The teams for this year’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot a week on Saturday (August 7) are close to being finalised, with stars like six times British champion jockey Kieren Fallon, three times French champion Christophe Soumillon and five times Irish champion Pat Smullen signed up in the last 10 days for the world’s premier international jockeys team competition.
Both Soumillon and Smullen will be making their Shergar Cup debuts, while Fallon has not participated in it since 2004. All three of the Rest of the World jockeys – three times South African champion, Anton Marcus, top Japanese rider, Yasunari Iwata, and Melbourne’s reigning champion jockey, Luke Nolen – will be making their UK debuts.
Just four jockeys need to confirm their participation once they know whether they will be required by their retained stables – Ryan Moore and William Buick for the Great Britain team, Richard Hughes for the Ireland team and Frankie Dettori for the European team.
Great Britain
Hayley Turner (Captain)
*Ryan Moore
*William Buick
Ireland
Kieren Fallon (Captain)
Pat Smullen
*Richard Hughes
Europe
*Frankie Dettori (Captain) (Italy)
Christophe Soumillon (Belgium)
Umberto Rispoli (Italy)
Rest of the World
Anton Marcus (Captain) (South Africa)
Yasunari Iwata (Japan)
Luke Nolen (Australia)
* to be confirmed
At The Races, for whom this is a stand-alone afternoon card, will be the host broadcaster for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and will be looking to capture the whole flavour of the event.Racing will start an hour later than in previous years at 2.10pm, with the 12 jockeys signing autographs between 1pm and 1.30pm and the Opening Ceremony following straight on from that.
In the races, the jockeys will wear team colours for the first time, with the ROA having given its support to the initiative which should help bring alive the team competition more vividly for racegoers on the track and ATR viewers at home.
As last year, cheerleaders will be dancing in front of the stands when the horses reach the start before each race and they will dance again once each race is over to the winning rider’s team anthem.The anthems this year are:
Great Britain:Kasabian – Fire
Europe: Alphabeat – Fascination
Ireland: U2 – Elevation
Rest of the World: Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
After the Closing Ceremony and presentation of the Shergar Cup, the Silver Saddle trophy for the top points-scoring jockey and the Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day award, a free 80’s concert will take place in the Old Paddock with stars like Boy George, former Ultravox front man Midge Ure, Belinda Carlisle, the Christians, Captain Sensible, Cutting Crew and Johnny Hates Jazz entertaining the crowds.
Only a few tickets for Premier Admission (£35, but £31.50 if booked in advance) remain to be sold although there are still plenty of General Admission tickets available (£25, but £22.50 if booked in advance). All accompanied under 18’s are admitted free and there will be lots of additional free children’s entertainments.
Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are delighted with the way the day is shaping up and look forward to another exciting competition.
“We are very pleased that special guests Joe Mercer and John Reid will be joining us to judge the Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day, a new award we introduced last year that we expect to be keenly contested once again.”
Ascot Head of Communications and International Racing Nick Smith commented: “In recent years the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Day has been our best attended race meeting outside the five days of Royal Ascot and there should be another fantastic atmosphere here next Saturday.
“It’s great to have a lot of new faces in the competition this year, all with tremendous international or domestic achievements to their name. For instance, it will be fascinating to see Frankie Dettori riding alongside fellow countryman Umberto Rispoli, the young rider who last year smashed Frankie’s father’s all-time record for the number of winners in an Italian season.
“And it will be just as interesting to see Yasunari Iwata from Japan, the only rider from his country to win Australia’s greatest race, the Emirates Melbourne Cup, riding alongside an up-and-coming Aussie star, Luke Nolen.
“Overall we have an outstanding array of jockeys taking part and a great line-up of acts for the post-racing concert. It all points to a vintage Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Day and with advance bookings on a par with last year, we should be on for another crowd not far short of 30,000.”
Further information:
Nick Smith, Head of Communications and International Racing, Ascot , 07771 791 449
Alistair Haggis, Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Event Manager, 07761 896500
Note to Editors
The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of the world’s major international jockeys’ competitions and was first staged at Ascot in 2000. Twelve top riders take part, three representing Great Britain, three Ireland , three Europe and three riding for the Rest of the World. The day features six races, all handicaps worth £30,000, with each jockey having five rides and sitting out one race. Points are awarded on a 15, 10, 7, 5, 3 basis to the first five horses to finish in each race and the team with the highest points total after the last race lifts the Shergar Cup trophy. The top individual points-scoring rider wins the Silver Saddle trophy and there is also the Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day award.
Dubai Duty Free, the world’s number one airport retailer, has been involved with the Shergar Cup since its inception, and became title sponsor of the event in 2006.
News, competitions, behind the scenes and information from the World's Most Famous Racecourse.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Ascot Ales to brew a Festival Special for the 4th CAMRA Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival
It has been announced today that Ascot Ales will brew a festival special for the 4th Annual Ascot Racecourse CAMRA Beer Festival on Friday 24th And Saturday 25th September.
Ascot Ales Cob wil be a 4.5% Hazelnut Porter. Head Brewer Chris Gill explains ‘This beautiful smooth chestnut ale has an initial subtle hazelnut flavour followed with rich chocolate at the finish’. The name Cob represents the link between brewing, with the hazelnut base of the porter, and the equie world with Cob being another name for a a stout strong horse.
Ascot Ales have supported the Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival, organised by the Berkshire South East branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, since its inception in 2007 and the brewery will again be sponsoring the staff t-shirts in 2010. The racing over the two days of the Beer Festival is of the highest quality including Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by Sony, Euope’s highest rated mile race.
