourite for this Saturday's £45,000 William Hill Trophy at York.
Luca Cumani's charge turned last month's Coral Handicap at Newmarket into a procession and would appear a virtual certainty to lift more bookmakers' money here with only a 7lb penalty.
However, the colt's presence has left the sponsors with a major headache because he could alternatively be aimed at the Wokingham or Cork And Orrery Stakes at Royal Ascot.
No decision is expected until later in the week
