Racing for Change news release: Top lady jockey of all time flies in for 'Legends' race

Wednesday 31 August: The world's most successful female jockey is flying into Britain from the United States to take part in the star-studded 'Leger Legends' race at Doncaster Racecourse.

There is a truly international flavour to this year's race on Wednesday afternoon (7 SEPTEMBER) when some of the most successful riders from both codes of horse racing will pull on their silks one more time.

Julie Krone, now retired, joins 15 other former stars of the saddle who won 20,000 races between them at the meeting that reaches a climax with the St Leger, the final Classic of the British horse racing season.

Such is her enthusiasm to take part that the American Hall of Fame rider, who won over 3,700 races, turned down a chance to appear in Survivor, America's equivalent of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me out of Here.

Alongside her is former French jockey Thierry Gillet, who won the 2004 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - Europe's richest horse race.

The 16 stars also include Gay Kelleway, the first woman to ride a winner a Royal Ascot, and 2000 Flat racing champion Kevin Darley, plus jump racing heroes Norman Williamson and Charlie Swan who won the inaugural 'Leger Legends' race 12 months ago.  At age 64, George Duffield is the most senior 'legend'.

Lining up too - and race riding for the first time since the plane crash which ended his riding career - is former Derby winning jockey Ray Cochrane.  The accident at Newmarket in 2000 also seriously injured Frankie Dettori and claimed the life of the pilot.

The 'Leger Legends' race over one mile is in aid of two charities - the Injured Jockeys Fund's 'House That Jack Built' initiative and the Northern Racing College student accommodation project.

The 'Leger Legends' race is at 3.45pm on Wednesday 7 September.  For more information, visit www.lovetheraces.com.

ENDS   305 words

For further information and images please contact:
Nick Attenborough, Director of Consumer PR, Racing Enterprises Limited, on 020 7152 0193 or nattenborough@racingenterpriseslimited.co.uk

Kempton Park Racecourse news release: Globetrotter aims to land biggest Flat race of 2011

Tuesday 30 August: A racehorse with many thousands of air miles arrives at Kempton Park on Saturday (3 SEPTEMBER) aiming to claim the biggest prize of the Flat racing year at the racecourse.

The bay-coloured filly Mahbooba was bred in Australia four years ago, started her racing career in South Africa, and spent last winter running in Dubai before coming to Britain this summer.

Her biggest payday to date was when she achieved third place in the United Arab Emirates Derby in the spring.  Now she goes for the Betfred September Stakes on Europe's premier all-weather Flat racing track at Kempton Park.

The widely travelled filly certainly won't have it all her own way in the one and a half mile £50,000 Group 3 race.  The major training stables are represented by horses, some of which appeared at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.

While the Betfred September Stakes is the feature event on Ladies' Day at the Sunbury racecourse, the six other races also include the final of the £43,800 totescoop6 London Mile Handicap for which horses have been running in qualifiers all year and the £34,000 Group 3 betfred.com Sirenia Stakes, run over threequarters of a mile.

Before the professional races begin at 2.15pm, there are two pony races for young aspiring riders.  The jockeys include the children of champion jump racing trainer Paul Nicholls and former champion jump jockey turned National Hunt trainer Jonjo O'Neill.

Visitors to Kempton Park on Saturday will also hear the lady who is poised to become Britain's first female racecourse commentator.  Hayley Moore - the sister of three times Flat racing champion jockey Ryan Moore - will commentate on one race alongside the regular race caller Lee McKenzie.

Ladies' Day features a live DJ set from Heart FM's Toby Anstis, with some fantastic prizes to be won for the best dressed racegoers courtesy of the Bentall Centre in Kingston.

Times and admission on Saturday 3 September

The pony races are at 1.30pm and 1.45pm.  The first horse race is at 2.15pm, with the finale at 5.25pm.

Adult admission costs £15 on the day, or £12 booked in advance.  Accompanied under 18s get free admission.  Tickets can be bought online at kempton.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008.  Further details about Ladies' Day can also be found at kemptonlive.co.uk.

Travelling to Kempton Park could not be easier, only 30 minutes from central London with easy access off the M25 and plenty of free parking.  There is a railway to Kempton's own station with regular trains from Waterloo on the Shepperton line.

Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5AQ (01932 782292).  Panoramic Restaurant packages including admission and a table for the day in the restaurant can be purchased in advance from £42 per person (call 01932 753518 for details).  More information can be found at kempton.co.uk.

ENDS   470 words

For further information, please contact:
Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292

About The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club is at the heart of racing in Great Britain as the largest commercial group in the sport. Its interests include:

Jockey Club Racecourses: Responsible for the operation of a diversified portfolio of 14 racecourses in Great Britain: Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Newmarket, Nottingham, Sandown Park, Warwick and Wincanton.