The Campaign for Real Ale campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights. They are an independent, voluntary organisation with over 100,000 members and have been described as the most successful consumer group in Europe. CAMRA promotes good-quality real ale and pubs, as well as acting as the consumer's champion in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry: www.camra.org.uk.
Past winners of the Beer of the Festival Award as voted for by racegoers are as follows:2007: Summer Lightning brewed by Hop Back Brewery, Downton, Wiltshire.2008: Barbus Barbus brewed by Butts Brewery, Great Shefford, Berkshire.2009: Sump brewed by Pitstop Brewery, Wantage, Oxfordshire.
Ascot Ales http://www.ascot-ales.co.uk/ brew five regular beers; their flagship bitter Posh Pooch so named after a local woman was seen walking a dog with a diamond necklace - the dog that is!
Ascot’s Alligator Ale, a wonderful hoppy golden ale, was originally a summer seasonal, but due to popular demand is now brewed all year round. It won Best Golden Ale at Woking Beer Festival in November 2008.
Their third regular is Anastasia's Exile Stout also, unusually, brewed all year round. This is another award winner and is the house stout at the Nags Head in Reading. On The Rails was originally brewed as a festival special for Ascot Beer Festival in 2008 and has since become a regular. It's a smooth drinking dark ale with caramel and chocolate flavours from the malt and a great aroma of pine and citrus from whole hop flowers making this a memorable session beer.
The latest addition is Alley Cat Ale at 3.8%. It's their new light copper ale packed full of flavour. Refreshing and hoppy with Brewers Gold hops giving gorgeous romas of tropical and lemony fruits - a terrific session ale.
Tickets for the Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival start from just £11. To book call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk. Gates and bars open at 11am with the first race off at 2pm. A voucher system will be in operation for all Beer Festival ales, perries and ciders. A half pint is priced at £1.40 and a pint £2.80. A limited edition commemorative oversized pint glass is available for £4.
Ascot Ales Cob wil be a 4.5% Hazelnut Porter. Head Brewer Chris Gill explains ‘This beautiful smooth chestnut ale has an initial subtle hazelnut flavour followed with rich chocolate at the finish’. The name Cob represents the link between brewing, with the hazelnut base of the porter, and the equie world with Cob being another name for a a stout strong horse.
Ascot Ales have supported the Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival, organised by the Berkshire South East branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, since its inception in 2007 and the brewery will again be sponsoring the staff t-shirts in 2010. The racing over the two days of the Beer Festival is of the highest quality including Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by Sony, Euope’s highest rated mile race.
The Campaign for Real Ale campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights. They are an independent, voluntary organisation with over 100,000 members and have been described as the most successful consumer group in Europe. CAMRA promotes good-quality real ale and pubs, as well as acting as the consumer's champion in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry: www.camra.org.uk.
Past winners of the Beer of the Festival Award as voted for by racegoers are as follows:2007: Summer Lightning brewed by Hop Back Brewery, Downton, Wiltshire.2008: Barbus Barbus brewed by Butts Brewery, Great Shefford, Berkshire.2009: Sump brewed by Pitstop Brewery, Wantage, Oxfordshire.
Ascot Ales http://www.ascot-ales.co.uk/ brew five regular beers; their flagship bitter Posh Pooch so named after a local woman was seen walking a dog with a diamond necklace - the dog that is!
Ascot’s Alligator Ale, a wonderful hoppy golden ale, was originally a summer seasonal, but due to popular demand is now brewed all year round. It won Best Golden Ale at Woking Beer Festival in November 2008.
Their third regular is Anastasia's Exile Stout also, unusually, brewed all year round. This is another award winner and is the house stout at the Nags Head in Reading. On The Rails was originally brewed as a festival special for Ascot Beer Festival in 2008 and has since become a regular. It's a smooth drinking dark ale with caramel and chocolate flavours from the malt and a great aroma of pine and citrus from whole hop flowers making this a memorable session beer.
The latest addition is Alley Cat Ale at 3.8%. It's their new light copper ale packed full of flavour. Refreshing and hoppy with Brewers Gold hops giving gorgeous romas of tropical and lemony fruits - a terrific session ale.
Tickets for the Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival start from just £11. To book call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk. Gates and bars open at 11am with the first race off at 2pm. A voucher system will be in operation for all Beer Festival ales, perries and ciders. A half pint is priced at £1.40 and a pint £2.80. A limited edition commemorative oversized pint glass is available for £4.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
A brief history of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a Group 1 contest run over one and a half miles. Open to thoroughbreds aged three years and older, it takes place each year at Ascot in late July. Compared with many prestigious races in Britain it has a relatively short history,
with the inaugural running taking place in 1951 won by Supreme Court. Its name came about through an amalgamation of two separate races held at Ascot, a two-mile event for three-year-olds founded in 1946 named after King George VI and a one-and-a-half mile contest formed in 1948 and named in honour of Queen Elizabeth. In its first year, to commemorate the Festival of Britain, it was titled the "King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Festival of Britain Stakes".
The great Lester Piggott managed to ride the winner on seven occasions, the most number of wins by any jockey in the history of the race. Dick Hern and Saeed bin Suroor each share the distinction of winning the race five times, a record among trainers. Some truly outstanding horses have graced the Winner’s Enclosure in years past, including all time greats such as Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard Shergar and Dancing Brave. Special mentions must also go to Dahlia and Swain who remain the only two horses to have won the race twice.
The “King George” has seen 13 Derby winners announce themselves as not only the best of the three-year-old generation but true champions of the turf in completing the historic double. The last horse to do so was Galileo, trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, in 2001. Today, all eyes will be on the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Workforce, who is having his first run since romping to victory in course record time at Epsom.
