Organisers are considering plans to hold a one-day Derby meeting behind closed doors at Epsom Downs this summer.
Jockey Club Racecourses, the track's owner, has submitted an application to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, proposing that both the Oaks and the Derby itself would be run on the same day in either July or August.
Traditionally, the two Classics each headline a day of the meeting, which is held across the first Friday and Saturday in June, but this year’s has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Officials are hopeful of British racing returning behind closed doors later this month, but the structure of the Flat season means the Derby meeting must still be pushed back in order to allow the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, as well as some key trials, to take place first.
A provisional date of July 4 has been put forward, but the application also asks for flexibility, with a Saturday in July or August mentioned.
While the Downs are owned by Epsom, there are public footpaths and bridleways and the application asks for access to certain 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, with JCR also outlining its ongoing dialogue with local police. It is proposed in addition to the Derby and Oaks, five other races would be run.
The application is due to be discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson for Epsom 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."
Additional reporting by PA.
