Huntingdon Racecourse news: It's jockeys versus the public over inflatable obstacles

Friday 5 August: Huntingdon Racecourse is renowned for its top quality National Hunt racing, but the Cambridgeshire track is breaking new ground when it hosts time trial races between the jockeys and the public over an 'It's a Knockout' style inflatable obstacle course. 

Racegoers will race in time trials against the jockeys in return for a small donation to Racing Welfare.

The event, which is for both adults and children, is the major off-course attraction as horse racing resumes with a family fun day on Bank Holiday Monday 29 August.  The fun races will raise money for Racing Welfare, the charity that helps the sport's unsung heroes and heroines - the stable staff who look after the nation's racehorses.

The charity's fundraising and communications executive Richard Negus explained: "We are planning to pit the strength and agility of some of Britain's top jump jockeys against intrepid Huntingdon racegoers on an inflatable obstacle course.

"Thanks to generous sponsorship from online bookmakers Blue Square and the hard work put in by the Huntingdon Racecourse team I think we can guarantee not only a lot of fun but also a great opportunity to raise much needed funds for Racing Welfare, for without the 17,000 lads and lasses behind the scenes in the stables there would be no racing."

There is also plenty of other entertainment laid on for the Brampton track on Monday 29 August which is Huntingdon Racecourse's first meeting after its annual summer break.

As well as the inflatable obstacle course there are free activities including a rugby shoot-out, a space hopper Grand National, pony rides, a circus workshop, a bungee run, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the racecourse.

Hayley Moore, the lady who could become Britain's first ever female racecourse commentator next year and sister of three times Flat champion jockey Ryan Moore, will be compering on the day.  She will also be commentating on the jockey and public races over the inflatable obstacles.

A special family admission package is available for advance booking - two adults, plus children and two free ice creams for £20, with £1 going to Racing Welfare per booking.  This must be booked online at www.huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk quoting 'August2011'.

Sophie Hodgkinson, managing director of Huntingdon Racecourse, said: "We've got a packed programme of great jump racing and family entertainments on August Bank Holiday Monday.

"We were fundraising 12 months ago for Racing Welfare when we attempted to break tongue-in-cheek world records including the largest number of jockeys in a Mini car and Britain's longest conga line.  This year promises to be just as much fun with our inflatable obstacle race between the jockeys and visitors to the racecourse."

The one-hour behind-the-scenes tour - organized by the British Horseracing Education & Standards Trust - begins at 12.55pm outside the Weighing Room, 20 minutes after the racecourse opens.

1.15pm - paddock and saddling boxes
1.20pm - walk the racecourse
1.45pm - meet a jockey & questions and answers
1.55pm - tour finish

A jockey will give a riding demonstration on a practice Equicisor after the first race.

Admission on Bank Holiday Monday 29 August: Current scheduled first race time is 2.35pm.  Gates open at 12.35pm.  Adult admission £15.  Picnic car park £8.  Accompanied under 18s - free.  Parking is free.  Order tickets by telephone (0844 579 3007) or online at www.huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk.

ENDS   540 words

For further information, please contact:
Sophie Hodgkinson, managing director, at Huntingdon Racecourse on 01480 453373 or or Alan Alger, PR Manager, at Blue Square Bet, on 07824 690561 twitter: @AlanBlueSquare / bluesq.com / betting.bluesq.com

6 August 2011

About Racing Welfare: Racing Welfare is the Jockey Club's own charity and is the sole provider to UK racing stable and stud staff of welfare support, counselling services, disability funding and support, affordable housing provision for those retired or new to the industry and financial support to those who are in need or distress.  Racing Welfare's President is HRH The Princess Royal.  The trustees of the charity are Roger Weatherby (Chairman), Mike Cattermole, Antonia Deuters, Jacko Fanshawe, Simon Clarke, Joey Newton, Raymond Henley, John Maxse, Gary Middlebrook, Sam Morshead, Piers Pottinger and Baroness Ann Mallalieu QC.  Honorary Vice President is John Dunlop OBE.  Our Patrons are Richard Dunwoody MBE, Nat Parker and Mark Davies.  Press inquiries should be made to Richard Negus at rnegus@racingwelfare.co.uk or 01638 560763 or Racing Welfare, Robert McAlpine House, Park Lane, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8QD.  High-resolution photography is available on request.