Tuesday 11 October: The countdown to the 2011 William Hill Winter Festival begins in earnest on Sunday (16 OCTOBER) when the current Christmas Hurdle and 2010 Champion Hurdle winner Binocular parades at Kempton Park.
‘Jump Sunday’ is the opening day of the 2011/12 National Hunt racing season at the Sunbury racecourse – and Kempton is laying on a host of activities for visitors.
Spectators will be able to experience what goes on behind the scenes on a race day. They can walk the final furlong with a top jumps jockey before the first race or join a tour where they can visit the commentary box, weighing room, parade ring and enjoy an integrity talk in the stewards’ box.
Those who fancy themselves as a jockey can try their skills on a mechanical horse, known as an equicisor, simulating riding in an actual race.
Binocular will make an appearance on the racetrack. The most recent winner of the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park and the 2010 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the horse was one of five winners for trainer Nicky Henderson on ‘Super Saturday’ at Kempton Park in January.
Nicky Henderson also triumphed with Long Run in the William Hill King George VI Chase and the horse’s regular jockey, Sam Waley Cohen, will also be a guest at the racecourse discussing his hopes for the season.
On the track on Sunday, the former Rosebery Stakes winner on Kempton’s all-weather surface Greylami – part-owned by Formula 1’s Bernie Ecclestone – could run in the Listed williamhill.com Home Of Betting Novices’ Hurdle.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls’ Toubab could make his debut over fences in the williamhill.com Beginners’ Chase, a race in which The Queen’s Henrietta Knight-trained five-year-old Harvest Song may take part.
Gates open on Sunday at 12.15pm. The first race is at 2.15pm.
Regular fans of jump racing can take advantage of becoming an annual member at Kempton Park and enjoy a wide range of benefits offered - a VIP members lounge, admission on all 10 days racing, including the William Hill Winter Festival, free car parking and a signed picture of Sam Waley Cohen and Long Run.
Annual members will enjoy a Bucks Fizz reception on Sunday and reciprocal days, where they get free entry at other racecourses, throughout the season. More details about annual membership are available on 01932 782292 or by emailing lisa.russell-smith@jockeyclubracecourses.com.
Ticket prices for ‘Jump Sunday’ are just £12 booked in advance by 5pm Friday 14 October, and £15 on the gate on the day. To book tickets visit www.kempton.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 579 3008.
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For further information, please contact:
Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292
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