The group stages four of the five 'Classics' of Flat racing (the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom Downs and the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket), as well as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree.

Jockey Club Estates: The property and land management company responsible for the management and administration of more than 5,000 acres of land in and around the racing training centres of Newmarket and Lambourn, as well as an extensive property portfolio, including the Jockey Club Rooms.

The National Stud: Transferred from Government to The Jockey Club in 2008, The National Stud is a commercial thoroughbred breeding enterprise with a commitment to provide training and educational programmes.

Racing Welfare: A racing charity and company limited by guarantee with The Jockey Club being the sole member. The principal objective of Racing Welfare is to provide help to those in need who work or have worked in the thoroughbred industry, and their dependants.

Market Rasen Racecourse news release: Boxing Day tickets go on sale

Friday 26 August: Hot on the hooves of a fantastic summer of horse racing - plus a Peter Andre concert that will live long in the memory - tickets for the most popular day of the year at Market Rasen Racecourse have gone on sale.

Well over 10,000 people spend Boxing Day afternoon at the races at Lincolnshire's only racecourse.

For many, the day out at the racecourse is as much about Christmas as turkey and mince pies.

Savings can be made by booking in advance.  The tickets are also popular Christmas presents for horse racing fans.

The County Enclosure is £21 when purchased in advance (£23 on the day); Tattersalls is £16 (£17); and the Family Enclosure is £10 (£11).  Premier tickets are a one-price £28 - and they sell out first.

For visitors wishing to make an extra special day of it - and again these packages are popular as presents - the Brocklesby Suite is £88 (it always sells out), while a Fish & Fizz package is £37, a County package is £30, a Tattersalls package is £23 and a Winter Warmer package is £25 in County and £20 in Tattersalls.

Fish & Fizz package: County Enclosure admission; raceday programme; glass of Champagne; seafood platter or hot dish of the day; and dessert.

County package: County Enclosure admission; raceday programme; dish of the day; pint of beer or lager / glass of wine; and £2 discounted tote betting voucher.

Tattersalls package: Tattersalls Enclosure admission; raceday programme; dish of the day; pint of beer or lager / glass of wine; and £2 discounted tote betting voucher.

Winter Warmer package: County/Tattersalls admission; raceday programme; Winter Pimm's or a pint of Crabbies Ginger Beer; and £2 discounted tote betting voucher.

Tickets for the event can be bought online at marketrasenraces.co.uk, by telephone on 08445 793009 or at the racecourse in person.

ENDS   305 words

For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434 or 07796 996081

Haydock Park news release: Racecourse prepares for showpiece occasion on the Flat

Friday 26 August: The countdown to the richest horse race of the year at Haydock Park - and the climax to the racecourse's Flat racing season - has begun in earnest.

Some of the fastest racehorses in Europe will be making their way to the North West for the 2011 running of the Betfred Sprint Cup on Saturday 3 September.

The race, which is the highlight of the two-day Betfred Sprint Cup Festival starting on Friday 2 September, is among those in the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Series which concludes with Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse in October.

The total prize fund during the Betfred Sprint Cup Festival is well over £400,000.

Dickon White, the managing director of Haydock Park, said: "The Betfred Sprint Cup Day, which is now part of a two-day festival, is a hugely popular occasion with racing fans, attracts a big crowd, and is the highlight of our Flat racing season."

The opening day of the festival - Friday 2 September - is Betfred Big Society Day, in conjunction with local charity Bolton Lads & Girls Club.  The first race on Friday is at 2.10pm.

A maximum of 17 horses will take part in the six-furlong feature race on Saturday.

Sponsor Betfred makes Royal Ascot winner Deacon Blues and Darley July Cup hero Dream Ahead their joint 7-2 ante-post favourites, while Bated Breath - already a winner twice at Haydock Park - is rated a 7-1 chance.

Champion jockey Paul Hanagan, who hails from nearby Warrington, could be on board Wootton Bassett (16-1), a horse that is starting to get back to his best form of 2010.

The entire racecard at Haydock Park on Saturday 3 September is very classy, including the Betfred Bundles Old Borough Cup, the Betfred 'Goals Galore' Superior Mile and the Betfred 'The Bonus King' Be Friendly Handicap, which commemorates the horse that won the first two runnings of the Sprint Cup in 1966 and 1967.

Be Friendly - owned by the former BBC 'Voice of Racing' Sir Peter O'Sullevan - remains the only horse to have won the race twice, and a life-size bronze of him now stands resplendent in the paddock at Haydock Park.

