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 Tickets to Countryside Raceday Plus A Unique Opportunity

On Sunday 1st April, Countryside Raceday, we’re sponsoring 'The Like Ascot Racecourse on Facebook Hunters’ Chase' at 5.45pm.

We’re giving two fans with guest, the opportunity to win tickets to the raceday, choose the Best Turned Out horse and present a trophy.

This competition has now closed and the winners selected. Thank you to all those who've entered. Good Luck next time.



Send your answer along with your name and address to facebook@ascot.co.uk by Monday 26^th March at 12pm.
Tickets for Countryside Raceday are available from £18 per person. Generous group discounts apply and kids under 18 go FREE. To book, call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk.

Countryside Raceday Terms & Conditions
1. Competition closes at 12.00pm on Monday 26th 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 four Premier Admission tickets to Countryside Raceday on Sunday 1^st April (Two tickets per winner). One winner will present the Best Turned Out horse and one will present a trophy to the winning connections. 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 3pm on Monday 26th 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. One entry per household per day.
12. If a prize is not claimed within 2 days it will be offered to another entrant.
13. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
14. 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

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

From The Jungle To The Track - Ant And Dec Announced As Official Patrons Of The Ascot Colts & Fillies Club!

Ant and Dec, two of the biggest names in TV and presenters of the hits shows, I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent, have become the first patrons of the Colts & Fillies Club at Ascot Racecourse.


The Colts & Fillies Club, which currently has over 14,000 members and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, aims to bring horseracing to the next generation of racing enthusiasts by making the sport more accessible, educational and fun.


The Club is free to join for all children aged 16 and under and five dedicated family days form an integral part of the racing calendar at Ascot. There are specifically tailored activities for the Colts & Fillies members to take part in, including organised stable trips, competitions and various raceday initiatives.


In 2012, the Club will own Yurituni, a racehorse trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, and the young members will be able to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership by visiting the horse throughout the year and following her performance on the track.

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who met at the age of 13 on the set of the hit BBC children’s drama, Byker Grove, also have more than a passing interest in racing now that they own the horse, Primaeval, with a group of friends.


In 2011, Primaeval ran twice at Ascot and it was here that they became aware of the Colts & Fillies Club.


“We had a lot of fun with horse racing last year, it’s a great sport and a day at the races is really exciting. We’re thrilled to be involved in the Colts & Fillies Club as it offers children the opportunity to learn all about horses and racing whilst at the same time having a great deal of fun! I’m particularly keen to see how their horse runs during 2012.” said Dec.

Ant added, “Ascot is a great family friendly track and we can’t wait to visit on 1st April to have a great day out and to meet some of the Colts and Fillies members”.

-Ends-

For more information about the Colts & Fillies club visit the Colts and Fillies section at: http://www.ascot.co.uk/, call: 0844 346 3000 or email: coltsandfillies@ascot.co.uk

For further information and images:

Karen Smith, PR Manager, Ascot Racecourse: 01344 878430 / 07717 851 566

Vicky Paton, Marketing Manager, Ascot Racecourse; 01344 878523 / 07920 834277

Introducing Yurituni: The Ascot Colts & Fillies Club Horse For 2012

Ascot Racecourse’s Colts and Fillies Club will once again have a horse in training for all the club members to follow during 2012. Yurituni, kindly loaned to the club by trainer Eve Johnson Houghton, will have over 13,700 devoted owners following her progress and cheering her on throughout the coming Flat season.



Yurituni



Yurituni is a five year old mare who has raced over the last three seasons winning five times. She is currently rated 81 and will be trained at the historic Woodway Stable, where the Johnson Houghton Family have trained and bred racehorses for over 50 years. Colts and Fillies members will be visiting regularly during the year to meet their horse and learn all about training a racehorse.

The Ascot Colts and Fillies Club aims to bring racing to a younger audience by making the sport more accessible, interesting, educational and fun. Current membership stands at just over 13,700 making it one of the UK’s largest sports related children’s clubs.



Eve Johnson Houghton



Membership is free for all children aged 16 and under and members are not charged for any of the special events organised. In addition to five dedicated family racedays throughout the year, there are stable trips, competitions and creative workshops for members to participate in.

During 2012, members will have the opportunity to follow Yurituni and the Club will be organizing several trips to the yard and the races to see her.

For more information about Yurituni or the Colts and Fillies Club please visit the Colts & Fillies section at: http://www.ascot.co.uk/, call: 0870 726 3100 or email: coltsandfillies@ascot.co.uk

For Further Information and images:

Karen Smith, PR Manager, Ascot Racecourse: 01344 878430 / 07717 851 566

Vicky Paton, Marketing Manager, Ascot Racecourse; 01344 878523 / 07920 834277

Notes to Editors

The Colts and Fillies Club has been running since 2002. There are five family racedays at Ascot in 2012. Each family day has thrilling racing and free entertainment. Children under 18 can come racing for free.

Additional Information - Yurituni

Breeding: By Bahamian Bounty (Sire) out of Vax Star (Dam).

Rating: 81

Age: 5

Colour: Bay

Gender: Mare

Born: 9th March 2007

Wins to date

  Date        Where             Distance          Going             Result                Jockey

02/09/11     Brighton         6 Furlongs         Good             1st of 5           Louis Beuzelin

21/05/11     Lingfield         6 Furlongs        Good/Firm      1st of 4           Patrick Hills

23/09/10     Pontefract      5 Furlongs        Good/Firm     1st of 10          Kieran Fallon

13/09/09     Bath               6 Furlongs          Firm              1st of 8         Silvestre De Sousa

18/08/09      York              6 Furlongs        Good/Firm       1st of 17        Silvestre De Sousa