Q&A With Eve Johnson Houghton The Trainer of The Colts & Fillies Club Horse, Yurituni

We are delighted to announce that our Colts & Fillies club horse, Yurituni will be joining us at Ascot on Sunday 1st April, Countryside Raceday. She will be joined by her trainer Eve Johnson Houghton, who will be on hand to let everyone know what we can expect from her in the 2012 season.

To see Yurituni on Sunday head down to the Colts & Fillies area by the Parade Ring at 1.30pm. We will be giving away free supporter packs* on the day to Colts & Fillies members.

About Eve:

You come from an impressive racing background, did you always know you wanted to be a trainer or did you have another career in mind?

No, I have always loved sport and really wanted to do something in sport, preferably with a gold medal attached, or a sports presenter of some sort. 

What is the best thing about training racehorses?

You are doing something you love, everyday. No day is the same and I get to ride out in the most beautiful countryside instead of sitting in a traffic jam.

And the worst?

Health & Safety regulations and horse injuries

All winners are special but which has been your favourite success and why?

Robustian at Pontefract. He was my 1st ever winner. Also Phluke at Redcar last year. He was 10 years old, had only gone up as a companion to Bling King (who was disappointing) and ended up winning the last over 2 furlongs further than he had ever been before!!

What are you looking forward to most in 2012?

I set the target of having a Royal Ascot winner. I look forward to fulfilling that one!

About Yurituni:

When did you first start training Yurituni?

April 2009. We bought her at the Breeze Up sales at Newmarket for a new owner. She ran 7 times that year and won a big nursery at York and also again at Bath.

What distance are we most likely to see her run over?

6-7 furlongs

Why did you decide to get Yurituni involved with the Colts & Fillies Club?

She is a very consistent filly now owned by the family. She is very sweet natured and will let all the colts and fillies pet her and more importantly, she should run quite a few times and should get in the winners enclosure.

Why do you think it’s important to get the younger generation involved in racing?

I grew up going racing, and it’s a great way of life. It’s a great sport that all the family can get involved with and can give them a lifetime of good clean fun.

What will Yurituni’s daily routine be now she is back in training?

1st thing in the morning she will have breakfast (about 5.30). Then at 7.30 she will go out for her morning exercise which consists of a good warm up, 2 canters and a long warm down. If it is nice weather she will get a pick on the grass and a wash down. She then goes back into her box, has lunch at about 12.00 and then has an afternoon siesta. At 4pm her stable lad comes in and mucks her out and dresses her over. I will look at her at 5.30pm and then she has some supper at about 6pm. If it is very nice weather she may get turned out for a couple of hours in the afternoon.

When do you think Yurituni will have her first run of 2012?

Probably at the end of April, beginning of May

She has won and been placed each season since her racing career began, do you think she will continue her success this year?

I very much hope so!!

The Colts & Fillies Club is free for children age 16 and under and organises activities throughout the year which allow youngsters to engage in horse racing and learn about it in a fun and exciting way.

To become a member please visit www.ascot.co.uk or sign up on Sunday 1st April in the blue Colts & Fillies kiosk by the Bandstand Lawn.

*Subject to availability

Win a Family Day Pass

Throughout the year we have 5 race days dedicated to family fun and this week we’re running a competition to win 2 Family Day Passes.

Scotty the Ascot Mascot

The prize entitles the winning family, admitting 2 adults and up to 4 children, to attend every Family Day throughout the year with Grandstand Admission to the following days:

• Sunday 1st April – Countryside Raceday
• Sunday 22nd July – Betfair Weekend Family Fun Day
• Saturday 11th August – The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and ‘80s Concert
• Saturday 3rd November – United House Group Day and firework spectacular
• Saturday 22nd December – Christmas Meeting

Peppe Pig joins us at
Ascot on Sunday 22nd July

Competition Closed

This competition has now closed and the winner Stacey Smith from Cambs has been informed and we look forward to welcoming her to all our Family Days.

