The Queen returns from congratulating a Jockey and his horse. Photograph: Ishveen Singh.

Bookmakers enjoyed the Derby at Epsom Downs on Saturday. Despite the economic downturn, punters seemed happy enough to part with their money.

Bookmakers on site saw more money this year than they had in previous years, though this could have been because the newly constructed Duchess’s Stand holds 11,000 more spectators.

According to bookie Pat Walsh, the racecourse is recession-proof and people are not holding back because of the credit crisis.

Brendan Scully agreed. He made 10,000 pounds more than he did last year. “Business was a lot better this year and there was a lot more money around. If you go out racing regularly, you know that the recession doesn’t matter here.”

However, bookie Brian Campbell felt that the recession had limited spectator betting and was keeping the big players away.

“There was a building site here last year so it resulted in terrible business for us. Business was nothing exceptional this year either. I’ve had a couple of big bets (up to 2,000 pounds) but only from my regular clients. From the regular public, the highest I probably had was about 200 pounds and as little as 5 pounds,” Mr Campbell said.

Among the punters, there were winners and losers.

Spectator Tom O’Hagen, who works in the telecoms industry, won 800 pounds. He had started playing with 300 pounds, the same amount he had set aside the previous year for the races.

“The recession hasn’t hurt me. The telecom industry is quite resilient to the recession – everyone has to talk, so my business isn’t affected much, except for customers going bust, which is a bit of a pain in the butt,” he said.

Accountant Ross Gleghoi lost 300 pounds but had no qualms about it.