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John Sandys

@thederbywalk.bsky.social

150 followers 56 following 27 posts

Getting on a bit. Huge horse racing fan. Prefer flat but have massive respect for the NH game. The Derby Stakes is my passion. Went to my first Derby in 1970 and have been to everyone since. Co-founded The Derbywalk in 2009. Still going strong!

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John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Jun 2

2025 sees attending 55 #Derbies on the bounce for me. More passionate about the race than ever. Yeah, it needs some work but I won't lose any sleep over that this week. In fact, I probably won't get much sleep at all during the build up. Can't wait to make it 56 not out! Bring it on. #TheDerbyStakes

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Jun 2

I fully appreciate that #TheDerbyStakes isn't everyone's cup of tea. However, with an unmatched equine & social history, iconic racecourse, the most unique test of a racehorse, worldwide aclaim. Yeah, it needs work, but Imo, still the greatest race in the world.

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 31

6 Days! #DerbyStakes @epsomdownsracecourse @Betfred

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 18

Important changes to The Derbywalk tomorrow. Due to TFL closures Knightsbridge station is closed tomorrow. Please travel to South Kensington underground stn. From here it's a 3 minute bus ride on either a no.14 or C1. Really sorry for inconvenience!

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 14

Wonderful to hear that Epsom Downs Racecourse and The JockeyClub have elected to run 2025 Derby Stakes in memory of the Late Aga Khan IV. Richly deserved! Great Minds. The 2025 Derbywalk

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 13

4 days until the 2025 Derbywalk. Fundraise for your favourite charity or cause. Knightsbridge to Epsom Downs Racecourse. A £5 or £10 donation to Epsom RDA for every registration. Plus, a BBQ/drinks reception, overlooking the iconic winners enclosure for all walkers.

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Reposted by John Sandys

Merlyn Edwards @allmanbros2.bsky.social · May 8

Roll up Roll up, fantastic walk here for your own enjoyment and for charity. As I am 150 miles away from the starting post, I'll have to give it a miss but if you are closer than me, have a go!!!!

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 8

@allmanbros2.bsky.social

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John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 8

@allmanbros2.bsky.social

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 5

www.racingpost.com/news/
Fabulous news!

Horse Racing News | Latest Racing Updates | Racing Post

The home of horse racing news, racecards and racing results. The must-have horse racing tips, form and analysis. Explore our jockey, trainer and horse profiles.

www.racingpost.com

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 4

This day (May 4th) in 2009 we held the inaugural #Derbywalk. Ran to coincide with the first ever running of #TheDerbyStakes we set off at 08:00 from Knightsbridge to Epsom Downs Racecourse. 16 years later, the 16th Derbywalk takes place on Sunday 18th May, over the same course and distance.

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · May 4

This day (May 4th) 1780 was the start of it. Over 1 mile @EpsomRacecourse, 9 horses went to post for the inaugural running of #TheDerbyStakes. Won by #Diomed, owned by #SirCharlesBunbury, who, but for the toss of a coin, could've had the great race named after him. 140+ races & events followed suit!

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John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Apr 4

Where am I.

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Feb 28

Absolutely hate VAR. But how the hell is an intentional foul on an attacking player just outside the box, not a booking? Ref inconsistencies do themselves and the rest of us no favours! #SheffWedvSun

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Feb 2

Absolutely love the 2025 artwork. Epsom Downs Racecourse done a fabulous job.

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Feb 1

We're back for 2025! Why not come and join us.

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John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Jan 16

Epsom Spring Meeting tickets £10.50 with SPRING25 code.

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Jan 7

Saw one of these today at East Croydon stn. Looked a really happy little fella and very chirpy. Beautiful colouring. Pied Wagtail I believe.

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Dec 31

A very happy, safe and prosperous New Year to all past and prospective Derbywalkers out there. Huge thanks for all your support since 2009. Couldnt have done it without you! John & Pat.

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Dec 30

SAVE THE DATE! The Derby-Walk 2025, Sunday May 18th. Fundraise for your favourite charity or cause. A charity walk from Knitesbridge, home of original Tattersalls to @EpsomRacecourse , home of #TheDerbyStakes. DM for more information. #The_Derby_walk

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Dec 11

Hi all. As many know, we at TheDerbywalk put together an Arc de Triomphe visitors guide. Epsom have asked us to create a version for The Derby festival. If you have any recommendations of places to stay, eat, have a beer, or simply chill, please drop us a message. Thanks in advance. John & Pat.😃

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John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Dec 8

An abundance of love for #Jonbon @sandownpark.bsky.social yesterday, which was really heartwarming and deserved. And my God, did we need some warming!🥶

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John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Dec 6

Too windy, too wet, too cold, too sunny etc. With the current climate in this country, I wonder if it's worth it. #NHRacing 😉

Reposted by John Sandys

Merlyn Edwards @allmanbros2.bsky.social · Nov 19

@graysonscolumn.bsky.social 👋 I thought I should bring your attention to 2 things on here. 1st the Horse Racing Starter Packs done by
@p-jwally.bsky.social
plenty you will recognise. 2nd I have a list/feed
@gbirehorseracing.bsky.social
that only shows racing posts, instructions on the account.

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John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Nov 16

Ballesteros, Trevino, Nicklaus, Palmer, Hunt, Hill, Senna, Schumacher, Mckenroe, Connors, Nastasi, King, Navratilova, PIGGOTT, Eddery, Cauthen, Carson, St Martin, Francome, Dunwoody, Maguire, Thompson, Ovett, Moses, Christie, Corbut, Bristow, Taylor, Higgins, White. Hero's all.☺️

John Sandys @thederbywalk.bsky.social · Nov 16

A little choked today. Plan, was to sort housework and then watch @Cheltenham (likebackintheolddays). Trying to get some NH passion back. Sadly, this didn't happen. One day. At least got the 'oh so easy' placepot. Maybe tomorrow?🙄