AN announcement that the Vodafone Derby in 1997 will become the third to be run on a Saturday moved one step closer yesterday when Edward Gillespie met the sponsors to discuss this year's race.

Despite clamour from some sections for a return to the traditional Wednesday slot and disappointing television viewing figures, both Gillespie, racing director for Epsom, and Terry Barwick, director of corporate affairs for the communications group, look set to persevere with Saturday.

"We are giving no hints as to the eventual outcome, but it was a very constructive meeting and the opinion of our sponsors is extremely valued," Gillespie explained.

"But we were all very pleased with the upward trend in the face of what was perceived to be a very real threat to the race's popularity, namely the Euro 96 clash between England and Switzerland on the same day."

Despite the football, attendance figures were up at Epsom, and both Gillespie and Barwick were buoyed by the positive response.