Racecourse Newbury Updates

Breton Rock edges out Gregorian in Betfred Hungerford Stakes classic

David Simcock’s Breton Rock produced a gutsy performance to land  Betfred Hungerford Stakes at The Racecourse Newbury, denying the John Gosden-trained Gregorian back-to-back wins in the £100,000 Group Two prize.

The four-year-old son of Bahamian Bounty, sent off the 3/1 second favourite, clearly relished the cut in the ground and battled gamely in a titanic battle and was a short head in front where it matterered

“He got his conditions today which is so important”, said a delighted David Simcock. “He should have won at Haydock last time and we’ve given him a little break for this autumn campaign”.

Winning jockey Martin Lane was also full of praise for the ultra-consistent gelding who has only once finished out of the frame in 13 career starts to date. “The key to him is that he really tries”, said his victorious pilot. “It’s his main attribute and I’m delighted he’s landed a prize like this”.

Earlier on the card, Seismos landed the Group 3 Betfred TV Geoffrey Freer Stakes under Martin Harley for trainer Marco Botti. The 11/1 shot eventually wore down Willing Foe in another thrilling finish on Betfred Ladies Day.

The Denford Stud Stakes (Registered As The Washington Singer Stakes) produced a small but select field of four and on paper it looked a straight match between Roger Varian’s Belardo and Charlie Appleby’s Hawkesbury. However, the former ran out a comprehensive 3 ¾ length victor showing an impressive turn of foot late on.

The ladies turned out in force for Betfred Ladies Day and Ruth Gibson from London was the winner of the Best Dressed competition. She won a luxury Florida holiday for two courtesy of Charter Travel of Newbury and Virgin Atlantic.

Superstar DJs Pete Tong and Annie Mac rounded off a fantastic day.

Julian Thick, CEO at The Racecourse Newbury, said: “Congratulations to the connections of Breton Rock for a tremendous win in the Betfred Hungerford Stakes. I didn’t know who had crossed the line in front, it was such a pulsating finish and the crowd clearly loved it.

“There has been some quality action both on and off the track and we’d like to thank all our sponsors, everyone who came to help make Betfred Ladies Day special, and, of course, Pete Tong and Annie Mac.”

Annie Mac and Pete Tong sparkle on Ladies Day at The Racecourse Newbury Breton Rock takes Betfred Hungerford Stakes glory

Superstar DJs Annie Mac and Pete Tong rounded off a fantastic Betfred Ladies Day at The Racecourse Newbury this Saturday as they partied long into the evening with a bumper crowd in excess of 15,000.

The Radio 1 heavyweights took to the stage shortly after racing and wowed racegoers with some of the biggest dance hits in their first ever performance at a racecourse.

The duo’s appearance at the track was the perfect finale to a glittering Ladies Day. The event has grown to become one of Berkshire’s most popular events with the combination of top quality racing, fashion and live music making it a sporting and social highlight of the summer.

A relaxing ‘Refresh and Revive’ zone, featuring brands like John Lewis, L’Occitane, Hotel Chocolat, and Benefit from Debenhams Parkway, proved a hit with the ladies who were offered refreshing pamper treatments and samples to ensure they looked their best.

The Porsche Centre Reading also displayed some of the car maker’s latest models and Fiona Barrett from Hermitage won a driving experience at Silverstone.

Julian Thick, CEO at The Racecourse Newbury, commented: “We had a fantastic crowd here for Betfred Ladies Day and it was great to see people of all ages dancing along to Annie Mac and Pete Tong.

“We are always looking at ways to get new people into racing and we’ve been really pleased with the feedback from racegoers this afternoon. We’re now looking forward to our next meeting here – Dubai Duty Free Weekend on September 19th and 20th.”

The star of the track was Breton Rock who landed the £100,000 feature race of the day, the Group 2 Betfred Hungerford Stakes for trainer David Simcock. Ridden by Martin Lane the 3/1 shot won by a short head from last year’s winner Gregorian.

Seismos took the other big prize, the Group 3 Betfred TV Geoffrey Freer Stakes, battling past Willing Foe in another barnstorming finish.