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.

Download the FREE Ascot App from the App Store now!

Ascot Racecourse is excited to announce the launch of the new Ascot App in time for racing this weekend. The App has been designed to be your on-course raceday guide providing you, not only with up to the minute odds and racing information, but also an interactive map of the racecourse, feature restaurants and a timetable for the day.

Other highlights of the App include:

• Runners & Riders with live results
• Betting odds – with shake to choose!
• The latest racing gossip
• Travel, weather & Going reports

Download the FREE Ascot App from the App Store now!

Stallholder Registration for the 2011 Ascot Festival of Food Raceday opens

Ascot Festival of Food Raceday: Saturday 3rd September 2011

The 5th Ascot Food Fair is set in the stunning surroundings of Ascot Racecourse. As in 2010, this year - Ascot’s tercentenary year - stalls will be located adjacent to the Parade Ring; either inside or outside the Grandstand.

Stallholder benefits
· Two exhibitor wrist bands allowing access to the Grandstand Admission area of the racecourse and a free racecard plus two free Grandstand Admission tickets for friends and family.
· Hot drinks provided throughout the day, free of charge.

Who can attend?
· Any member of the Thames Valley Farmers Market Cooperative, BBO Food Group, Hampshire Fare, Hampshire Farmers’ Markets and Surrey Food Links can attend.
· Please note that food and drink products for instant consumption cannot be sold on the day. However, free samples are permissible.
Set-up
· Gates open to the race going public at 11am. Stalls must be set up by 9.30am. Access will be available from 6.30am to 9.30am, by which time vehicles must be removed to the stallholders parking area beneath Core 4 of the Grandstand. Stalls to be dismantled no earlier than 5.45pm. Exact timings TBC.
· All stall holders must have Public Products Liability Insurance of £1 million.
· Full details including a map of the site and directions will be provided once fees have been received.
· Subject to the extent of your electricity requirements, we will endeavour to meet your needs.
· There will be a free Shop and Drop provision for racegoers.

Presence Fee
· The fee per 3m x 2.5m space is just £35 with free parking for one vehicle. This will cover the cost of a market stall umbrella which will be provided. Larger stall sizes are available for an increased pro-rata fee.
· You will need to provide your own stall, table and chairs.
· The space for purpose built units will be charged at £175 each.

Further Information
If you would like an Stallholder Registration Form, please e-mail john.blake@ascot.co.uk. There is a limit of 35 stalls for the event and, due to demand, stalls will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

The Royal Ascot 2011 Recycled Fashion Competition

Could you be the next Vivienne Westwood or Matthew Williamson?

Calling all fashion designers, young and old!

The Enjoy Maidenhead team have joined up with Windsor and Eton Town Partnership and Royal Ascot to launch an Ascot-themed recycled fashion competition across the borough to mark the 300th anniversary of the Royal racecourse.

Milliners and fashion designers from all age groups are being invited to submit Ascot themed outfits made from recycled and unwanted materials e.g. from charity shops and household recycling.

Royal Ascot, the greatest race meeting in the world, is famous for its world class racing, the social element of a day at the races, history, pageantry and, high fashion – and the Ascot themed outfit should reflect at least one of these.

The judges will be looking for outfits that are creative, relevant, eye-catching and innovative, capturing the essence of a day at Royal Ascot.

Designs must be submitted by Saturday 19th March and will be displayed in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre between 21 and 26 March.

Judging will take place on Saturday 26th March. Ascot Racecourse have offered some spectacular prizes including the opportunity to have the overall winning design displayed in one of the prominent window display cases during Royal Ascot.

Steph James, Maidenhead Town Manager, stated “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the history of Ascot Racecourse and showcasing local talent.”

John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing at Ascot Racecourse, added “We are very excited to be involved in such an inspiring local initiative that marries the history of the racecourse with the essential need to recycle. There is so much budding talent in the Royal Borough that we can’t wait to see the entries.”

