NGK customers have enjoyed a right royal day out at the World's greatest horse racing meeting, the Investec Epsom Derby.

The group enjoyed hospitality in a private box in the prestigious Queen’s Stand opposite the finish line from where they witnessed 16-1 outsider Masar win the blue riband flat race.

The event was hosted by Gary Sheriff, Sales Manager – South for NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, who said the occasion exceeded all expectations.

He said: “It was a memorable experience. Everyone really got into the spirit of the event and got swept up in the atmosphere. The weekend went like clockwork. The organisation at Epsom was absolutely fantastic, and the guests didn’t want for anything.

“It was a privilege to be there in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, who as everyone is aware is a huge racing enthusiast. I knew it would be a memorable experience but probably underestimated what the Derby means to the racing fraternity. Everyone enjoyed a superb day out.”

The NGK team, including Julie Hayes and Beverley Shepherd from its marketing department, were delighted to see all the guests enjoy the iconic sporting event and provide a ‘want for nothing’ experience though sadly, they could not predict the winner of the feature race for the guests!

The Derby is recognised as the world’ premier flat race with Sir Lester Piggott being the most successful jockey, winning nine times over the one mile, four furlongs and six yards Surrey course.

Legend has it that the 12th Earl of Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury spun a coin as to whether the race should be called the Derby Stakes or the Bunbury Stakes. The result is now history. But Sir Charles did retrieve some satisfaction from the fact that his horse Diomed, the 6-4 favourite, won the first running of the race over a mile on Thursday, May 4, 1780.