Sir Michael Stoute, who saddled the first three home in last year’s King George, is also responsible for today’s likely second favourite, Harbinger, unbeaten in three races this year and winner of the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. Owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, victory would confirm that syndicate-owned horses can compete successfully at the very highest level.
Also in today’s star-studded field is Aidan O’Brien’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner, Cape Blanco, who missed Epsom in favour of a European Classic campaign culminating in success at the Curragh. Cape Blanco will be looking to become the 12th Irish Derby winner to follow up at Ascot and has already beaten Workforce this year.
with the inaugural running taking place in 1951 won by Supreme Court. Its name came about through an amalgamation of two separate races held at Ascot, a two-mile event for three-year-olds founded in 1946 named after King George VI and a one-and-a-half mile contest formed in 1948 and named in honour of Queen Elizabeth. In its first year, to commemorate the Festival of Britain, it was titled the "King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Festival of Britain Stakes".
The great Lester Piggott managed to ride the winner on seven occasions, the most number of wins by any jockey in the history of the race. Dick Hern and Saeed bin Suroor each share the distinction of winning the race five times, a record among trainers. Some truly outstanding horses have graced the Winner’s Enclosure in years past, including all time greats such as Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard Shergar and Dancing Brave. Special mentions must also go to Dahlia and Swain who remain the only two horses to have won the race twice.
The “King George” has seen 13 Derby winners announce themselves as not only the best of the three-year-old generation but true champions of the turf in completing the historic double. The last horse to do so was Galileo, trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, in 2001. Today, all eyes will be on the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Workforce, who is having his first run since romping to victory in course record time at Epsom.
Sir Michael Stoute, who saddled the first three home in last year’s King George, is also responsible for today’s likely second favourite, Harbinger, unbeaten in three races this year and winner of the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. Owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, victory would confirm that syndicate-owned horses can compete successfully at the very highest level.
Also in today’s star-studded field is Aidan O’Brien’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner, Cape Blanco, who missed Epsom in favour of a European Classic campaign culminating in success at the Curragh. Cape Blanco will be looking to become the 12th Irish Derby winner to follow up at Ascot and has already beaten Workforce this year.
Football & Cheerleading Workshops for Children at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on Saturday 7th August
A cheerleading class from the 2009 Shergar Cup
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Reading FC’s Kingsley will be cheering on the footie workshops
Meet the jockey’s in the Parade Ring before racing at the Autograph signing session or keep the kids entertained on the fairground rides. There is also the chance to enhance your look with hair braiders and temporary tattoo artists all for free.
‘80s Concert After Racing
Back by popular demand we have a 2 hour live 80s concert featuring the ‘Here & Now’ Tour in the Old Paddock after racing. You’ll get the chance to listen to some classic hits from:
Boy George
Johnny Hates Jazz
Cutting Crew
The Christians
Captain Sensible
Belinda Carlisle
Midge Ure
Tickets start from £25 (10% discount if you book in advance) and are available from https://www.ascotkiosk.co.uk
Coaches from Reading Football Club will be taking football master classes at the racecourse for the Shergar Cup. The master class will last 30minutes and you will be taken through the paces of a Championship Footballer by the coaches that train the team.
If football isn’t your idea of fun then the Cheerleaders from Hit TV Show The Pineapple Dance Studios hit TV show will be at the racecourse to teach you a lively dance routine from the show. You are then welcome to perform with the Cheerleaders in the Parade Ring after the last race, if you wish.
Britain's only jockeys' competition, where teams of riders from all over the world compete over six races for the coveted Shergar Cup trophy. The teams are Great Britain, Ireland, Europe and Rest of the World.
All football and cheerleader workshops last approx. 30 mins. To pre-book your spot simply email coltsandfillies@ascot.co.uk. Please note spaces will be issued on a first come first served basis.
Racing and Other Entertainment on Shergar Cup Day
If football isn’t your idea of fun then the Cheerleaders from Hit TV Show The Pineapple Dance Studios hit TV show will be at the racecourse to teach you a lively dance routine from the show. You are then welcome to perform with the Cheerleaders in the Parade Ring after the last race, if you wish.
Britain's only jockeys' competition, where teams of riders from all over the world compete over six races for the coveted Shergar Cup trophy. The teams are Great Britain, Ireland, Europe and Rest of the World.
All football and cheerleader workshops last approx. 30 mins. To pre-book your spot simply email coltsandfillies@ascot.co.uk. Please note spaces will be issued on a first come first served basis.
Racing and Other Entertainment on Shergar Cup Day
Britain's only jockeys' competition, where teams of riders from all over the world compete over six races for the coveted Shergar Cup trophy. The teams are Great Britain, Ireland, Europe and Rest of the World.
Meet the jockey’s in the Parade Ring before racing at the Autograph signing session or keep the kids entertained on the fairground rides. There is also the chance to enhance your look with hair braiders and temporary tattoo artists all for free.
‘80s Concert After Racing
Back by popular demand we have a 2 hour live 80s concert featuring the ‘Here & Now’ Tour in the Old Paddock after racing. You’ll get the chance to listen to some classic hits from:
Boy George
Johnny Hates Jazz
Cutting Crew
The Christians
Captain Sensible
Belinda Carlisle
Midge Ure
Tickets start from £25 (10% discount if you book in advance) and are available from https://www.ascotkiosk.co.uk
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Royal Ascot Racing Club Horses in Training Update: 22nd July 2010
Metaphoric
This grand old servant is in really good form and Michael is now beginning to step his exercise up in the hope that he will move into fast work in August. The plan is for him to run at Ascot in The Fenwolfe Stake (Listed) on 26th September, but there is every chance that he will be ready sooner than that judging by the way that he is currently progressing.