The first race on Saturday is at 2pm.  Gates open at 12 noon.  There is a free shuttle bus service from Newton-le-Willows train station to Haydock Park from two hours prior to the first race, with returns after racing.

*The next racing at Haydock Park is the Betfred Sprint Cup Festival on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 September.  Friday is Betfred Big Society Day, in conjunction with local charity Bolton Lads & Girls Club.  Admission: Friday - £12 Newton/Tattersalls, £24 County, £36 Premier; Saturday - £12 Newton, £22 Tattersalls, £35 County, £48 Premier.  Accompanied children under 18 enter free.  Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls at half price.  More at haydock-park.co.uk.

ENDS   470 words

For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963

Market Rasen Racecourse news: Search for the new Tom Halliday scholar begins

Tuesday 23 August: Market Rasen Racecourse has launched its annual search for the young jockey who will be the new Tom Halliday Memorial Scholar.

The award, through which a rising conditional jump racing jockey is sponsored by the racecourse and receives support and advice in areas such as schooling, nutrition and media training from acknowledged experts, is named in memory of Tom Halliday (pictured), who died in 2005 at the age of 20 after a fall at the Lincolnshire track.  It has the full support of the Halliday family.

The scholarship - with support from the Northern Racing College in Doncaster - is designed to give a promising young rider a 'leg up' in his or her career, and it is hoped that the winner will be seen in action riding at Market Rasen Racecourse throughout the year.

The racecourse has asked the public, as well as racing professionals, to nominate suitable candidates.
The racecourse's managing director Pip Kirkby said: "Everyone at the racecourse has been delighted with the success of this award as a positive memorial to Tom.

"It means a lot to those who receive it, and we very much intend to include the views of senior jockey Dominic Elsworth, a long time friend of the Halliday family, as well as Tom's brother James in making the decision as to who should be the next scholar.

"Our racegoers at Market Rasen are knowledgeable and supportive and I hope they, as well as trainers, jockeys and others in the sport, will nominate potential scholars.  The most important thing, to us, is that the recipient comes from an area where he or she would hope to pick up rides at Market Rasen during the year."
Anyone is welcome to send in a nomination.  They should be sent by email to pip.kirkby@jockeyclubracecourses.com or by letter to Market Rasen Racecourse, Legsby Road, Market Rasen LN8 3EA.

The closing date for nominations is Monday 19 September.  The name of the new scholar will be announced at the racecourse's Prelude fixture on Saturday 24 September.

Previous Tom Halliday Memorial Scholars are: Phil Kinsella (2005); Michael O'Connell (2006); David Culinane (2007); James Halliday (2008); Oliver Williams (2009); Joe Cornwall (2010).

ENDS   360 words

For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434 or 07796 996081

Huntingdon Racecourse news release: Superb prizes to be won in inflatable obstacle races

Friday 19 August: A set of fantastic prizes awaits visitors to Huntingdon Racecourse who can show they are the fastest over an inflatable obstacle course.

The public - both young and young at heart - are being invited to take on the jockeys in time trials in an 'It's A Knockout' style contest at the racing fixture on Bank Holiday Monday (29 AUGUST).

* The quickest adult wins four tickets to a Blue Square Bet Premier football match of their choice.  And that could be at nearby Cambridge United or Kettering Town.

* In the children's categories - 13 to 17 years and under 12s - there are family tickets to be won to Woburn Safari Park which have been kindly donated by the park.

* And the two fastest jockeys get a day's golfing at the exclusive New Zealand Golf Club in Surrey.

The obstacle course event 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 horse racing's unsung heroes and heroines - the stable staff who look after the nation's racehorses.  A small donation is requested from those visitors taking part in the obstacle races.

Racing Welfare's fundraising and communications executive Richard Negus said: "As well as the great prizes for racecourse visitors, the two fastest jockeys over the obstacle course will be hosted by leading racehorse owner and Racing Welfare trustee Piers Pottinger - the owner of horses such as Geos, Caracciola and King Harald - and fellow owner Gavin MacEchern to a round of golf at the New Zealand Golf Club in Addlestone, Surrey.  The prestigious golf course, which boasts an extremely exclusive membership, is one of the UK's top 100."

As well as the inflatable obstacle course at the Cambridgeshire racecourse on Monday 29 August, 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.  All the entertainments - including the obstacle races - are in the Main Enclosure only, not the Picnic Enclosure.

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

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 huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk.

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 huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk quoting 'August2011'.

ENDS   490 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

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.  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.

Kempton Park Racecourse news: Mascot Grand National switched to Kempton Park

Thursday 18 August: The Mascot Grand National - the madcap race that attracts a worldwide television and online audience for the crazy antics of the participants - is moving to Kempton Park Racecourse.