We will be having more competitions throughout the year.







Family Day Passes can be purchased for £47.50 per adult, amounting to a saving of over £50 each, while children under 18 are admitted free to all Ascot racedays. Offer limited to four Family Day Passes per household and bookings must be made before 29th March. To book, call 0844 346 3000 and talk to a member of the sales team. 

Family Day Pass Terms & Conditions
1. Competition closes at 12.00pm on Tuesday 13th March.
2. Competition is only open to 'fans' of Ascot Racecourse on Facebook.
3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Facebook (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
4. Unless otherwise specified, competition open to UK and Republic Of Ireland residents aged 18 or over except employees of Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot Hospitality, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies.
5. The prize includes two Grandstand Admission Family Day Passes to all 5 Family in 2012 for one family. No cash alternative is available and all prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prizes are not for resale and cannot be used for commercial use or use in further promotions.
6. The prize winners will be selected at random by Ascot Racecourse Ltd. Their decision is final in every situation, including any not covered, above and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner will be notified by 12pm on Wednesday 14th March of their prize.
8. Ascot Racecourse Ltd will not pass your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding your prize if necessary.
9. Use of false name or address, i.e. name, by which the entrant is not usually known, will disqualify them from receiving any prize. All entrants will be notified by e-mail. Ascot Racecourse Ltd can only reply to the e-mail address supplied and cannot be responsible for any change of e-mail address.
10. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
11. Prizes will be sent within 28 days after the competition closes.
12. One entry per household per day.
13. If a prize is not claimed within 28 days it will be offered to another entrant.
14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
15. For a list of winners please send a stamped envelope to Competitions, Marketing Department, Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, SL5 7JX, stating for which competition you would like winners' details.
Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX

Save over £50 with the 2012 Ascot Family Day Pass

We have five fantastic Family Days in 2012 so put the dates in your diary. We will once again be offering our Family Day ticket offer for 2012.

The family days will include:

Sunday 1st April – Countryside Raceday

Sunday 22nd July – Betfair Weekend Family Day

Saturday 11th August – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and 80s Concert

Saturday 3rd November – United House Group Day and Firework Spectacular

Saturday 22nd December – Christmas Meeting

 

You can now buy a Grandstand Admission ticket to all five Family Days in 2012 for just £47.50 per adult a saving of over £50!

Grandstand Admission tickets for Family Days are usually £18 per person, except Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup when they are priced at £26 so this is great value for money.

Simply quote Family Day Pass Offer when booking.To book, call 0844 346 3000 and talk to a member of the Sales Team. Don’t forget kids under 18 go FREE! Offer limited to four 2012 Family Day Passes per household and must be booked before 29th March 2012.

Day 11 of the Ascot Racecourse Facebook Advent Calendar

The festive season is now upon us and Ascot Racecourse would like to spread some festive cheer amongst all of our loyal fans. For 24 days we will be offering you the chance to win some fantastic prizes donated to us by some very kind companies. 

Today you could be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. Play your part and become the hero of your very own LEGOLAND adventure! Fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, or join the Viking fleet and ride the churning rapids. Steer your own course on the Driving School and use laser guns to battle your way through an ancient tomb. For the ultimate adventure board the world's first LEGO® submarine ride and explore the deep secrets of the sea.

 

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, all you need to do is 'Like'us on Facebook and answer the following question.

Which song begins with "Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall"?

Send your name, address and answer under the subject heading 'Christmas Day 11' to facebook@ascot.co.uk for your chance to win our first prize!

If you're not so lucky, why not begin your journey of discovery today by visiting http://www.legoland.co.uk/ and plan your fun filled visit in 2012. With over 55 interactive rides and attractions, there's just too much to experience in one day!

Day 10 Prize Winner is David Garlant from Hampshire. Congratulations!

