Racing for Racegoers promises to be a day to remember for racing fans

4 September, 2013 – After a summer of highly successful initiatives aimed at attracting new visitors, The Racecourse Newbury is taking horse racing back to its roots with a special ‘Racing for Racegoers’ afternoon on Saturday, 21^st September.

 

Dubbed as ‘the definitive experience for the racing enthusiast’, the day will offer a number of unique opportunities and attractions that will appeal to racing fans on a day where the top-class action on the track includes the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes and the Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup (registered as the Arc Trial).

 

Stephen Higgins, joint Managing Director of The Racecourse Newbury said: “We are delighted to be holding our inaugural Racing for Racegoers afternoon on Saturday, 21^st September.

 

“The high quality racing on the day – spearheaded by the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes – is what this racecourse is all about and this initiative is a great opportunity for us to give something back to our racegoers.

 

“It’s an ideal chance for everyone, regardless of their level of horse racing knowledge, to learn more about the sport that we all love.”

 

The day will begin with the chance to walk the track with a Group 1-winning jockey, alongside Clerk of the Course Richard Osgood.

 

The feature of the afternoon will be a Speaker’s Corner where, throughout the afternoon, a variety of prominent experts from the world of horseracing will be hosting informative talks followed by question and answer sessions.

 

Some of the confirmed guest speakers include;

• Matthew Tester, official BHA Handicapper, who will discuss the handicapping of horses;
• James Luck of Luck Greayer Bloodstock Shipping who will speak on the challenges of flying horses around the world for big races;
• Jamie Lynch, Chief Correspondent for ratings organisation Timeform, will provide an analysis into how Timeform ratings, widely accepted as the definitive measure of racing merit, are produced;
• There will also be insights from experienced on-course bookmaker Geoff Banks, a representative from The Horse Comes First campaign and a vet’s corner discussing equine well-being and nutrition.

 

An exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes and see the weighing room, the judge’s booth, and the commentary box will also be available for racegoers.

 

And as if all of this wasn’t enough, a racing quiz running between races will offer some fantastic prizes including a stable tour at two-time champion trainer Richard Hannon’s yard, Hennessy Heritage Festival packages including tickets and hospitality, the chance to present a prize to winning connections as well as the opportunity to judge the best turned out before a race.

 

The first contest on the six-race card is at 1.20pm, with the last race at 4.40pm. The highlight is the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes, one of the leading races in the calendar for juveniles and a race won last year by Marco Botti’s Moohaajim.

 

Those wanting to walk the course and attend the behind the scenes tours are invited to register their interest by emailing [email protected] with “Racing for Racegoers” in the subject title. Please note, these activities are only open to visitors with a valid entrance ticket/badge.

 

Tickets start from £20 for Grandstand and £30 for Premier. For booking and more information visit www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk.