The Battle of the Clerk Vs the PA - less than 1 week to go

Less than 1 week until our Clerk of the Course, Chris Stickels races against his PA, Beccy Green. They’re competing for the ‘The Racing to School Frankel Challenge Trophy’ on Wednesday 2nd May and racing money for BHEST Racing to School.

Here is the final update from the duo before next weeks race:

Chris and Beccy are  both continuing to train hard, both on and off the race track.

Beccy is so dedicated that she woke up at 5.45am Wednesday morning to ride out in the torrential rain and gale force winds at Chris Gordon’s yard near Winchester. Wearing 2 coats and waterproof trousers, she still ended up soaked so hideous was the weather! However, she did get the opportunity to ride a piece of work (faster pace up the gallops), with up and coming National Hunt jockey Tom Cannon.

 She now has the full kit having collected her racing saddle, boots and breeches from Windsor Racecourse on Monday. She’s a busy weekend ahead, visiting Garry Moore’s yard where in the hope she’ll ride one of his horses in the race and competing her eventing horse, Another General, at Nurstead Horse Trials on Sunday.

Chris rode out twice earlier this week, visiting Ed de Giles’s stable on Tuesday in final preparation. Chris has confirmation that his horse will be the 7 year old gelding, Mahadee, a great horse to be riding.

Though he’s now tied up with preparation for the raceday, he’s going to try to fit runs or a ride on the equicizer to keep his fitness up ready for the big day.

Follow @AscotInsider to find out how Chris and Beccy are dealing with their nerves in the run up to the charity race next Wednesday.
 
Chris and Beccy now only have 19% left of their fundraising total to meet. The money they raise will benefit pupils of all backgrounds and ages in the UK as all proceeds go to BHEST Racing to School, British horseracing’s free education programme. If you would like to help them reach their full target, visit their Just Giving Page.

To witness their battle at 5.30pm Wednesday 2nd May, tickets start from £13.50 in advance for Premier Admission. Grandstand Admission has Sold Out. To book call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk.

The Battle of the Clerk Vs The PA - less than 2 weeks to go

It’s less than 2 weeks to go now until our Clerk of the Course, Chris Stickels will race against his PA, Beccy Green, for the ‘The Racing to School Frankel Challenge Trophy’ on Wednesday 2nd May.

Here is an update from the duo:

Both Chris and Beccy - along with some other members of the Ascot team - went over to Ireland at the start of the week to promote Royal Ascot to the Flat trainers. This was a huge success but the charity race was constantly at the back of their minds – the pressure is mounting.

Beccy stepped up her training when she had a 1 to 1 session with jockey, Tommy Stack, who rode Red Rum to his third victory in the Grand National whilst in Ireland.

Chris had a training session with Newmarket Racing School yesterday to check he is safe to ride on the 2^nd May and fortunately he passed – great news!

They are both continuing to ride out in the early mornings, getting in as much practice in as possible before the big day. Beccy is going to Garry Moore’s yard tomorrow, though last time she was there, she let a 2 year old loose on the picking ground, we’re hoping for no more dramas on her return.

We still don’t have final confirmation of the horses that Chris and Beccy will be racing on but we’re hoping to announce next week. Follow us @AscotInsider on twitter to be the first to know.

Chris and Beccy have now raised 79% of their fundraising total, for BHEST Racing to School, British horseracing’s free education programme that aims to engage pupils of all backgrounds and ages in the UK by running a wide range of learning activities. They are well on their way to reaching the target of £4000. If you would like to help them reach this target, visit their Just Giving Page.

To witness their battle on Wednesday 2nd May, tickets start from £13.50 in advance for Premier Admission. Grandstand Admission has now Sold Out. To book call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk. 

The Battle of the Clerk Vs The PA - 3 weeks to go

It’s now only 3 weeks to go until our Clerk of the Course, Chris Stickels will race against his PA, Beccy Green, for the ‘The Racing to School Frankel Challenge Trophy’ on Wednesday 2nd May.




Here is an update from the duo:

We hope Beccy realises it's a Flat race!

Chris Stickels


Chris is currently on holiday skiing so his weight could be interesting on his return – particularly after all the après ski. Competition remains fierce as Beccy hopes Chris will return with a broken leg or arm! (We're sure she's only joking.)

 

Beccy Green

Over an egg free Easter, Beccy trained at Gary Moore’s yard in Horsham, riding out on Saturday and Monday despite the miserable weather. She is still being very secretive about her horse but hopefully by the next update we will have a name.

We must not forget that Chris and Beccy are doing this for a very worthy cause and have already raised £2,915.00 which is 72% of their target. If you would like to help them reach their target of £4,000 visit their Just Giving page.

To witness their battle on Wednesday 2nd May, tickets start from £13.50 in advance for Premier Admission. Grandstand Admission has now Sold Out. To book call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk.

The Battle of the Clerk Vs the PA – who will win?

One month from today two Ascot members of staff will go head to head on the race track in a bid to raise money for BHEST (British Horseracing Education & Standards Trust).

Our Clerk of the Course, Chris Stickels will race against his PA, Beccy Green, the duo will compete against other aspiring jockeys for the ‘The Racing to School Frankel Challenge Trophy’ on Wednesday 2nd May.

BHEST is a Racing to School charity, British horseracing’s free education programme that aims to engage pupils of all backgrounds and ages in the UK by running a wide range of learning activities.

The rivalry is already fierce in the office, so we're looking forward to a thrilling race on 2nd May, at the Moss Bros Free Raceday.

Learn a little more about these two aspiring jockeys:

Chris – Clerk of the Course

Age: 42
Height: 5ft 7 (May not be exact!)
Weight: 11 stone (May not be exact!)
Name of horse: Not confirmed but it might be Mahadee
Training regime: Ride out twice a week in the mornings and ride either Big Bucks or Yeats aka the equicizers once a week.
Favourite food: A good old fashioned Sunday Roast
Favourite racing hero: Big Bucks
Previous experience: Not ridden in a charity race before
Chance of winning the race: Outside chance
Will you beat Beccy? Of course.

Beccy – PA to the Clerk of the Course

Age: 32
Height: 5ft 9
Weight: Not telling!
Name of horse: This information is top secret at the moment but I will reveal all in a couple of weeks.
Training regime: Occasionally will go for run but probably more like a walk! Ride out 3 times a week early in the morning and ride Big Bucks or Yeats aka the equicizers 2 to 3 times a week
Favourite food: Grapes i.e. Wine
Favourite racing hero: My own horse, Another General.
Previous experience: Ridden in 3 charity races before, came 2nd, 3rd and 5th. I just haven’t won yet.
Chances of winning the race: Well occasionally 100 to 1 are winners! 
Will you beat Chris? Will try even if it kills me.

Follow their training on @AscotInsider over the next month until their big day, when we’ll see who will win the battle of, the Clerk V the PA.

To witness their battle, tickets start from £13.50 in advance for Premier Admission. Grandstand Admission has now Sold Out. To book call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk.

If you would like to make their early mornings and mileage to ride out worth their efforts, you can donate by visiting their Just Giving Page.

Beccy Green’s preparations for the Women in Racing BHEST Charity Race

Emily Pearce has been following PA to the Clerk of the Course at Ascot, Beccy Green’s, punishing training schedule for the Women in Racing BHEST Charity Race on Wednesday 27th April at the Berkshire track. As the sun started to rise, I joined amateur Ascot jockey Beccy Green as she set off on her bi-weekly trip to continue her training with Silent Oasis at Brendan Powell's yard prior to the Charity Race on 27th April. Silent Oasis aka Shirley was ready and raring to go as we drove into the yard with her head over the cheery red stable door welcoming us (or maybe the polo's she knew Beccy would have in her pocket!) to Lambourn. After a swift cup of tea Beccy was told to crack on and get tacked up by the ever efficient Powell Team.