Ascot Racecourse Advent Calendar Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 11th December.
2. Competition only open to 'fans' of Ascot Racecourse on Facebook.
3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Facebook (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
4. Unless otherwise specified, competition open to UK and Republic Of Ireland residents aged 18 or over except employees of Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot Hospitality, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies.
5. No cash alternative is available and all prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prizes are not for resale and cannot be used for commercial use or use in further promotions.
6. The prize winners will be selected at random by Ascot Racecourse Ltd. Their decision is final in every situation, including any not covered, above and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner(s) will be notified by 3pm on Monday 12th December of their prize.
8. Ascot Racecourse Ltd will not pass your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding your prize if necessary.
9. Use of false name or address, i.e. name, by which the entrant is not usually known, will disqualify them from receiving any prize. All entrants will be notified by e-mail. Ascot Racecourse Ltd can only reply to the e-mail address supplied and cannot be responsible for any change of e-mail address.
10. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
11. Prizes will be sent within 28 days after the competition closes.
12. One entry per household per day.
13. If a prize is not claimed within 28 days it will be offered to another entrant.
14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX

Legoland Terms & Conditions
1. A family ticket comprises of 2 adults and 2 children (under 16 years old) tickets.
2. Valid from 17th March to 4th November 2012.
3. The voucher entitles the holder to one FREE ENTRY to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort for two adults and two children unless specified differently on the voucher.
4. an adult is 16 years and over at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. A child is 3-15 years. Children under 3 years go free.
5. Children must be accompanied by an adult
6. The voucher can only be used for one visit between 16th March 2012 - 4th November 2012 and requires the entire party to visit as a group on the same day.
7. The voucher can only be used as stipulated and it cannot be exchanged for cash or used in any other way. Sale of the voucher for profit is prohibited. Photocopies will not be accepted. Admission prices are subject to change. Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or concession, reward/loyalty program, pre-purchased tickets, 2 day pass, Annual Pass, on-line tickets, rail inclusive offers or for group/advance bookings.
8. The voucher may only be used for fundraising activities by registered charities that comply with the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort charity policy and have been given permission by LEGOLAND Windsor Resort to do so.
9. The voucher is valid from 16th March 2012 until 4th November 2012; Dates are subject to change - check opening dates & times before you visit at legoland.co.uk
10. The voucher must be presented to guest services and exchanged for complementary tickets before entering the park
11. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to refuse entry and to close and/or alter all or any part of the facilities including closure of rides and/or attractions for technical, operational, health and safety or other reasons including over capacity.
12. Size, height, weight, age restrictions and medical warnings apply to certain rides and attractions.

Day 9 of the Ascot Racecourse Facebook Advent Calendar

The festive season is now upon us and Ascot Racecourse would like to spread some festive cheer amongst all of our loyal fans. For 24 days we will be offering you the chance to win some fantastic prizes donated to us by some very kind companies.

Today you could be in with a chance of winning four tickets to see the pantomime of your dreams “Sleeping Beauty” on Sunday 8th January courtesy of Theatre Royal Windsor.

This year’s show features hit parade superstar Tony Christie as the King & international movie legend Britt Ekland as the Wicked Fairy alongside a host of other stars. With a fabulous live band, stunning sets and terrific performances, "Sleeping Beauty" will be a magical musical treat for all the family and certainly one to treasure!

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, all you need to do is ‘Like’ us on Facebook and answer the following question.

Which famous singer is playing the King in Sleeping Beauty at Windsor this December?

Send your name, address and answer under the subject heading 'Christmas Day 8' to facebook@ascot.co.uk for your chance to win our first prize!

If you’re not so lucky, why not visit http://www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/ to book a show at one of Britain’s leading theatres, to see a range of shows from the classics and traditional pantomime to first productions.

Day 8 Prize Winner is Kris Bates from Bedfordshire. Congratulations!

Ascot Racecourse Advent Calendar Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Friday 9th December.

2. Competition only open to ‘fans’ of Ascot Racecourse on Facebook.

3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Facebook (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.

4. Unless otherwise specified, competition open to UK and Republic Of Ireland residents aged 18 or over except employees of Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot Hospitality, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies.