Prompter
We have gelded this horse earlier in the week as he definitely appeared to be taking the micky in that last race at Leicester. It is hard to know what has got into this horse as he works well at home and shown no inkling of being dishonest. He will be ready to run towards the end of August and I think that we will put Jamie Spencer on board next time versus Hayley and look to ride him completely differently.
Mirabella
This filly has continued to have trouble with her feet but hopefully is now back on track. Physically she looks great and I saw her canter earlier in the week so, all being well, we will see her at long last back on the race track in August.
Expose
This colt had a minor adjustment to his palate and will return to William next week having had an easy fortnight. He is an imposing colt who goes very well and this minor operation will not set him back by more than two or three weeks at the most. All being well, he will be ready to make his debut in September and at that time of year ground conditions should be in his favour.
Advisor
This horse has now come back into Paul Nicholls’s yard having had a soft palate operation. The vets believe that this palate has been the reason for the sharp drop off in form and are they are hopeful that they have now sorted this problem. There were no complications with the operation and he will be back into full training exercise from the middle of August. Paul hopes that he will develop into a novice chasing prospect this season which will be very exciting.
This grand old servant is in really good form and Michael is now beginning to step his exercise up in the hope that he will move into fast work in August. The plan is for him to run at Ascot in The Fenwolfe Stake (Listed) on 26th September, but there is every chance that he will be ready sooner than that judging by the way that he is currently progressing.
Prompter
We have gelded this horse earlier in the week as he definitely appeared to be taking the micky in that last race at Leicester. It is hard to know what has got into this horse as he works well at home and shown no inkling of being dishonest. He will be ready to run towards the end of August and I think that we will put Jamie Spencer on board next time versus Hayley and look to ride him completely differently.
Mirabella
This filly has continued to have trouble with her feet but hopefully is now back on track. Physically she looks great and I saw her canter earlier in the week so, all being well, we will see her at long last back on the race track in August.
Expose
This colt had a minor adjustment to his palate and will return to William next week having had an easy fortnight. He is an imposing colt who goes very well and this minor operation will not set him back by more than two or three weeks at the most. All being well, he will be ready to make his debut in September and at that time of year ground conditions should be in his favour.
Advisor
This horse has now come back into Paul Nicholls’s yard having had a soft palate operation. The vets believe that this palate has been the reason for the sharp drop off in form and are they are hopeful that they have now sorted this problem. There were no complications with the operation and he will be back into full training exercise from the middle of August. Paul hopes that he will develop into a novice chasing prospect this season which will be very exciting.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Betfair launch 'Sapphire So Good’ cocktail on King George Day: 24th July
To mark the sponsorship of the £1,000,000 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Betfair, the world’s leading betting exchange, will be launching their 'Sapphire So Good’ cocktail on King George Day; Saturday 24th July.
The contents of the cocktail are as follows:
- 25ml Bombay Sapphire
- 2 lemon squeezes
- 10ml elderflower cordial
- Top with Cloudy apple juice and dash of soda
- Built in high ball glass over lots of ice
Dress Code for King George Day is smart and sophisticated. Cocktail dresses and black tie are not compulsory, many ladies wear hats to this event and gentlemen usually wear a shirt and tie. The fashion stakes at this event are as high as at Royal Ascot but in a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Tickets start from £25. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Ratings Bands Reduced for 12-Furlong Shergar Cup Races (Saturday 7th August)
Free Family Entertainment throughout the day including an ‘80s Concert after Racing
The successful Irish Team after last year’s Shergar CupAscot has reduced the ratings bands for the two races run over a mile and a half at this year’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, the world’s premier international jockeys’ team competition, on Saturday 7th August.
The £30,000 Michael Page International Shergar Cup Challenge for four-year-olds and up and the £30,000 Titanic Quarter Shergar Cup Classic for three-year-olds, which failed to attract a full field of ten runners and two reserves last year, are now open to horses rated 76 to 95 (also open to horses rated 75 and below). Last year they were for horses rated 81-100.
The £30,000 Barclays Shergar Cup Dash for three-year-olds and up over five furlongs remains 86-105 (also open to horses rated 85 and below), while the other three races – the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint for three year-olds over six furlongs, the St Hallett Shergar Cup Stayers for four-year-olds and up over two miles and the Les Ambassadeurs Club Shergar Cup Mile for four-year-olds and up – all remain 81-100 (also open to horses rated 80 and below).
Nick Smith, Ascot’s Head of Communications and International Racing, said: “We hope that by dropping the ratings bands, more trainers will be encouraged to enter horses in these two races. There aren’t too many £30,000 handicaps for horses rated 95 and below, while the same prize money for the other four races also remains very attractive in the current financial climate even though they are retaining their slightly higher ratings bands.
"When you consider that it costs nothing to enter or to run in these races, there is prize money right down to last place and the owners and trainers enjoy free hospitality all day, there are plenty of other reasons to have runners.
“We also look after the stable staff really well on this day. There is free food and drink in the hostel and they benefit from a series of cash payments worth £4,800. There is a £200 best turned out award in every race, the lad or girl in charge of every winner receives £200, while those in charge of the second, third, fourth and fifth in every race – i.e. the other points scoring horses in the jockeys’ competition – get £100 each.”
Further information:
Nick Smith, Head of Communications and International Racing, Ascot , 07771 791 449
Alistair Haggis, Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Event Manager, 07761 896500
The £30,000 Michael Page International Shergar Cup Challenge for four-year-olds and up and the £30,000 Titanic Quarter Shergar Cup Classic for three-year-olds, which failed to attract a full field of ten runners and two reserves last year, are now open to horses rated 76 to 95 (also open to horses rated 75 and below). Last year they were for horses rated 81-100.