Today, Beccy was to ride out in the company of jockey Clare Wills who rode Massini Man in the Foxhunters at Aintree last Thursday. With a leg up that almost threw her over the other side of the small racehorse, Powell's instructions were to warm up on the first stretch before heading onto Fishers Hill where Beccy and Silent Oasis were to take the lead with a half speed/swinging canter to the top. As they reached the bottom of Fishers Hill, Beccy and Shirley swiftly took the lead and then stretched out to a flat out gallop - not quite what Brendan had in mind but obviously an exhilarating ride for Beccy who reached the top with a huge grin on her face. It was swiftly wiped off as Powell issued her with a speeding ticket and a £5 fine to racing charity BHEST! When asked what Team Powell's top tip would be for Beccy it was a unanimous 'Don't fall off!'. Let’s hope Beccy learns to listen to Powell's instructions when she takes to the Ascot turf in a couple of weeks. For more information on tickets to the Totepool Raceday at Ascot on the 27th April please call 0870 727 4321. If you would like to support Beccy and Silent Oasis in their bid to become an Ascot Champion Jockey then please visit her fundraising site at www.justgiving.com/BeccyGreen.

For more information on The British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust please visit www.bhest.co.uk.

Free Family Fun on Countryside Alliance Family Raceday: Sunday 10th April 2011

As Ascot celebrates 300 hundred years of racing, the Countryside Alliance Raceday brings the sport back to its roots in the rural community. National Hunt racing began when farmers, trying to keep the horses fit for hunting, would race two horses between the steeples of local churches – hence the term Steeple Chase, still seen at racecourses today.
The April raceday features a highly competitive Jumps card, kicking off with a charity race at 12pm when local Masters of the Hunt will be fighting it out to become champion of the track in a 7 furlong sprint.
Off the track, the first family day of the year will showcase a wide range of countryside inspired activities. After the first race a parade of hounds will commence down the track and in the main arena you can watch sheep dogs demonstrating their skills as they heard disobedient geese through narrow gateways. Throughout the afternoon, there will also be terrier racing, a gun dog show and a spectacular falconry as well as climbing and quad biking. The family farm and shooting gallery are also back by popular demand.
Vicky Glenister, Marketing Manager at Ascot Racecourse said ‘Countryside Alliance Raceday is a wonderfully fun and interactive raceday as the kids get the chance to meet the animals and take part in the shows. Now in its second year, we have added to the range of activities so they appeal to Children of all ages.’

All activities, including quad biking and terrier racing, are Free of Charge and ideal for families of all ages. Adult tickets to the Family Day start from £17 with a 10% saving if booked in advance and are available by calling 0870 727 1234 or by visiting www.ascot.co.uk

For further information:
Vicky Glenister, Marketing Manager, Ascot Racecourse; 01344 878523 / 07920 834277

Please contact Vicky Glenister for logos and images.

Notes to Editors
In celebration of Ascot’s 300th birthday, customers can buy a Grandstand Admission ticket to include all five Family Days in 2011 for just £39.99 per person when booking before 1st April 2011. As well as Countryside Alliance Raceday on Sunday 10th April, the other 2011 Ascot Family Days are as follows:
· Sunday 24th July: Betfair Weekend Family Fun Day featuring favourite kids TV characters such as Peppa Pig, Foreman Sam and Scooby Doo.
· Saturday 6th August: Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and ‘80s Concert with live performances from the following ‘Here and Now’ Tour acts: Jason Donovan, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Jimmy Somerville, Paul Young, Toyah, China Crisis, Odyssey, Altered Images, Brother Beyond and Visage.
· Saturday 29th October: United House Group Day and Firework Spectacular.
· Saturday 17th December: Christmas Raceday with Santa’s grotto and face painters.

Ascot Racecourse Pledges Free Tickets For Troops in 2011

Britain’s racecourses donate 40,000 free tickets for our country’s soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to visit the races in 2011.