5. No cash alternative is available and all prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prizes are not for resale and cannot be used for commercial use or use in further promotions.

6. The prize winners will be selected at random by Ascot Racecourse Ltd. Their decision is final in every situation, including any not covered, above and no correspondence will be entered into.

7. The winner(s) will be notified by 3pm on Saturday 10th December of their prize.

8. Ascot Racecourse Ltd will not pass your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding your prize if necessary.

9. Use of false name or address, i.e. name, by which the entrant is not usually known, will disqualify them from receiving any prize. All entrants will be notified by e-mail. Ascot Racecourse Ltd can only reply to the e-mail address supplied and cannot be responsible for any change of e-mail address.

10. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.

11. Prizes will be sent within 28 days after the competition closes.

12. One entry per household per day.

13. If a prize is not claimed within 28 days it will be offered to another entrant.

14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX

Theatre Royal Windsor Terms & Conditions

1. Tickets are four people only.
2. Tickets are for the 4pm performance on Sunday 8th January of Sleeping Beauty. The tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and no cash alternative is available.

Day 8 of the Ascot Racecourse Facebook Advent Calendar

The festive season is now upon us and Ascot Racecourse would like to spread some festive cheer amongst all of our loyal fans. For 24 days we will be offering you the chance to win some fantastic prizes donated to us by some very kind companies.

Today you could be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to the most famous chocolate experience, Cadbury World, plus a chocolate goodie bag full of Cadbury treats. You’ll get the chance to explore fourteen amazing zones, from the Aztec Jungle where the cocoa beans first came from, to the Demonstration Area where you’ll get the chance to write your name in liquid chocolate. Don’t forget to visit the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop on the way out!

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, all you need to do is ‘Like’ us on Facebook and answer the following question.

What year did Cadbury first launch the world-famous Dairy Milk Bar?

Send your name, address and answer under the subject heading 'Christmas Day 8' to facebook@ascot.co.uk for your chance to win our first prize!

If you’re not so lucky, why not visit http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/ to plan your visit to Cadbury World in 2012 to see where chocolate comes to life.

Day 7 Prize Winner is Wendy Bailey from Essex. Congratulations!

Ascot Racecourse Advent Calendar Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Thursday 8th December.

2. Competition only open to ‘fans’ of Ascot Racecourse on Facebook.
3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Facebook (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
4. Unless otherwise specified, competition open to UK and Republic Of Ireland residents aged 18 or over except employees of Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot Hospitality, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies.

5. No cash alternative is available and all prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prizes are not for resale and cannot be used for commercial use or use in further promotions.
6. The prize winners will be selected at random by Ascot Racecourse Ltd. Their decision is final in every situation, including any not covered, above and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner(s) will be notified by 3pm on Friday 9th December of their prize.
8. Ascot Racecourse Ltd will not pass your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding your prize if necessary.
9. Use of false name or address, i.e. name, by which the entrant is not usually known, will disqualify them from receiving any prize. All entrants will be notified by e-mail. Ascot Racecourse Ltd can only reply to the e-mail address supplied and cannot be responsible for any change of e-mail address.
10. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
11. Prizes will be sent within 28 days after the competition closes.
12. One entry per household per day.
13. If a prize is not claimed within 28 days it will be offered to another entrant.
14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX
 Cadbury World Terms & Conditions
1. A family ticket comprises of 2 adults and 2 children tickets.
2. Winners details will be passed onto Cadbury World in order to receive the tickets.

Day 6 of the Ascot Racecourse Facebook Advent Calendar

The festive season is now upon us and Ascot Racecourse would like to spread some festive cheer amongst all of our loyal fans. For 24 days we will be offering you the chance to win some fantastic prizes donated to us by some very kind companies.

Today you could be in with a chance of winning a mystery bumper hamper of Ascot goodies courtesy of the Ascot Shop and Ascot Racecourse. Just think of all the wonderful things that could fill this basket, you never know there might be a ticket or two. 

