Derby Day in the scorching sun has the X-Factor...

SIMON Cowell joined thousands of racegoers for a glorious summer’s day out with his family yesterday to watch the Derby at Epsom Downs.

- Jon Coates

With the Queen missing the famous horse race for just the fourth time in the past 75 years, the Britain’s Got Talent creator was the highest-profile spectator at the racecourse in Surrey.

The mile-and-a-half flat race was won by Adam Kirby on 16-1 outsider Adayar, trained by Charlie Appleby.

Her Majesty, 95, is believed to have watched the race on television from the comfort of Windsor Castle this year.

Reports suggested this was because she feared the Derby wouldn’t be the same with Covid-19 restrictions in place.

But 4,000 spectators made the most of the hot weather by sporting elaborate hats and summery dresses, as the Red Devils parachute display team performed overhead.

Last year’s Derby was held behind closed doors due to the pandemic.

Cowell, 61, and wife Lauren Silverman, 43, watched the racing from a box with their son Eric, seven, and Lauren’s son Adam, 15.