The £30,000 Barclays Shergar Cup Dash for three-year-olds and up over five furlongs remains 86-105 (also open to horses rated 85 and below), while the other three races – the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint for three year-olds over six furlongs, the St Hallett Shergar Cup Stayers for four-year-olds and up over two miles and the Les Ambassadeurs Club Shergar Cup Mile for four-year-olds and up – all remain 81-100 (also open to horses rated 80 and below).
Nick Smith, Ascot’s Head of Communications and International Racing, said: “We hope that by dropping the ratings bands, more trainers will be encouraged to enter horses in these two races. There aren’t too many £30,000 handicaps for horses rated 95 and below, while the same prize money for the other four races also remains very attractive in the current financial climate even though they are retaining their slightly higher ratings bands.
"When you consider that it costs nothing to enter or to run in these races, there is prize money right down to last place and the owners and trainers enjoy free hospitality all day, there are plenty of other reasons to have runners.
“We also look after the stable staff really well on this day. There is free food and drink in the hostel and they benefit from a series of cash payments worth £4,800. There is a £200 best turned out award in every race, the lad or girl in charge of every winner receives £200, while those in charge of the second, third, fourth and fifth in every race – i.e. the other points scoring horses in the jockeys’ competition – get £100 each.”
Further information:
Nick Smith, Head of Communications and International Racing, Ascot , 07771 791 449
Alistair Haggis, Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Event Manager, 07761 896500
Monday, 19 July 2010
250 Cuddly Ascot Horses to be Given Away for FREE
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How cute is he!To claim your FREE cuddly Ascot horse, e-mail twitter@ascot.co.uk with your name and address plus your Twitter Name and retweet the Twitter message. Please note that horses are only available to followers of @AscotInsider.
Terms and Conditions
1. Only one Ascot cuddly horse per Twitter follower. 2. Twitter followers are asked to retweet the @AscotInsider message. 3. Offer only open to followers of @AscotInsider on Twitter http://twitter.com/AscotInsider 4. Offer ends 6pm, Thursday 22nd July 2010 or once 250 cuddly horses have been claimed; whichever is the earlier. 5. Horses will be dispatched within 10 working days. 6. Horses are not available for purchase.
Promoter: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX.
Madcap Family Fun with Alice’s Adventures at Ascot on Sunday 25th July
Sunday 25th July, is a colourful day that offers something for everyone, with a combination of spectacular racing action and free entertainment for the children. Off the track turn an ordinary Summer’s afternoon into a magical adventure as we relive Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Start the day with a ride on the fairground rides following the white rabbit down the rabbit hole helter-skelter, between races take tea with the Mad Hatter and solver the Cheshire Cat's riddles. Have your face painted and meet the Queen of Hearts. This is all rounded off by the Sound of the Musicals sing-a-long around the Bandstand after racing with everything from Greece to Mama Mia.
Face Painters: Have your faces painted in the characters of Alice in Wonderland on the Plaza Lawns today.
Fairground Rides: Why not take a ride down the Rabbit hole helter skelter, jump around in the White Rabbit’s cottage or play on the array of family friendly rides at the racecourse today.
Alice Chasing the Rabbit: Help Alice find the White Rabbit in this giant game of hide and seek. All children are welcome to help find the White Rabbit.
Play Croquet with the Queen of Hearts: The Queen of Hearts and her loyal playing card subjects formally invite you to join them for a game of hedgehog croquet. This is a re-creation of scene the from the book and audience participation is required. The White Rabbit is the umpire for The Queen’s battle against you and Alice so don’t forget to give the Queen her well-deserved ‘BOOOO’s (but be careful as she may scream Off With Your Head!). RULES OF THE GAME - The Queen always wins!
Cheshire Cat & Treasure Trail: The Cheshire Cat will be answering all your questions from the Cedar Tree, look up or you might miss him! Please note: not all directions are completely accurate If you miss the Cheshire Cat, he will be leaving a treasure trail for the children around the racecourse during the afternoon. Your prize can be collected from the blue Racecard kiosk on the Plaza Lawn.
Mad Hatters Tea Party: Watch as the Mad Hatters Tea Party is re-created before you. Watch out, all is not what it seems!
The Caterpillar: The Caterpillar on his mushroom will be located on the Plaza Lawns. This fantastic and ridiculous sight is worth a visit, but please note he is rather fond of his own voice. We do not recommend taking his advice too literally.
Sounds of the Musicals: Join us around the Bandstand after racing for a sing-a-long of all your favourite hits from the West End shows including Grease, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables, Dirty Dancing, The Sound of Music and more.
The Betfair Weekend: Betfair are celebrating their 10th Birthday this weekend and have a great deal for all their customers. Make sure you visit the brand new Betfair Lounge in the Grandstand to see what’s on offer.
Timings
11am - Gates open.
11.30am - Colts & Fillies Tour (Sovereign’s Gate).
12pm - Meet the Cheshire Cat (Cedar Tree).
12pm - Hide & Seek with Alice and the White Rabbit (Parade Ring).
12pm - Tweedledum & Tweedledee and the March Hare Meet & Greet (Plaza Lawns).
1pm - Colts & Fillies Mad Hatters Tea Party (pre-booked event).
2.15pm - First race.
2.30pm - Croquet Match with the Queen of Hearts.
5.10pm – Last (6th) race.
5.15pm - Sounds of the Musicals around the Bandstand.
Tickets available from £16. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit www.ascot.co.uk. Children aged 17 and under admitted Free of Charge.
Face Painters: Have your faces painted in the characters of Alice in Wonderland on the Plaza Lawns today.