If you love Ascot, this is the prize for you!

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, all you need to do is ‘Like’ us on Facebook and answer the following question.

What date did the first meeting at Ascot Racecourse take place?

Send your name, address and answer under the subject heading 'Christmas Day 6' to facebook@ascot.co.uk for your chance to win our first prize!

If you’re not so lucky, why not visit the Ascot Shop located next to the Parade Ring on any raceday for a range of Ascot products. They range from coats to jewellery and chocolates to bone china mugs, you might find the perfect Christmas present!

Day 5 Prize Winner is Kelly Jo Walters from London. Congratulations!

Ascot Racecourse Advent Calendar Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 6th December.
2. Competition only open to ‘fans’ of Ascot Racecourse on Facebook.
3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Facebook (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
4. Unless otherwise specified, competition open to UK and Republic Of Ireland residents aged 18 or over except employees of Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot Hospitality, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies.
5. No cash alternative is available and all prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prizes are not for resale and cannot be used for commercial use or use in further promotions.
6. The prize winners will be selected at random by Ascot Racecourse Ltd. Their decision is final in every situation, including any not covered, above and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner(s) will be notified by 3pm on Wednesday 7th December of their prize.
8. Ascot Racecourse Ltd will not pass your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding your prize if necessary.
9. Use of false name or address, i.e. name, by which the entrant is not usually known, will disqualify them from receiving any prize. All entrants will be notified by e-mail. Ascot Racecourse Ltd can only reply to the e-mail address supplied and cannot be responsible for any change of e-mail address.
10. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
11. Prizes will be sent within 28 days after the competition closes.
12. One entry per household per day.13. If a prize is not claimed within 28 days it will be offered to another entrant.
14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX

Day 3 of the Ascot Racecourse Facebook Advent Calendar

The festive season is now upon us and Ascot Racecourse would like to spread some festive cheer amongst all of our loyal fans. For 24 days we will be offering you the chance to win some fantastic prizes donated to us by some very kind companies.

Today you could be in with a chance of winning a £50 bet courtesy of the UK’s leading bookmaker and one of the most trusted brands in the gambling industry, William Hill. You will need to create an account or have one to claim your free bet. In addition to this we are also giving you the chance to win four Premier Admission tickets to our Christmas Family Meeting on Saturday 17th December. So why not have a flutter on the horses at Ascot, you never know you might have a big win!

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, all you need to do is ‘Like’ us on Facebook and answer the following question.

Who won BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2010? 

Send your name, address and answer under the subject heading 'Christmas Day 3' to facebook@ascot.co.uk for your chance to win our first prize!

If you aren’t so lucky, why not visit http://www.williamhill.com/ for a chance to win some money! (William Hill is committed to supporting Responsible Gambling).

Tickets to Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 17th December start from £17. Generous Group discounts apply and kids under 18 go FREE. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk.

Day 2 Prize Winner is Sarah Carne from Southampton!

Ascot Racecourse Advent Calendar Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 11.59pm on Saturday 3rd December.
2. Competition only open to ‘fans’ of Ascot Racecourse on Facebook.
3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Facebook (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
4. Unless otherwise specified, competition open to UK and Republic Of Ireland residents aged 18 or over except employees of Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot Hospitality, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies.
5. No cash alternative is available and all prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Prizes are not for resale and cannot be used for commercial use or use in further promotions.
6. The prize winners will be selected at random by Ascot Racecourse Ltd. Their decision is final in every situation, including any not covered, above and no correspondence will be entered into.
7. The winner(s) will be notified by 3pm on Sunday 4th December of their prize.
8. Ascot Racecourse Ltd will not pass your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding your prize if necessary.
9. Use of false name or address, i.e. name, by which the entrant is not usually known, will disqualify them from receiving any prize. All entrants will be notified by e-mail. Ascot Racecourse Ltd can only reply to the e-mail address supplied and cannot be responsible for any change of e-mail address.
10. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
11. Prizes will be sent within 28 days after the competition closes.
12. One entry per household per day.
13. If a prize is not claimed within 28 days it will be offered to another entrant.
14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX.

