Derby may get one-off Monday slot in 2012

The Business Secretary, who has taken responsibility for planning the Jubilee celebrations, said the race could take place on one of the bank holidays at the end of a weekend celebrating the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

In 2012 the late May bank holiday has been moved to Monday 4 June and an extra bank holiday added to the calendar the following day to mark the occasion.

Lord Mandelson told peers at question time yesterday that planning for the Diamond Jubilee was "still in the early stages".

But he added: "The British horseracing industry is considering ideas to celebrate this great event. These include a special new race, themed race meetings across the UK or moving the Derby – which will coincide with the 2012 Diamond Jubilee weekend – to one of the Jubilee bank holidays."

The Derby used to be run traditionally on a Wednesday from its 18th century inception, up until 1995 when it was moved to a Saturday.

Meanwhile, with the Flat season days away, Chris Dwyer is expecting a big run from Mia's Boy despite his runner being left on top weight in the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday.

The six-year-old has been left to shoulder the steadier of 9st 10lb in the prestigious handicap on the first day of the turf season after last year's winner Expresso Star was not among 76 acceptors at the five-day stage. "Mia's Boy has top-weight but he'll be going there in good form. I was very pleased with his run at Wolverhampton and he has come out of that fine," said the Newmarket trainer.