Fairground Rides: Why not take a ride down the Rabbit hole helter skelter, jump around in the White Rabbit’s cottage or play on the array of family friendly rides at the racecourse today.
Alice Chasing the Rabbit: Help Alice find the White Rabbit in this giant game of hide and seek. All children are welcome to help find the White Rabbit.
Play Croquet with the Queen of Hearts: The Queen of Hearts and her loyal playing card subjects formally invite you to join them for a game of hedgehog croquet. This is a re-creation of scene the from the book and audience participation is required. The White Rabbit is the umpire for The Queen’s battle against you and Alice so don’t forget to give the Queen her well-deserved ‘BOOOO’s (but be careful as she may scream Off With Your Head!). RULES OF THE GAME - The Queen always wins!
Cheshire Cat & Treasure Trail: The Cheshire Cat will be answering all your questions from the Cedar Tree, look up or you might miss him! Please note: not all directions are completely accurate If you miss the Cheshire Cat, he will be leaving a treasure trail for the children around the racecourse during the afternoon. Your prize can be collected from the blue Racecard kiosk on the Plaza Lawn.
Mad Hatters Tea Party: Watch as the Mad Hatters Tea Party is re-created before you. Watch out, all is not what it seems!
The Caterpillar: The Caterpillar on his mushroom will be located on the Plaza Lawns. This fantastic and ridiculous sight is worth a visit, but please note he is rather fond of his own voice. We do not recommend taking his advice too literally.
Sounds of the Musicals: Join us around the Bandstand after racing for a sing-a-long of all your favourite hits from the West End shows including Grease, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables, Dirty Dancing, The Sound of Music and more.
The Betfair Weekend: Betfair are celebrating their 10th Birthday this weekend and have a great deal for all their customers. Make sure you visit the brand new Betfair Lounge in the Grandstand to see what’s on offer.
Timings
11am - Gates open.
11.30am - Colts & Fillies Tour (Sovereign’s Gate).
12pm - Meet the Cheshire Cat (Cedar Tree).
12pm - Hide & Seek with Alice and the White Rabbit (Parade Ring).
12pm - Tweedledum & Tweedledee and the March Hare Meet & Greet (Plaza Lawns).
1pm - Colts & Fillies Mad Hatters Tea Party (pre-booked event).
2.15pm - First race.
2.30pm - Croquet Match with the Queen of Hearts.
5.10pm – Last (6th) race.
5.15pm - Sounds of the Musicals around the Bandstand.
Tickets available from £16. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit www.ascot.co.uk. Children aged 17 and under admitted Free of Charge.
Wantage based Pitstop Brewery Revving up for the CAMRA Ascot Beer Festival in September
Rip Van Winkle wins the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in 2009.
The CAMRA Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival attracts an ever increasing crowd. In 2009, 21,000 pints were sold over the two days.Pitstop Brewery, based behind Bellingers Garage in Grove near Wantage, has announced that it is to brew a Festival Special for the 4th CAMRA Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th September 2010.
Horsepower is a 7% American-style IPA, heavily hopped with Centennial, Chinook and Cascade hops. Pitstop Brewery boss Peter Fowler said, ‘I have used Belgian yeast to give extra flavour. The result is an ever-so-slightly-hazy straw-coloured beer - probably caused from the excess of hop oils - that bursts with flavour and has a wonderfully long-lasting hoppy aftertaste’.
Peter went on to explain; ‘I'm putting Horsepower all as one word to formalise it into the motor racing world’. The real ale is hoping to emulate the feat of Sump, a superb example of a black Russian style stout that won the Beer of the Festival at Ascot in 2009.
The September meeting at Ascot, aka The Ascot Festival, is a highlight of the Flat season and one of the feature race days of the Ascot calendar. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by Sony) is Europe's top mile race and crowns the top miler in Europe. Also on the card are the Group One Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile and the Group Two Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes, for the top two year old milers. It was on this day in 1996 that Frankie Dettori went through the card winning all seven races and creating history!
The annual Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival started in 2007 and is organised by the Berkshire South East branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.
The Campaign for Real Ale campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights. They are an independent, voluntary organisation with over 100,000 members and have been described as the most successful consumer group in Europe. CAMRA promotes good-quality real ale and pubs, as well as acting as the consumer's champion in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry: www.camra.org.uk.
Past winners of the Beer of the Festival Award as voted for by racegoers are as follows:
2007: Summer Lightning brewed by Hop Back Brewery, Downton, Wiltshire.
2008: Barbus Barbus brewed by Butts Brewery, Great Shefford, Berkshire.
2009: Sump brewed by Pitstop Brewery, Wantage, Oxfordshire.
Tickets start from just £11. To book call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk. Gates and bars open at 11am with the first race off at 2pm. A voucher system will be in operation for all Beer Festival ales, perries and ciders. A half pint is priced at £1.40 and a pint £2.80. A limited edition commemorative oversized pint glass is available for £4.
Horsepower is a 7% American-style IPA, heavily hopped with Centennial, Chinook and Cascade hops. Pitstop Brewery boss Peter Fowler said, ‘I have used Belgian yeast to give extra flavour. The result is an ever-so-slightly-hazy straw-coloured beer - probably caused from the excess of hop oils - that bursts with flavour and has a wonderfully long-lasting hoppy aftertaste’.
Peter went on to explain; ‘I'm putting Horsepower all as one word to formalise it into the motor racing world’. The real ale is hoping to emulate the feat of Sump, a superb example of a black Russian style stout that won the Beer of the Festival at Ascot in 2009.
