#AscotAsks Nick Smith, Head of Communications and International Racing

This week #AscotAsks our Head of Communications and International Racing, Nick Smith about his career in racing and the international horses we can expect to see at this year’s Royal Ascot.



Name: Nick Smith
Location: Ascot Racecourse
Occupation: Head of Communications and International Racing at Ascot Racecourse







1. Nick, how did you first get involved in racing?

I did the BHA (then BHB) Graduate Scheme and ended up working for the Daily Mail for a while with Marcus Townend and Colin Mackenzie… I’d wanted to do nothing else since getting hooked during the “Salsabil” flat season. I never got over her getting beaten in the Arc.

2. Could you explain what the “International Racing” part of your job entails?

Throwing a huge amount of darts to get as many people as possible interested in running horses at Ascot, knowing that 95% of the work ends in disappointment – losing Curren Chan and Curren Black Hill from Japan was a real blow, plus Foxwedge. In the end when we get a team as strong as this year over, headed by Nelly of course, it’s all worth it.

3. What is the importance of having international horses run in the UK?

For Ascot it is a fundamental part of our brand. We are Europe’s flagship international racecourse and Royal Ascot is the country’s premier race meeting.

4. Last week Australia’s famous mare, Black Caviar, landed here in the UK.  Could you briefly explain what her journey from home to Royal Ascot will be?

30 hours tullermarine airport to heathrow via Singapore and sharjah and about another 30 hours on the m25 to newmarket! Then its 6 hours round trip from Newmarket to ascot for a horse box.

5. What international horses can we expect to see at Royal Ascot this year?

Black Caviar, with The Diamond Jubilee Stakes her target, heads the international cast for this year’s Royal Meeting. Compatriot, Ortensia, arrived in the UK shortly after winning the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai and she is being aimed at The King’s Stand Stakes.

Bahrain-trained Krypton Factor, winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen on World Cup night before disappointing on unsuitable ground in Singapore, will lock horns with Black Caviar in The Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

To view the full list of international horses, Click Here.

6. Are there many opportunities for international horses to compete against each other, for example, specific competitions?

Competitions are difficult in racing. The Global Sprint Challenge is a mechanism to promote the world’s top sprints and there’s a US$ 1 million bonus for winning three races in three different countries. But really it is a marketing tool. QBCS in this country is similar – the races are linked for marketing purposes, but there is no champion horse as such.

7. What is the highlight of your international racing calendar?

Royal Ascot is what it is all about for me. It’s the best racing in the world and the focus of my international calendar. I genuinely enjoy it, even with the pressure and demands, more than any of the many trips I make each year. Of those trips the most important are my round the world trip in February and the Dubai World Cup in March, plus the double header of the Melbourne Cup and Breeders’ Cup in November. Hong Kong in December and indeed Singapore in May are becoming more and more important every year too.

8. In a dream situation whereby you could take a year from work to travel the world racing, what would be your route?

J&B Met in Cape Town in January; Lightning Stakes at Flemington in February; Dubai World Cup in March; Kentucky Derby and Singapore Cup in May; Belmont Stakes and Royal Ascot in June; Deauville, Saratoga and the Arlington Million in July and August – the King George at Ascot, July Cup, Glorious Goodwood and the Ebor Meeting at York of course too; British Champions Day and the Arc in October – and the Canadian International; Breeders’ Cup, Melbourne Cup and Japan Cup in November;  Hong Kong Internationals in mid December and finish up at the Arima Kinen at Nakayama on Christmas Day.

9. For someone wishing to get into the racing industry abroad, how would you suggest doing so?

Make contacts and know racing at home and abroad inside out. Don’t guess. You can’t bluff racing.

10. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2012?

Black Caviar of course, but I would love Stephanie’s Kitten or any of Ken Ramsey’s American team to give him the Royal Ascot win he has always dreamed of.

Upgrade Your Ticket to Full Hospitality

Make your visit to Royal Ascot a day to remember. Upgrade your ticket to a hospitality experience and not only will you enjoy the world class racing on the track but you will also be treated to sumptuous dining in one of our fine dining restaurants for only £135 inc VAT per person.

 
On Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th and Saturday 23rd June you can dine in style in the Royal Ascot Pavilion with sweeping views across the lively plaza lawns towards the Parade Ring and south side of the Grandstand. On Friday 22nd June, this upgrade offer is available in the Old Paddock Restaurant with beautiful views over the Pre-Parade Ring.

 
Your package will include:

• Reserved table for the day (exclusive tables of 10 or shared tables for smaller groups)
• Three course luncheon
• Cellar Master’s selected wines
• Light afternoon tea
• Complimentary bar* throughout the day (excluding Champagne, until 30 minutes after the last race)
• Television viewing and betting facilities
*Complimentary bar includes: selected wines, house spirits (vodka, gin, white rum, and whisky), lager, bitter, soft drinks and mixers.

For more information or to make a booking please call the Hospitality Team on 0844 346 0346 or email hospitality@ascot.co.uk. Please quote Upgrade Package when booking.