The hilarious occasion during which up to 100 mascots run, walk, stagger and stumble over obstacles on a gruelling course is to be held at the Sunbury racecourse for the first time next May.

Established in 1999, the Mascot Grand National has been run 12 times at Huntingdon Racecourse which, like Kempton Park, is part of Jockey Club Racecourses.

Amy Starkey, Kempton Park's managing director who previously held the same position at Huntingdon, said: "We're delighted to be bringing the Mascot Grand National to Kempton Park.

"From next May - when we will stage the race on the Bank Holiday Monday at the start of the month - it will be bigger and more exciting than ever before.

"I know from my time as managing director of Huntingdon Racecourse how much fun the Mascot Grand National is and how much the public love it.  Moving to Kempton Park will be a new era for the race when we will showcase how much enjoyment there can be when mascots from a host of sporting clubs and other organisations get together.

"The mascots are really enthusiastic about it too because it's an occasion when they can all gather, raise money for charity and meet their fans.  The football mascots are especially passionate about it."

Mascots the length and breadth of the country step up their training as they prepare for the big day.

There's been mayhem, controversy, accusations of gamesmanship, and claims of 'ringers' over the years since the race was first run, but strict rules ensure good clean fun.

Mascot Grand National roll of honour

1999: The Mascot Grand National was born as 17 mascots took part in one of the most unusual sights ever seen on a racecourse.  Beau Brummie Bulldog, of Birmingham City FC, won.

2000: Word spread, and 49 mascots lined up, with Watford FC's Harry the Hornet stinging the bookmakers in a flying finish.

2001: Controversy as Freddie the Fox was first past the post, but turned out to be an Olympic athlete.  Uproar ensued, and Dazzler the Lion (Rushden & Diamonds FC) roared as he was proclaimed the new winner.

2002: Chaddy the Owl (Oldham Athletic FC) flew to victory amidst claims that he was another 'ringer'.  The accusations were unfounded - it had been Chaddy's vigorous training routine that enabled him to wing it.

2003: For the second year Chaddy the Owl was crowned victor, but only after several rivals were distracted by a female streaker.  An attempted £10,000 betting coup using a Commonwealth Games gold medallist as Sedge the Field Mouse failed when one of the rodent's feet fell off.

2004: The year of Graham the Gorilla, the mascot of local football club Finedon Volta FC, who sent the crowd bananas.

2005: The bookies expected Chaddy and Graham to dominate, but the Sun newspaper's Scoop 6 Squirrel drove everyone nuts with a stunning turn of foot.

2006: Football charity Kick 4 Life's mascot Mickey The Monkey proved he was the business despite an attempted 'rugby' tackle on him in the closing stages.  Sammy Saint was second for the second year.

2007: Wacky Macky Bear saw off the 2006 winner Mickey the Monkey to win for Saffron Walden FC on his Grand National debut.

2008: The tenth running of the mascot race sees Wacky Macky Bear win for the second year in a row.

2009: At last a Cambridgeshire winner, as Stag from Huntingdon Rugby Club triumphed.  Inside the costume was Heath Crawford, a New Zealand-born rugby player.

2010: Barnet Football Club's Mr Bumble stung his rivals with victory in the 12th running.

2011: No race.

2012: The Mascot Grand National moves to Kempton Park Racecourse.

ENDS  635 words

For further information, please contact:
Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292

18 August 2011

About The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club is at the heart of racing in Great Britain as the largest commercial group in the sport. Its interests include:

Jockey Club Racecourses: Responsible for the operation of a diversified portfolio of 14 racecourses in Great Britain: Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Newmarket, Nottingham, Sandown Park, Warwick and Wincanton.

The group stages four of the five 'Classics' of Flat racing (the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom Downs and the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket), as well as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree.

Jockey Club Estates: The property and land management company responsible for the management and administration of more than 5,000 acres of land in and around the racing training centres of Newmarket and Lambourn, as well as an extensive property portfolio, including the Jockey Club Rooms.

The National Stud: Transferred from Government to The Jockey Club in 2008, The National Stud is a commercial thoroughbred breeding enterprise with a commitment to provide training and educational programmes.

Racing Welfare: A racing charity and company limited by guarantee with The Jockey Club being the sole member. The principal objective of Racing Welfare is to provide help to those in need who work or have worked in the thoroughbred industry, and their dependants.

Redcar Racecourse news: Fantastic prizes to be won at first ever Ladies' AND Gents' Evening

Wednesday 17 August: So successful is Ladies’ Day every summer that Redcar Racecourse is now hosting another glamourous occasion in 2011 – a Ladies’ AND Gents’ Evening.