Ascot is today announcing its continued support of charity, Tickets For Troops for the second year running, offering 30 Grandstand Admission tickets to all fixtures across the 2011 racing calendar with the exception of Royal Ascot and British Champions’ Day. Every racecourse in Britain has joined forces to make an incredible donation of over 40,000 free tickets to the races in 2011, so that members of HM Forces from across the country will be able to enjoy a top day out, as a gesture to recognise their continued service for our country.

Over 5,000 members of Tickets For Troops took up the offer of a visit to the races in 2010, and Britain’s racecourses hope to see even more visiting in future months. Over 1,100 fixtures from all around the country have been included in the offer and, as children under 16 go free to every British racecourse and almost every fixture, this offer will allow many of our servicemen and women to have a well-deserved family day out for free.

Tickets For Troops is a charity that supports the work of serving military personnel and veterans by offering them free tickets to events around the country. Britain’s racecourses have made a range of offers, some offering unlimited tickets for troops at every fixture and some including tickets to their major racing festivals.

Top Jockey Richard Johnson, who is a Patron of Tickets For Troops alongside other names such as Freddie Flintoff, Steven Gerrard and Dame Kelly Holmes, said:
“British racing has been a supporter of Tickets For Troops since the charity was initiated and I’m delighted to see the level of support that is continuing into 2011. It’s an incredible charity that aims to go some way to recognising the inspirational job that our country’s forces do every day of their lives, and hopefully our being a part of it goes some way to saying thank you.”

Lord Marland, Chairman of Tickets For Troops said:
“Tickets For Troops are delighted to once again receive such generous support from the British Horseracing Authority. We would like to thank all the racecourses who have wanted to demonstrate their support and show their appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the marvellous men and women of our Armed Forces."

In addition to horseracing, thousands of tickets have been made available for the 2012 Olympics, top Premier League football matches, rugby games, cricket matches, boxing, athletics meetings, big music acts, tennis tournaments, snooker halls and West End theatres.

To find out more about this initiative, visit:
www.britishhorseracing.com/tickets-for-troops/.

For further information or imagery, please contact Amy Sherman, Promotions Manager at the British Horseracing Authority, on 020 7152 0115 or email her at asherman@britishhorseracing.com.

For more information about Ascot Racecourse, please contact John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing, on 01344 878512 or john.blake@acot.co.uk. www.ascot.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

About the British Horseracing Authority:

It is the British Horseracing Authority’s role to ensure the continued health and successful development of the sport. As both the Governing and Regulatory body it is the British Horseracing Authority’s responsibility to:
provide the most compelling and attractive racing in the world;
be seen as the world leader in raceday regulation;
ensure the highest standards for the sport and participants, on and away from the racecourse;
promote the best for the racehorse; and
represent and promote the sport and the industry
For more information visit www.britishhorseracing.com
About Tickets For Troops:

Tickets For Troops is a charity dedicated to offering free tickets for big events to our soldiers, sailors and airmen. All serving military personnel, as well as any veterans who have been medically discharged through injury since 2001, qualify for tickets. Troops are encouraged to sign up for free tickets at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk.

Additional:

In addition to the support shown for Tickets For Troops, racecourses also support a number of additional initiatives, including Value for Valour and Help for Heroes.

Win a signed copy of the 2010 St. Leger Racecard in aid of Children in Need

The St. Leger Stakes Racecard signed by ALL the jockeys

We have been given a copy of the Doncaster racecard from St.Leger Day 2010 by our Twitter friend @willywoodpecker to auction in aid of the BBC’s Children in Need appeal. The racecard has been signed by ALL jockeys competing in this year’s St Leger Classic.

The signatories include:
• William Buick who rode the winner, Arctic Cosmos
• The Legendary Frankie Dettori
• Champion Jockey Paul Hanagan
• Ryan Moore
• Joe Fanning
• Jamie Spencer
• Colm O’Donaghue
• Eddie Ahern
• Daryl Holland
• Paul Mulrennan

All you have to do is bid the highest amount before the auction closes at 10pm, Friday 19th November 2010. To place a bid e-mail twitter@ascot.co.uk with your name, address and contact telephone number.