William Hill Terms & Conditions
1. £50 free bet token, to be used on williamhill.com Sportsbook
2. Valid from 1st December 2011 to the 31st January 2012
3. Over 18’s only.
4. Other t&c’s can be found here: http://www.williamhill.com/promotions/free-bet/  

Ascot Awarded Top Marks in the Enjoy England Quality Assured Scheme

Ascot Racecourse has again been awarded Quality Assured status by Enjoy England, but with an even better score. The accolade assesses the level of customer care and service at visitor attractions across the country from arboreta to zoos. By displaying the easily recognised Enjoy England Quality Rose at the Berkshire track, racegoers can be confident their experience will be of the highest quality.


The Enjoy England Quality Rose was created to reassure customers before they visit their chosen attraction. The criteria is judged by an independent assessor on an annual basis and Enjoy England can then ensure that the standards experienced are as high as possible and the venue is worthy of carrying this auspicious mark. Customers can relax, book with confidence and get on with the real business of having a fantastic day out. The Quality Rose is the mark of England’s official, nationwide quality assessment scheme and is an independent, reliable, impartial assessment of quality covering just about every type of place you might want to stay or visit.

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford said: ‘The team at Ascot Racecourse deserve to be congratulated for achieving such a high score in their Quality Assessment report. As one of the premier racecourses in England, Ascot is leading the industry in delivering excellent standards of customer service and a high quality racing experience to seasoned racegoers and newcomers alike.’

John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing at the Berkshire track enthused: ‘We are delighted to have been awarded the Quality Rose by Enjoy England. This recognition underpins our status as a first class national tourism attraction. It is especially exciting as it rounds off a wonderful year with Royal Ascot being awarded Gold in the Enjoy England Awards in April,’

Ascot is committed to providing a value-for-money and fun day out for all customers with Royal Ascot, live music, food, wine and beer festivals, family days and world class racing action.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

John Blake, Head of Sales & Marketing, Ascot Racecourse, 01344 878512, 07917 521429, john.blake@ascot.co.uk, http://www.ascot.co.uk/  

Ascot Racecourse’s Jumps Season Starts With a Bang And a Bump In The Night!

On Saturday 29th October, the 2011/12 Jumps season starts with a bang as Ascot Racecourse once again hosts the United House Group Day and Firework Spectacular, but this year the Family Raceday, has a distinctly spooky feel. The feature race on the day is the £100,000 United House Gold Cup Chase over three miles.

Away from the excitement on the track there will be a host of rides on the Plaza Lawns including where you can experience the thrill of the Superbowl and the Super Star, Gasp on Oxygen or join in with the spooky Halloween theme as you wander round the House of Horrors and of course a number of fun rides for younger racegoers.

There will also be entertainment from Uncle Doom and his Organ of Gloom, Baron Von Grindle has risen from the dead and the resident Ascot Witch will all be on hand as well as some horror make-up, all of which is provided free of charge. Children are also welcome to wear fancy dress throughout the raceday.

Following racing, with toffee apples and candy floss at the ready, Ascot presents a Charity Firework Display in association with the Ascot Round Table, so wrap up warm and prepare for a spectacular show!

Amanda Sharp, a local resident said:

“We had such a great time at Ascot last year we’ve decided to come back again. The adults get to watch some exciting racing action whilst the kids have some fun on the fairground rides and to top it all off we can eat our toffee apples watching the spectacular firework display after racing”

All entertainment is free of charge and accompanied children aged 17 and under go racing for free. Adult tickets start from just £17 per person and can be purchased at www.ascot.co.uk or by calling 0870 727 1234. Generous group and advance discounts apply.