Alongside the horse racing on Saturday 27 August, there is a fashion show to watch, ‘best dressed’ competitions to enter and a fun casino to play.  Local band Chilli & The Peanuts are providing the music, while there will be a luxury ‘pamper’ zone in the Petch Stand.

As during Ladies’ Day, there are major prizes for the ‘best dressed’ racegoers.  The judges mingle with the crowds, so everyone is in with a chance of winning.

v      The ‘best dressed lady’ receives a designer dress from the Kate Fearnley Boutique, a bespoke fascinator or hat from Chic Hats, £100 of vouchers to spend at Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty, and a bouquet of flowers from Flowers by Hannah.

v      The ‘best dressed gent’ wins a £500 Gucci watch from Market Cross Jewellers and ten Grandstand tickets from the racecourse.

v      The ‘best dressed couple’ get a £400 men’s suit, shirt and tie from Middlesbrough’s Bakers Tailoring, a £200 Chamilia bracelet with charms from Market Cross Jewellers, a makeover, photo shoot and canvas courtesy of Capture Le Coeur Photography, and a bouquet of flowers from Flowers by Hannah.

Judging of the competitions will take place after the fourth race which is scheduled for 6.55pm.

Redcar Racecourse’s general manager Amy Fair said: “We have wonderful prizes which have been kindly and generously donated by local shops and businesses.  It gives a great incentive for all our visitors to dress to impress so that they can be in with a chance of winning.”

The fabulous local designers Kate Fearnley and Lynne Young of Chic Hats are teaming up with Bakers Tailoring to showcase a ‘Guide to Glamour’ fashion show in the winners’ enclosure after the second race at 6pm.

Former jockey Jimmy Bleasdale will be hosting a behind-the-scenes tour of the racecourse including a visit to the Weighing Room.  The tour will start at 3.30pm in front of the Petch Stand.

And there will also be entertainment for children, including bouncy castles, facepainters, plus a magician and a clown.

The first race on Saturday 27 August is at 5.20pm, with the finale at 7.55pm.  Gates open at 3pm.

General admission

Grandstand £15; Course Enclosure £5.  Accompanied children 16 always admitted free of charge.  Seniors £12 Grandstand and £4 Course Enclosure.

Special packages

Punter’s package - £13-23 in the Course Enclosure and Grandstand depending on the day: admission ticket; raceday programme; pint of beer, glass of wine, or soft drink; dish of the day or hot baguette; and £2 off a £5 betting voucher.

Garden party package - £27.50 in the Grandstand Enclosure: admission ticket; raceday programme; glass of Champagne or Pimm’s; seafood sandwich; bowl of strawberries & cream; and £2 off a £5 betting voucher.

Curry & pint package - £25 in the Grandstand Enclosure on feature days; admission ticket; raceday programme; pint of beer or lager; curry and rice; and £2 off a £5 betting voucher.

Barbecue package - £37.50 (£25.50 for under 16s) in the Grandstand Enclosure: use of the Classic Suite and Winners’ Enclosure viewing balcony; admission ticket; raceday programme; pint of beer, glass of wine, or soft drink; meal from BBQ selection; and £2 off a £5 betting voucher.

Every special package bought for the Grandstand gets a £5 voucher redeemable against future bookings.

More information at redcarracing.co.uk and twitter.com/#!/redcarracing.

ENDS   575 words

For further information, please contact:
Amy Fair, General Manager, at Redcar Racecourse, on 01642 484068

Kempton Park news: 'The People's Horse' wins her first race

Wednesday 17 August: Tweet Lady – the racehorse owned by hundreds of tweeters on Twitter – has won for the first time … at Kempton Park.

The two-year-old filly, dubbed “The People’s Horse”, made her debut at the Sunbury track two months ago, and won on Tuesday evening in only the fourth race of her career.

All of her followers on Twitter automatically become her virtual owners, and they get the chance to become real racehorse owners when she races.

It’s an initiative by Racing for Change whose chief executive Rod Street said: “Not everyone has the means to be able to own a racehorse, which is why we created ‘The People's Horse’.  This is the closest you will get to owning a horse, without a penny of outlay!”

Those who backed Tweet Lady at Kempton Park were certainly in the money.  Her starting price with the bookmakers in the 32Red.com Nursery was 16-1.

Tweet Lady’s progress can be followed online at twitter.com/#!/peopleshorse.  She has her own website too – thepeopleshorse.co.uk.

The next major racing occasion at Kempton Park is Ladies’ Day featuring a live DJ set from heart FM’s Toby Anstis on Saturday 3 September, with some fantastic prizes to be won for the best dressed courtesy of the Bentall Centre in Kingston.

