EPSOM racecourse are hoping to secure permission from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to stage the rescheduled Derby.
Both the Derby and the Oaks have been postponed until July at the earliest following the Covid-19 enforced racing shutdown.
Jockey Club Racecourses, Epsom’s owner, has submitted an application to the council with the aim of staging both Classics on the same day.
A provisional date of 4 July has been put forward, but the application has also asked for some flexibility in case the races are delayed into August.
While the Downs are owned by the racecourse, there are public footpaths and bridleways criss-crossing the estate.
The application has asked for access to these areas to be restricted for 24 hours in order to meet the requirements for a behind-closed-doors card.
Temporary fencing and barriers, along with additional security, would form an exclusion zone around the course while racing takes place.
It is understood that the Jockey Club have also begun discussions with the local police. The application is due to be discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson for Epsom races said: “We are exploring the feasibility and practicality of staging the Investec Derby and Investec Oaks at the racecourse with no crowd present, given their importance to the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries.
“This is part of the racing industry’s resumption planning, which will be guided fully by the Government, local authorities and delivery partners.”