For further information:

John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing, Ascot Racecourse; 01344 878512 / 07917 521429

 Vicky Paton, Marketing Manager, Ascot Racecourse, 01344 878 523



British Horseracing Hosts its Richest-Ever Day

The richest day in the history of British horse racing is set to captivate an audience of tens of thousands of people at Ascot Racecourse and millions more watching on television in 75 countries around the world.

With £3m in prize-money, QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday 15 October is the culmination of the first-ever British Champions Series that began in April and comes to a climax in front of Her Majesty The Queen.

Tickets for the big occasion have sold quickly. All Premier Enclosure badges, as well as hospitality areas, have been sold. But there will be plenty of room on the day for visitors who buy Grandstand tickets at £26 each for adults. Accompanied children are admitted free of charge.

As well as the top class horse racing, an array of ‘Best of British’ entertainments is being laid on for visitors to the Berkshire racecourse.

Rod Street, chief executive of the British Champions Series, said: “QIPCO British Champions Day, the spectacular new climax to the season, is the culmination of the inaugural 35-race British Champions Series which has encompassed the very best of British Flat racing.

"We have been so fortunate to have horses like Frankel, Immortal Verse, Twice Over, Midday, Blue Bunting, Dancing Rain, Deacon Blues and Hoof It, Moonlight Cloud and Nathaniel targeting the big races.

“Sensational racing is in prospect and we hope everyone enjoys a very special day at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 15 October and that it sets a benchmark for years to come - a world-class finale for British racing.”

On the racetrack, all eyes will be on the racehorse of the year Frankel who will appear in the £1m Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. He has won each of his three British Champions Series races to date, and now goes for a fourth.

The climax of the afternoon is the £1.3m QIPCO Champion Stakes at 4.10pm.

But before then, there will be plenty for people to see and do. Gates open at 11am so that visitors can sample the build-up to that races that start at 1.50pm and enjoy a series of ‘Best of British’ and interactive attractions.

• Household Cavalry - two Household Cavalry riders and horses in their full regalia will lead the runners out on to the racetrack and accompany the victorious horses returning to the winner’s enclosure in each of the five championship races.
• Legends autographs – five former champion jockeys in Britain – Lester Piggott, Joe Mercer, Willie Carson, Pat Eddery and Kevin Darley – will join Britain’s best ever female jockey, Hayley Turner, who won two Group 1 races this season, and multiple Irish champion jockey, Johnny Murtagh, to sign autographs for racegoers at 12.45pm.
• Alternative horse power - a display of Triumph motorcycles (including a bespoke Daytona 675 Sports bike in British Champions Series colours) and vintage British cars.
• Meet the racehorse – after first seeing Joey, the horse originally made famous in the critically acclaimed theatre production ‘War Horse’, visitors can meet and pat former Cheltenham Festival winner Monsignor during the afternoon.
• Equicisors – two mechanical horses used for jockey training will offer visitors the chance to find out what it’s like to ride a racehorse.
• Champion Jockey on PlayStation 3 – with the Move Motion Control System, racegoers can experience the thrill of what it feels like to be a real jockey in a race!
• Commentary karaoke – those who fancy themselves as a race caller can give it a go on a commentary karaoke and take away a recording.
• Book signing – Felix Francis, son of legendary author Dick Francis, will sign copies of his new book Gamble.
• The Big Draw – ‘The Big Draw’ is happening across Britain this month and younger racegoers could win £100 in Toys R Us vouchers if they draw something to catch the eye of the judges. Free crayons and drawing paper given out.
• Great British Brands – thousands of pounds worth of items from great British brands will be on display in the Grandstand, all of which racegoers will be able to win in “text-to-win” competitions during the afternoon.

Tickets: Grandstand Admission- £26 (with 10% advance booking discount £23.40); Premier Admission – SOLD OUT; children - under 18 years of age – free; Parking - free in car park 6; book at http://www.britishchampionsseries.com/ or on 0870 727 1234.

Further information from:

Nick Attenborough, Consumer PR Director, on 020 7152 0193 or 07714 146528 or nattenborough@racingenterpriseslimited.co.uk