Adult admission costs £15 on the day, or £12 booked in advance.  Accompanied under 18s get free admission.  Tickets can be bought online at kempton.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008.  Further details about Ladies’ Day can also be found at kemptonlive.co.uk.

Meantime, there’s racing on Kempton Park’s all-weather track every Wednesday (FROM 24 AUGUST) for the next 18 weeks – all the way to Christmas.

Travelling to Kempton Park could not be easier, only 30 minutes from central London with easy access off the M25 and plenty of free parking.  There is a railway to Kempton's own station with regular trains from Waterloo on the Shepperton line.

Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5AQ (01932 782292).  Panoramic Restaurant packages including admission and a table for the day in the restaurant can be purchased in advance from £42 per person (call 01932 753518 for details).  More information can be found at kempton.co.uk.

ENDS   365 words

For further information, please contact:

Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292

About The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club is at the heart of racing in Great Britain as the largest commercial group in the sport. Its interests include:

Jockey Club Racecourses: Responsible for the operation of a diversified portfolio of 14 racecourses in Great Britain: Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Newmarket, Nottingham, Sandown Park, Warwick and Wincanton.

The group stages four of the five 'Classics' of Flat racing (the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom Downs and the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket), as well as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree.

Jockey Club Estates: The property and land management company responsible for the management and administration of more than 5,000 acres of land in and around the racing training centres of Newmarket and Lambourn, as well as an extensive property portfolio, including the Jockey Club Rooms.

The National Stud: Transferred from Government to The Jockey Club in 2008, The National Stud is a commercial thoroughbred breeding enterprise with a commitment to provide training and educational programmes.

Racing Welfare: A racing charity and company limited by guarantee with The Jockey Club being the sole member. The principal objective of Racing Welfare is to provide help to those in need who work or have worked in the thoroughbred industry, and their dependants.

Ffos Las Racecourse news release: Family Fun and Ladies' Days attractions announced

Wednesday 17 August: Ffos Las is laying on two fantastic days of entertainment on and off the racetrack as the summer holidays draw to a close.

In the lead-up to the August Bank Holiday weekend the Carmarthenshire racecourse will host a Family Fun Day and Ladies’ Day on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 August.

Fifteen races, many of them sponsored by the Tote, are over jumps on the first day and on the flat and over jumps on the Friday.

v      25 August is Family Fun Day, with the Panic Circus and its big top and free entertainment for children, plus live music before and after the races.

v      26 August is Ladies’ Day with live music after the races.  There will be prizes for the best dressed lady, best dressed gent and best hat in association with Samantha K Occasion Wear, Dyfed Menswear and Alison Tod.

 

Tim Long, General Manager and Clerk of the Course, at Ffos Las Racecourse, said: “We broke new ground with a mixed day of flat and jump racing last summer and it really captured the imagination of horse racing fans.

“Mixed meetings are popular in Ireland, and Haydock Park and Sandown Park hold one each year in Britain.  Our Ladies’ Day on Friday 26 August will be an occasion that will attract a lot of interest.  There are terrific prizes to be won, so visitors should dress to impress.

“We’re laying on live music and entertainments on both afternoons and so, with accompanied children aged under 16 admitted free of charge, they offer a splendid opportunity for families to enjoy a day out at the races.”

Thursday afternoon’s jump racing includes the £20,000 Toteswinger More Ways To Win Handicap Chase as its feature.

There is a veritable feast of racing on Friday afternoon when no fewer than eight races will be run over both jumps and on the flat.  The first four races are on the flat track, and then the meeting comes to a conclusion with two hurdle races and two steeplechases, the highlight of which will be the £22,000 Try Totequickpick On All Totepool Bets Chase.

The first race times are 2.20pm and 2pm respectively.

Admission tickets and offers

v      Tickets for over 16s - booked by 22 August - cost £18.  Tickets bought on the day are £20.  Accompanied under 16s are admitted free of charge.

v      PIMM'S offer - book four admission tickets in advance at £18 each to receive a free jug of PIMM'S (subject to availability).

v      Special advance ticket - £22 - includes admission, carvery roll (vegetarian option available on request at concession van), racecard, plus a pint of lager/bitter/cider or a glass of wine.

Further information about Ffos Las Racecourse can be found online at ffoslasracecourse.com.

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For further information, please contact:
Tim Long, General Manager and Clerk of the Course, at Ffos Las Racecourse, on 01554 811092

Market Rasen Racecourse news release: The Reason 4 to support Peter Andre concert

Tuesday 16 August: The Reason 4 - who are on the brink of becoming the latest huge pop sensation - are to be the support at Peter Andre's concert at Market Rasen Racecourse on Saturday (20 AUGUST).