Please note this offer is not available on Thursday 21st June and does not include admission to the racecourse which must be purchased prior to booking this offer.

Hat’s Off to Stylish Hair

For the fourth consecutive year, Toni & Guy are supporting Royal Ascot, and will be creating the stunning catwalk hair for the Fashion Show in the Bessborough Restaurant.

The increasingly popular trend of millinery fused with hairstyling, as worn by the late Isabella Blow and seen more recently on Lady Gaga and Headonism milliner, Charlie Le Mindu, was pioneered by Toni & Guy’s Creative Artistic Director, Indria Schauwecker.

As millinery is such an important part of Royal Ascot but can be a tricky trend to pull off, we invited Indria Schauwecker to offer her hair styling insight and advise on how to wear your hair with hats in mind.

“Hair can often be a challenge when thinking of a style to wear with your fascinator or hat. Should you wear it up, down, simple or styled?”

“If you’ll be wearing a hat, the low chignon will be your style saviour. Update the style with a romantically disheveled finish, using an organic texture in the hair. If your hat is a simple statement use, your hair to create detail by incorporating fish-tail braids into the chignon.”

“We worked on several shows at London Fashion Week this season with floral fascinators; I think the trend will be huge at the races. If you choose a fascinator this summer take some style inspiration from the roaring twenties and Great Gatsby glamour and add feminine detail with soft and wearable Marcel waves.”

Indira also recommends the humble ponytail – “versatile, simple enough to complement a decorative hat, always the picture of elegance and suitable for whatever British weather throws at us!”

Please note the revised Royal Ascot dress code, details of which can be found by Clicking Here.

The TONI&GUY Session Team will be styling the hair backstage to accompany Spring/Summer collections from design icons: Amanda Wakeley, Giles Deacon, Todd Lynn, Vivienne Westwood and Stephen Jones, highlighting the true essence of British talent and eccentricity.

To book a table in the Bessborough Restaurant, call 0844 346 0346 or visit ascot.co.uk

Stars Of Sport, Stage And Screen To Present Trophies At Royal Ascot 2012

Famous names from the world of sport and entertainment will join members of the Royal Family and racing fraternity in presenting trophies to winning owners during Royal Ascot, which this year runs from 19th to 23rd June.

Fittingly, in this Olympic year, sporting greats such as Sir Roger Bannister, Sally Gunnell, Colin Jackson and Sir Steve Redgrave will all be presenting, along with Formula 1 driver, Jenson Button; golfer, Lee Westwood; Wimbledon Ladies Singles Champion, Virginia Wade and cricket commentator Henry Blofeld.

Notable faces from the entertainment world, Katherine Jenkins, Michael McIntyre, Robson Green, David Walliams and Lara Stone, will also be presenting trophies during the week, together with Edward Parker, the co-founder of Walking with the Wounded.  This UK charity funds both the retraining and re-education of wounded servicemen and women and stages extreme expeditions to illustrate the extraordinary determination and courage of our injured.

“We are delighted to have such a wonderful wealth of iconic British figures with us to present trophies to our winning owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff,” said Charles Barnett, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse.

“It is particularly exciting, in this very special Olympic year, to welcome a number of sporting favourites to the meeting.”

For the full list of Trophy Presenters please see below:

1st Day

2.30pm: The Queen Anne Stakes Mr Lee Westwood OBE (Professional golfer and former world number one)

4.25pm: The Coventry Stakes Miss Sally Gunnell OBE (Olympic 400m hurdles gold medal winner)

5.00pm: The Ascot Stakes Mr Henry Blofeld (Cricket commentator and author)

2nd Day

2.30pm The Jersey Stakes Mr Jenson Button MBE (Winner of 13 Formula 1 Grand Prix)

3.05pm The Windsor Forest Stakes Mr Colin Jackson CBE (Twice world champion 110m hurdler)

5.00pm The Queen Mary Stakes Mr Edward Parker (Co-Founder of UK charity, Walking with the Wounded)

5.35pm The Sandringham Stakes Mr Robson Green (Actor, singer and presenter)

3rd Day

2.30pm The Norfolk Stakes Miss Katherine Jenkins (Brit award-winnning mezzo-soprano)

3.05pm The Ribblesdale Stakes Sir Steve Redgrave CBE (Five times Olympic gold medal-winning rower)

4.25pm The Britannia Stakes Sir Roger Bannister CBE (Ran the first sub four minute mile)

5.00pm The Tercentenary Stakes Miss Virginia Wade OBE (Wimbledon Ladies Singles Champion in Silver Jubilee Year)

4th Day

3.05pm The King Edward VII Stakes Mr David Walliams & Lara Stone (Comedian and charity swimmer accompanied by his wife, model, Lara Stone.)