The September meeting at Ascot, aka The Ascot Festival, is a highlight of the Flat season and one of the feature race days of the Ascot calendar. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by Sony) is Europe's top mile race and crowns the top miler in Europe. Also on the card are the Group One Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile and the Group Two Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes, for the top two year old milers. It was on this day in 1996 that Frankie Dettori went through the card winning all seven races and creating history!
The annual Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival started in 2007 and is organised by the Berkshire South East branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.
The Campaign for Real Ale campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights. They are an independent, voluntary organisation with over 100,000 members and have been described as the most successful consumer group in Europe. CAMRA promotes good-quality real ale and pubs, as well as acting as the consumer's champion in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry: www.camra.org.uk.
Past winners of the Beer of the Festival Award as voted for by racegoers are as follows:
2007: Summer Lightning brewed by Hop Back Brewery, Downton, Wiltshire.
2008: Barbus Barbus brewed by Butts Brewery, Great Shefford, Berkshire.
2009: Sump brewed by Pitstop Brewery, Wantage, Oxfordshire.
Tickets start from just £11. To book call 0870 727 1234 or visit ascot.co.uk. Gates and bars open at 11am with the first race off at 2pm. A voucher system will be in operation for all Beer Festival ales, perries and ciders. A half pint is priced at £1.40 and a pint £2.80. A limited edition commemorative oversized pint glass is available for £4.
Friday, 16 July 2010
Fun Horsey Facts and Trivia
- There are over 350 different breeds of horses and ponies.
- A horse is considered adult at age four.
- Horses usually live to be 20-25 years old. The oldest horse lived to be 62.
- The longest tail measured was 22ft long, and was grown by an American Palomino named Chinook.
- Anything under 14.2 hands high is a pony.
- Horses have 2 blind spots. One is directly behind them and the other is directly in front of them.The average horse's head weighs 11.84 pounds.
- Horses can drink up to ten gallons of water a day.
- Horses lose more energy lying down than they do when they are standing up.
- The smallest pony ever recorded is "Little Pumpkin". Foaled on April 15, 1973; he stood 14 inches high and weighed just 20 pounds a year later.
- The tallest documented horse was a shire gelding named Sampson. Foaled in 1846, he measured 21.2hh in 1950 weighed 3,360 pounds.
- The word 'Dressage' comes from the French verb "dresser" meaning to train.
- Rabbits are more closely related to horses than they are to rats or mice!
The Scene is set for an Action Packed King George Day at Ascot
KING GEORGE DAY AT ASCOT: SATURDAY 24TH JULY 2010
Conduit wins the 2009 King GeorgeVI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by Betfair)
Spectacular Racing Action
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored by Betfair, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary with us today) commemorates Her Majesty The Queen's late parents and is the European mid season middle distance championship. With £1,000,000 on offer, the "King George" is Ascot's most valuable and most important race. See English Dery Winner Workhorse take on Irish Derby Winner Cape Blanco. The supporting card is second to none with the £75,000 International Handicap the big betting race of the day and the Group Three Princess Margaret Abu Dhabi Stakes a traditional pointer towards the following season’s Stan James 1,000 Guineas.
Take time to relax and unwind this summer at the highlight of the British summer season. This race meeting is a dazzling day out of style, fashion, sophistication and excitement. Outside of Royal Ascot this is a date for your diary and a definite occasion to purchase a new hat! The fashion stakes at this event are as high as at Royal Ascot in a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Dress Code: Cocktail dresses and black tie not compulsory, many ladies wear hats to this event and gentlemen usually wear a shirt and tie. The fashion stakes at this event are as high as at Royal Ascot but in a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Experience the Real Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Culture & Hospitality Tent will be located on the Cedar Tree Lawn today. This will feature literature about Abu Dhabi and traditional Abu Dhabi arts such as basket weaving, Henna tattoos and calligraphy as well as the chance to taste Arabic coffee and have your photo taken with a hawk.
Eithad Airways Formula 1 Car
An Eithad Airways Formula 1 car will be located outside Core 3 today. Visit the car for your chance to be entered in to a prize draw to win a weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Retraining of Racehorses
The Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) is British horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses that have retired from racing. There will be a parade of ex-race horses in the Parade Ring today demonstrating the varied options horses have after their career on the track. See page xxx for more details.
Arabian Purebred Classic Series
The penultimate race at Ascot today is the 2nd running of the President of the United Arab Emirates Cup Series. The race is part of the original Arabian Purebred Classic Series with the other renewals run in France and Russia and is equivalent to a Group 1 race for Arabian horses.
Arabian horses lived among the desert tribes of the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years, bred by the Bedouins as war companions. Because of their breeding in the rough terrains of the desert, Pure-bred Arabians display great tenacity, surprising strength and incredible endurance all qualities that will make a spectacular race today.
The Ascot Summer Cocktail Party
Why not visit the Plaza Lawn area of the racecourse today to soak up the 1920’s atmosphere of the cocktail party. Enjoy and array of cocktails including the Betfair xxxxxxxxx and the official Royal Ascot cocktail, returning today by popular demand; Royal Blush.
Cocktail party goers will be serenaded by jazz on the Bandstand and our baby grand piano on the Grandstand Lawns.
After Racing Party
Step up the tempo after racing as the party begins! Join us for live music and dancing around the Bandstand as you sing along to all the old party favourites for an hour after racing.
Jaguar International
Around the Parade Ring, Jaguar will be displaying their luxury XK, XF and the all new XJ, models. Experts will be on hand to answer any queries.
Topiary Darlings
Why not visit the sophisticated and quirky topiary darlings, our elegant living topiary will proudly preen in their pots throughout the day.