It's set to make the night out at the Lincolnshire racecourse even more of a must be at occasion, with the band performing their debut single Take It All that was released just over a week ago.

"Next Saturday was already going to be a fantastic evening, with all the horse races and a performance by Peter Andre," said racecourse managing director Pip Kirkby.  "Now it's going to be even better, with The Reason 4 here too."

The Reason 4 appeared on The X Factor in 2010, progressing as far as the judge's houses stage of the competition.  Since then, Glenn, Marc, Nate and Scott have signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and a record deal with Far West Music.  Bridging the gap between JLS and Take That, the group put an unconventional spin on the manband genre (thereason4.com).

Tickets for the evening - including the horse racing - continue to sell well.

Pip Kirkby added: "His good looks and charisma make Peter Andre appealing to people of all ages, and he has a huge following.  We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy an evening of horse racing, followed by a fantastic concert."

Tickets can be bought online at marketrasenraces.co.uk, by telephone on 08445 793009 or at the racecourse in person.

The first race on Saturday 20 August is at 5.30pm.  The last race is at 8pm, and the concert follows.
The prices are: Premier £32 (maximum of four tickets per person); County £25; Tattersalls £20; Family £15.  Unlike horse racing only fixtures at Market Rasen Racecourse when accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge, tickets for children aged five years and over will cost £6 each.  Children's tickets are limited in number, so early purchase is advisable, and there will be a maximum of two children's tickets per paying adult.

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For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434

Market Rasen Racecourse news release: Ladies' Night is social highlight of 2011

Monday 8 August: Lincolnshire's ladies don't need Royal Ascot because they're on to a winner at Market Rasen Racecourse's social occasion of the year on Saturday (13 AUGUST).

Following the success of the racecourse's Ladies' Day in July, thousands of the fairer sex will once again be getting out their finery, dressing up and joining their partners or friends for one of the fashion highlights of the Lincolnshire calendar.

Ladies' Night is one of the most popular horse racing days, and there will be valuable prizes to be won by the 'Best Dressed Lady and by 'Miss Market Rasen Racecourse'.

Pip Kirkby, the racecourse's managing director, said: "Horse racing and fashion go together like good food and fine wine.  Lincolnshire's ladies just love getting dressed up for a night at the races.  And, with so many fashionable ladies at the racecourse, it makes for a fantastic night for the men folk as well.

"Our Ladies' Night is one that ladies across the county and beyond look forward to every year."

Ladies' Night prizes:

* The 'Best Dressed Lady' wins a selection of jewellery from John Greed at Home, a bottle of Champagne and a bouquet of flowers.  The runner-up receives a £40 voucher from 'Love Me' in House of Fraser, Lincoln, Champagne and flowers.  Third place wins Champagne and flowers.

* The winner of the 'Miss Market Rasen Racecourse' competition receives a meal for two with a bottle of wine at Market Rasen's Advocate Arms, Champagne and a bouquet of flowers.  The runner-up wins a £50 voucher from Touches beauty salon in Market Rasen, Champagne and a bouquet of flowers.  Third place gets Champagne and flowers.

There will also be a chance for visitors to enter a competition in the racecard, with the winner getting to meet Peter Andre at the Rasen Rocks meeting on Saturday 20 August.

The horse racing is between 5.50pm and 8.10pm, with gates open from 3.30pm.

A special 'Hats and Hooves Package' admission package is available for just £27 and includes County Enclosure admission, a selection from the bistro menu, a glass of Pimm's, a raceday programme and a discounted Tote bet.

Admission

Premier Members £28; County Enclosure £21; Tattersalls £16; Family Enclosure £10; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult.  Accompanied children 18 admitted free of charge.  Tickets can be bought online at marketrasenraces.co.uk, by telephone on 0844 579 3009 or at the racecourse in person.

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For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434

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.

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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.

Market Rasen Racecourse news release: Visitors get the chance to meet Peter Andre

Wednesday 3 August: Visitors to Market Rasen Racecourse are to get the chance to meet pop sensation Peter Andre when he performs on Saturday 20 August.

The racecourse has outlined the number of chances that racegoers have to talk to the pop sensation.
There will be competitions:

* At the racecourse in the racecard on Ladies' Night - Saturday 13 August - with the winner announced on the evening;

* At the racecourse in the racecard on the evening of the performance - Saturday 20 August;

* On the racecourse's Facebook page for the two weeks leading up to Saturday 20 August - with the winner announced on the evening;

* In two newspapers over the next fortnight - the Lincolnshire Echo and the Market Rasen Mail.