5th Day

 

2.30pm The Chesham Stakes Mr Michael McIntyre (Stand-up comedian and judge on Britain's Got Talent)

Further Information:        

Nick Smith, Head of Communications, 01344 878524 / 07771 791449
Karen Smith, PR Manager, 01344 878430 / 07717 851566

#AscotAsks Rishi Persad, Sports Presenter

This week #AscotAsks Rishi Persad, Sports Presenter, about his passion for horse racing and what he’s most looking forward to seeing at Royal Ascot this year.



Profile
Name: Rishi Persad
Age: 39
Location: Cobham, Surrey
Occupation: Sports Presenter






1. How long have you been involved with horseracing and how did you get into the sport?

Since I can remember. My dad owned, bred and raced horses out in the Caribbean and I have always had some involvement.

2. What was your career path to becoming a presenter?

I used to work for a PR company, went on holiday and came back to discover that my boss had written a letter of recommendation to the the newly formed Attheraces in 2002 - I suspect he'd had enough of me in the office - and I had a screen test. Unbelievably ATR offered me a job.

3. Alongside horseracing you also present other sports, do you have a favourite and why?

It would be hard to say favourite as I am very lucky to work on so many different events such as Royal Ascot, the Derby, Grand National, Wimbledon and the Olympics, but what I would say is that the sports I feel most comfortable with are racing and cricket.

4. What are the highs and lows of your job?

Highs are being able to attend so many superb events and witness some memorable sporting moments around the world. The lows would be the time spent away from my family.

5. For someone who is interested in sports presenting as a career, specifically horseracing, what are your top tips?

Always be ready to take your opportunity, watch as much racing as you can and be prepared to back your opinion with a reasoned argument. Remember that television is not life and death so enjoy yourself or at least let people watching believe you are enjoying what you are doing.

6. What aspect of horseracing are you most excited about at the moment?

The middle distance championship races this year could be sensational if Frankel steps up in trip successfully and faces the prospect of competition from the likes of So You Think, Camelot, Carlton House and the fillies Danedream, Snow Fairy etc. Who knows? He may have a real race one day.

7. How do you prepare in the lead up before presenting on TV?

Its mostly about making sure I am as fully prepared for whatever event I am covering and then I try and keep the nerves under control.

8. What has been the memorable interview you have ever given and why?

I've done a few that certainly stick in the memory - Tony McCoy after he won the Grand National where I got caught up in the whole emotion of the moment myself. But away from racing I remember once interviewing Venus Williams at Wimbledon and she made reference to an obscure american comedy from the early 80's which she thought I had never heard of. The look on her face when I sung the theme tune to her was priceless.

9. Have you ever had any embarrassing or particular amusing anecdotes that can share with us from the many interviews you have delivered over the years?

Oh there are loads of embarrassing moments. I cringe when I think of them now. One of my most notorious gaffes on air came early on in my tv career at Goodwood when I was asked to nominate a horse that would definitely not win a race. Boldly I chose the outsider Omaha City. He duly won at 50/1.

10. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2012?

I always enjoy the races for two-years-olds, the stars of the future.

The Diamond Jubilee Cocktail

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts have created a delicious cocktail for Royal Ascot in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.  Fittingly named the Diamond Jubilee Cocktail, this exclusive cocktail will be served in the Bessborough Restaurant which also hosts the infamous Fashion Show throughout Royal Ascot.

This exclusive cocktail has been created by Erick Lorincz, Head Bartender at The Savoy’s iconic American and can be recreated at home using the recipe below – the perfect drink to enjoy over Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend.

35ml Bombay Sapphire gin
25ml Home-made grapefruit and orange sherbet
15ml Fresh lemon juice
10ml Orgeat syrup
30ml Earl Grey tea infusion
Top up with Champagne

If you can’t master it yourself, book a table in the Bessborough Restaurant during Royal Ascot or visit the American Bar in The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel.

To book a table in the Bessborough Restaurant, call 0844 346 0346 or visit ascot.co.uk. For more information on the American Bar at The Savoy, visit www.fairmont.com/Savoy  

Raising a Glass to the Diamond Jubilee with Windsor & Eton Brewery

79 years after the closure of Windsor’s last brewery, Windsor & Eton Brewery brought brewing back to the royal town. Since opening its doors on 1st March 2010, and renewing the uniquely British tradition of cask brewing, the company has launched five ales including two to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year.

‘Great beer for summer drinking’

‘Kohinoor’, named after the central diamond in the Coronation Crown, is an Indies Pale Ale, made using Imperial Malt, Chinook, Simcoe and Pacific Jade hops. The ale has a light, dry bitter taste with jaggery sugar, jasmine petals, cardamon and coriander balancing the lemony hop character. No doubt it will be a popular choice in the Silver Ring, where a 1950s street party theme, complete with brass brands and bunting, will get race-goers in celebratory mood.

This tasty ale will be served throughout the racecourse during Royal Ascot, Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd June. Tickets from £20 in the Silver Ring and £60 in Grandstand Admission, group discounts still apply. To book, call 0844 346 3000 or visit ascot.co.uk.
 
For more information on this ale and all the other ales from Windsor & Eton Brewery visit, www.webrew.co.uk