The Racecourse Newbury gears up for Betfred

2013 winner Gregorian among 17 set for Betfred Hungerford Stakes

Betfred TV Geoffrey Freer Stakes attracts Investec Derby second Kingston Hill

A bumper field of 17 could line up for the Betfred Hungerford Stakes at The Racecourse Newbury on Saturday with last year’s winner Gregorian among the entries for the Group 2 contest.

Gregorian, who was only 10th of 14 when fancied for the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday, could make amends by becoming the first dual-Hungerford winner since Jimmy Reppin in 1969. Aljamaheer, a late withdrawal from the Prix Maurice de Gheest, may also line up.

Richard Hannon, whose father Richard Snr won this showpiece three times, has entered three with last season’s champion juvenile Toormore the star name. Producer and Professor are the others from the stable.

Toormore’s recent conqueror at Goodwood, Es Que Love, is engaged, as is Marco Botti’s Summer Mile winner Guest Of Honour, and Godolphin’s Tawhid.

Red Evie in 2007 was the last female to win the seven-furlong race and three fillies could try and emulate her ─ Muteela, who lost her unbeaten record at Goodwood on her last start, Kiyoshi and Al Thakhira.

Hughie Morrison’s Chil The Kite is one of five previous Newbury winners in the Hungerford line-up.

The Betfred TV Geoffrey Freer Stakes is shaping up to be strong race with leading St Leger hopes Hartnell, Kings Fete and Investec Derby second Kingston Hill all featuring among 19 entries for the one-mile-five-furlong contest. Coral-Eclipse second Somewhat, recent Group winners Pether’s Moon and Sheikhzayedroad, and two-time Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeux, second in this race last year, are other big names in the mix.

The Racecourse Newbury’s Julian Thick said: “Both the Betfred Hungerford Stakes and the Betfred TV Geoffrey Freer Stakes have attracted excellent entries with multiple Group race winners in each one.

“We’re delighted to see Gregorian among the entries for the former as he bids to become only the second horse to win the race twice, and all eyes will be on the Geoffrey Freer Stakes looking for St Leger clues.”

 Berkshire summer highlight welcomes superstar DJs Annie Mac and Pete Tong to the course

Ladies should be putting Saturday 16th August in their diaries as The Racecourse Newbury’s popular Betfred Ladies Day is fast approaching.

Betfred Ladies Day is the social highlight of the summer season at Newbury, with ladies dressing for a glamorous day at the races, and a host of attractions ensuring there is plenty to look forward to aside from the top-class action on the track.

There will be a Best Dressed Lady competition where the winner will be treated to a holiday in Florida, courtesy of Charter Travel of Newbury and Virgin Atlantic.

A ‘Refresh and Revive’ zone will feature brands like John Lewis, L’Occitane and Benefit from Debenhams Parkway offering refreshing pamper treatments and samples for racegoers. The special zone will also feature the five top dresses currently available at Parkway on mannequins from differing brands as chosen by local fashion designer Natasha Franklin. Hotel Chocolat tasting sessions will also be provided.

A Porsche Reading Lounge will display some of the car maker’s latest models and offer the chance to win a driving experience at Silverstone.

After a glittering seven-race card that features the Group 2 Betfred Hungerford Stakes, the Group 3 Betfred TV Geoffrey Freer Stakes and The Listed Denford Stud Stakes (registered as the Washington Singer Stakes), two of the biggest names in dance music, the BBC Radio 1 duo of Annie Mac and Ibiza heavyweight Pete Tong, will be performing.

Pete Tong is one of the most famous DJs in the world and currently hosts the iconic 9pm-11pm Friday night national radio show on BBC Radio 1. Annie Mac is the queen of dance music and has the two-hour slot prior to Tong on Friday nights where over one million listeners tune in to hear her kick-start the weekend.

“We’re looking forward to a fantastic festival atmosphere here for Betfred Ladies Day. With great racing, the Best Dressed Lady competition, and music from two of the most popular DJs around, the stage is set for a truly memorable summer day at the racecourse,” said Julian Thick, CEO at The Racecourse Newbury.

Gates Open at 11.00am with the first race at 1pm and the last race at 4.25. Tickets are still available and are priced from £30 for adults, with private hospitality boxes and restaurant packages from £69.50. Call 01635 40015 or visit the website at www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk for more information.