Peter Andre said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be performing at Market Rasen Racecourse.  I've heard that there's always a great atmosphere, so I'm really looking forward to it and hope to see everyone there."

Tickets for the Peter Andre performance - which includes the horse racing on 20 August - continue to sell well.

Pip Kirkby, managing director of Market Rasen Racecourse, said: "With Peter Andre being such a famous performer and personality, we are anticipating the concert after racing on Saturday 20 August to be very popular indeed.

"His good looks and charisma make Peter Andre appealing to people of all ages, and he has a huge following.  We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy an evening of horse racing, followed by a fantastic concert."

Tickets can be bought online at marketrasenraces.co.uk, by telephone on 08445 793009 or at the racecourse in person.

The prices are: Premier £32 (maximum of four tickets per person); County £25; Tattersalls £20; Family £15.  Unlike horse racing only fixtures at Market Rasen Racecourse when accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge, tickets for children aged five years and over will cost £6 each.  Children's tickets are limited in number, so early purchase is advisable, and there will be a maximum of two children's tickets per paying adult.

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For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434

Haydock Park Racecourse news release: Four star race on Saturday

Wednesday 3 August: The horses that filled the first four places in the 2010 Betfred Rose of Lancaster Stakes could clash again in this year's renewal on Saturday (6 AUGUST) at Haydock Park.

The ten-furlong race is the feature event of the final three-day meeting of 2011 at the racecourse which starts on Thursday with a summer holiday family fun day.

Class Is Class, Poet, Distant Memories and Fallen Idol are among 18 entries for the £50,000 Group 3 race.

The horse racing is top notch on Saturday afternoon with the races also including the EBF 'Kayf Tara' Dick Hern Fillies' Stakes.

Haydock Park's August meeting begins on Thursday when champion jockey Paul Hanagan rides.

With the summer holiday season in full swing, all accompanied children will be admitted free of charge and lots of free entertainment is being provided for the youngsters.

In the combined Newton & Tattersalls Enclosure, there will be: seaside beach fun; donkey rides; Punch & Judy shows; cheeky chimps party bus; summer circus and craft workshops, inflatable pirate ship, a bouncy castle and face painters.

As a special offer, for every adult who buys a meal worth £5 or more in the Newton Café, one child eats free from the children's menu.

A little over 24 hours later, and it's the third and final Ladies' Night of the season when fashion comes to the fore.

The evening features: the search for the 'best dressed lady', with a prize of £1,000; 'The Kiki' by Kirsty Doyle Collection fashion show; a silent disco with Radio City DJ Rick Houghton; Firefly - a free makeover and photography session for one lucky winner; and free mini-makeovers.

All the Ladies' Night activities take place on the racecourse's Makerfield Lawn and are free for visitors to the Tattersalls Enclosure and upwards.

Admission

* Thursday 4 August: £12 Newton & Tattersalls combined enclosure; £24 County; £36 Premier.  First race - 2.10pm.
* Friday 5 August: £12 Newton; £20 Tattersalls; £30 County; £45 Premier.  First race - 6pm.
* Saturday 6 August: £12 Newton; £22 Tattersalls; £35 County; £48 Premier.  First race - 1.45pm.

Accompanied children under 18 enter free.  Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls at half price.  More at haydock-park.com where tickets can be bought online.

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For further information, please contact:
Dickon White, managing director, at Haydock Park Racecourse, on 01942 725963

Market Rasen Racecourse news: Prelude Hurdle given 'Listed' status

Tuesday 2 August: Market Rasen Racecourse's high class jump racing fixture in late September has been boosted with the major hurdle race being given 'Listed' status.

The £30,000 Prelude Hurdle, run over two miles and one furlong, now ranks alongside the already Listed £50,000 Prelude Chase and creates a day of racing equally as prestigious as Totesport Summer Plate in July.

Both races - and two more on the seven-race card on Saturday 24 September - will be sponsored by the Tote.

Pip Kirkby, the racecourse's managing director, said: "We are delighted that the jump racing pattern race committee has given our Prelude Hurdle 'Listed' status.

"We have worked hard in recent years to create an excellent racing day in late September which falls between what is popularly regarded as the 'summer' jump racing season and the major National Hunt campaign that leads all the way to the Cheltenham Festival and the John Smith's Grand National.

"The quality of the horses being sent to run at the Prelude meeting continues to improve and that is reflected in the upgrading of the Prelude Hurdle."

The Prelude fixture is one that has been successfully targeted by top trainers like Nigel Twiston-Davies and Philip Hobbs as they prepare their horses for the major jump races in the autumn and winter.

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For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434 or 07796 996081