The winner of the auction will be notified by 10am, Saturday 20th November 2010 and will be sent the signed racecard by recorded delivery as soon as the cheque has been received. The Ascot Twitter page, @AscotInsider, will give regular updates of how high the auction has reached.

Go on, don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to win this superb one off piece of horseracing memorabilia!

Free Racing For Students at Ascot on Saturday 30th October

Saturday 30th October rases the curtain on the Ascot Jumps season

Fizz, Bang Pop! Don't miss the Fireworks Spectacular after Racing

Ascot Racecourse is opening its doors free of charge for all valid Student Card and NUS Card holders on Saturday 30th October: United House Group Day. The day heralds Ascot's first meeting of the 2010/2011 Jumps season and features the £100,000 United House Group Gold Cup Chase over three miles.

The offer is being communicated through British Horseracing Authority Student Ambassadors at universities across the country, promoted in the Student Racing magazine, via www.studentracing.co.uk and through viral campaigns on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

‘Opening our doors free of charge to students gives Ascot the opportunity to show off our impressive Grandstand and showcase some great racing to an audience that would not otherwise consider a day at the races,’ said John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing at Ascot Racecourse.

‘We’re delighted that Ascot is giving such strong support to our student racing programme. Racing for Change has been tasked with broadening the appeal of horseracing, especially amongst younger adults, so we’re delighted that students will be getting the chance to sample the sport at such a magnificent venue’, added Nick Attenborough, Director of Consumer PR, Racing Enterprises.

All students have to do is bring their Student Card and NUS Card along to any of the Ascot ticket offices from 10.45am on Saturday 30th October and they will be given a complimentary Grandstand Admission ticket that entitles them to a free day of racing. They can also stay on to watch the Firework Spectacular after racing in association with the Ascot Round Table.

To make the event more affordable, Ascot will be running its £5 Pie and a Pint promotion and the tote will be handing out betting booklets for students containing vouchers for £2 off £5 bets.

ENDS

Notes for editors
Free Student Racing is a Racing for Change/Racing Enterprises initiative designed to encourage more people racing and is run by the British Horseracing Authority.

Timings
· Gates open: 10.45am
· First Race: 1.50pm
· Last race: 5.35pm
· Fireworks commence: 6.30pm

Standard Ticket Prices
· Premier Admission: £26
· Grandstand Admission: £16
· Children under 18: Free
· After 4,30pm, Ascot Round Table will take over the ticket offices for Fireworks only tickets which are charged at £7 for an adult 13+, £5 for a child aged 5 to 12 and under 4s are free

For further information:
John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing, Ascot Racecourse; 01344 878512 / 07917 521429
Nick Attenborough, Director of Consumer PR, Racing Enterprises: 0207 152 0236

Please contact John Blake for logos and images.

Ascot Racegoers Raise over £2,000 for Thames Hospicecare

Ascot Racecourse has many racing events throughout the year, but one was rather special for local charity Thames Hospicecare. The Allied Irish Bank Meeting at the end of November featured a Christmas Shopping Village with 35 stalls selling quality handcrafted gifts. Racegoers were able to enjoy all the fun and excitement of the racing whilst taking the opportunity to purchase Christmas prezzies for all the family with their winnings.
For the AIB Meeting, Thames Hospicecarewas nominated a the charity to receive a percentage of the profits made by the stallholders. There must have been plenty of lucky punters as £1,090 was raised!
In addition, Thames Hospicecare also formed part of the stall line up selling gorgeous Christmas items, including some rather lovely scented candles, making more than £600.
There was also a bucket collection catching racegoers as they left the racecourse. Despite the miserable weather, this raised a further £471.54.
Thanks to our racegoers, a total of £2,161.54 was raised. Importantly, this will enable Thames Hospicecare provide 144 hours of specialist nursing care to local patients.