Artists in Residence
Artists Liz Armstrong are and Conversation Pieces will be at Ascot today.
Timings
11am - Cocktail lounges open, Abu Dhabi marquee opens, Eithad Airways prize draw opens
12pm - Racecourse Tour
12.30pm - Retraining of Race Horses Parade
1.25pm - First Race
4.25pm - King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by Betfair)
5pm - Arabian Purebred Classic Series
5.10pm - Last race
5.15pm - After racing party.
How to book tickets
Tickets start from £25. To book, call 0870 727 1234 or visit www.ascot.co.uk
Monday, 12 July 2010
International Stars Lined Up for The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup
Top South African jockey
Marcus, who is nicknamed “Superman” in his homeland, will be joined by the highly experienced
The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of the world’s major international jockeys’ competitions which was first staged at
Monday, 5 July 2010
Jockeys To Wear Team Colours in The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup
The jockeys competing in the four team Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup will wear team colours for the first time at this year’s renewal on Saturday, 7th August.
The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and Ascot Racecourse, both mindful of the many and varied current industry initiatives aimed at broadening the appeal of the sport, have agreed to this one year trial in the belief that this will add to the sense of competition and to the spectacle.
The three jockeys riding for the Great Britain team will wear red and white colours, the jockeys representing Ireland will wear green and white, the jockeys riding for Europe will wear blue and white and the Rest of the World team will wear black and white.
Distinguishing caps and sleeves (checks, hoops and stars) will allow commentators, racegoers and TV viewers to differentiate between the jockeys riding within each team.
“We are very grateful to the ROA for giving us the go-ahead for this trial,” said Ascot’s Head of Communications, Nick Smith.
“Seeing their horses in their own colours is obviously important to owners so the ROA is to be applauded for its flexibility and foresight in lending its weight to the initiative, which is aimed at enabling racegoers to follow more easily this unique team competition.
“The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has been the best attended raceday at Ascot outside the Royal Meeting in recent years, attracting a crowd of around 30,000, many of whom are new to the sport and to whom this initiative is expected to appeal. It should also add to the sense of fun for viewers watching at home on At The Races, who have exciting plans for all day coverage from Ascot, which is their stand alone afternoon card.”
Michael Harris, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners’ Association, said: “Ascot has always made this one-off day rewarding for owners, with no entry fees, decent prize money for races of their grades paid down to last place, number cloth sponsorship for every runner and complimentary hospitality throughout the day. This is a one off event and I hope that owners really get behind the trial.”
Nick Attenborough, PR Director for Racing For Change, added: ‘We’re delighted that team silks have been agreed for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup. Ascot has done a great job of building this day into a major event which attracts many novice racegoers. This latest initiative will further enhance it.”
The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of the world’s major international jockeys’ competitions which was first staged at Ascot in 2000. Twelve top riders take part, three representing Great Britain, three Ireland, three Europe and three riding for the Rest of the World. The day features six races, all handicaps worth £30,000, with each jockey having five rides and sitting out one race. Points are awarded on a 15, 10, 7, 5, 3 basis to the first five horses to finish in each race and the team with the highest points total after the last race lifts the Shergar Cup trophy. The top individual points-scoring rider wins the Silver Saddle trophy.
Dubai Duty Free, the world’s number one airport retailer, has been involved with the Shergar Cup since its inception, and became title sponsor of the event in 2006.
The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and Ascot Racecourse, both mindful of the many and varied current industry initiatives aimed at broadening the appeal of the sport, have agreed to this one year trial in the belief that this will add to the sense of competition and to the spectacle.
The three jockeys riding for the Great Britain team will wear red and white colours, the jockeys representing Ireland will wear green and white, the jockeys riding for Europe will wear blue and white and the Rest of the World team will wear black and white.
Distinguishing caps and sleeves (checks, hoops and stars) will allow commentators, racegoers and TV viewers to differentiate between the jockeys riding within each team.
“We are very grateful to the ROA for giving us the go-ahead for this trial,” said Ascot’s Head of Communications, Nick Smith.
“Seeing their horses in their own colours is obviously important to owners so the ROA is to be applauded for its flexibility and foresight in lending its weight to the initiative, which is aimed at enabling racegoers to follow more easily this unique team competition.
“The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has been the best attended raceday at Ascot outside the Royal Meeting in recent years, attracting a crowd of around 30,000, many of whom are new to the sport and to whom this initiative is expected to appeal. It should also add to the sense of fun for viewers watching at home on At The Races, who have exciting plans for all day coverage from Ascot, which is their stand alone afternoon card.”
Michael Harris, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners’ Association, said: “Ascot has always made this one-off day rewarding for owners, with no entry fees, decent prize money for races of their grades paid down to last place, number cloth sponsorship for every runner and complimentary hospitality throughout the day. This is a one off event and I hope that owners really get behind the trial.”
Nick Attenborough, PR Director for Racing For Change, added: ‘We’re delighted that team silks have been agreed for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup. Ascot has done a great job of building this day into a major event which attracts many novice racegoers. This latest initiative will further enhance it.”
The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of the world’s major international jockeys’ competitions which was first staged at Ascot in 2000. Twelve top riders take part, three representing Great Britain, three Ireland, three Europe and three riding for the Rest of the World. The day features six races, all handicaps worth £30,000, with each jockey having five rides and sitting out one race. Points are awarded on a 15, 10, 7, 5, 3 basis to the first five horses to finish in each race and the team with the highest points total after the last race lifts the Shergar Cup trophy. The top individual points-scoring rider wins the Silver Saddle trophy.
Dubai Duty Free, the world’s number one airport retailer, has been involved with the Shergar Cup since its inception, and became title sponsor of the event in 2006.
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