Competition entry forms can be downloaded from the competition page at http://bit.ly/fBE8Yp

ENDS
For further information contact:Steph James, Maidenhead Town Manager; 01628 796128 or email steph.james@rbwm.gov.uk John Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing, Ascot Racecourse; 01344 878512 or e-mail john.blake@ascot.co.uk

What Royal Ascot means to you

The dramatic majesty of the Royal Procession at Royal Ascot 2010

Goldikova holds off Paco Boy to win the Queen Anne Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot 2010

Updated: 10th February 2011

On Sunday evening (6th February 2011), we posted a message on Twitter asking people what Royal Ascot means to them. It was just a bit of fun and here are some of the best comments we received in no particular order:

‘To me, it's simply hattertastic...and I should know!’ Enthusiastic response there from @Imamadhatter.

‘Champagne, strawberries, horses, sunshine, frocks and the avoidance of breaking my ankles in totally inappropriate 5 inch heels!’ Be careful now @ediTRACKNatalie.

‘Hopefully my husband riding lots of winners, always a great week and hopefully he and the family will get a few this year!’ From @ChrissyHills

‘Royal Ascot is a family tradition. Haven't missed 1 since I was 12. Intend to attend ‘til body fails me/friends won't take me!’ From @SamAtSicilyBean

‘A first class racecourse, a British venue to be proud off.’ Aw, thank you @Horseracingno1

‘One of the racing highlights of my year good racing, great venue unbeatable atmosphere ... Book now ....... !!’ You won’t believe me, but @Philhutchings doesn’t work for Ascot!

‘1: my mates & me doing "The Ascot Jolly Boys" 2: steer clear of the missis for 6 days when coming home from work ;)’, Let's hope Mrs. @DazFootie doesn’t read this!

‘Getting to see top class racing at a world class venue. Or if not there, being able to watch it at school on the BBC website.’ Not sure if @calummadell is a teacher or pupil. If the latter, we can’t possibly endorse such action!

‘It means I won't be concentrating at work for 4 days!!’ From @derekcopland...there’s a theme developing here.

‘It meant a lot to me back in 2006 when I won over £500 on Les Arcs.’ Note to self, ask @grahamwitch1 what he’s backing this year.

‘Sunshine, Pimms and a cheeky bet with a bit of Frankie, Hughsie, the Hills and Ryan thrown in for good measure...bring it on!’ From @SarahHeath1

‘Frock, heels and fascinator and then I can think about what I'm gonna wear :-)’ Also from @SarahHeath1

‘What's not to like!’ I get the distinct impression that @SarahHeath1 rather likes Royal Ascot.

Thank you to everyone who gave us their input, it really is much appreciated.

If you would like to contribute your thoughts on what Royal Ascot means to you, please leave a comment below, post a message with @AscotInsider on Twitter or get in touch via the Ascot Racecourse Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you.

Complete Order of Running for Betfair Ascot Chase Day: Saturday 19th February

Monets Garden on his way to victory in the 2010 Betfair Ascot Chase

Betfair Ascot Chase Day: Saturday 19th February

Gates open: 10.45am.
Tickets available from £17.
To book, visit www.ascot.co.uk or call 0870 727 1234.

Please note that all information is correct as at 4.30pm, Tuesday 1st February and may be subject to change.

Race 1: 1.20pm: The Espirito Santo Investment Bank Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 2)
Age: 5+ (open to horses aged 5 and older)
Prize money: £11,000
Distance: Two miles about three and a half furlongs

Race 2: 1.50pm: The Sodexo Prestige Reynoldstown Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 2) CHANNEL 4
Age: 5+
Prize money: £25,000
Distance: About three miles

Race 3: 2.25pm: The Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Steeple Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Class 1) (Listed Race) CHANNEL 4
Age: 5+
Prize money: £40,000
Distance: About three miles

Race 4: 3.00pm: The Betfair Ascot Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1) CHANNEL 4
Age: 5+
Prize money: £150,000
Distance: Two miles and about five and a half furlongs

Race 5: 3.30pm: The Betfair Mobile Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2) CHANNEL 4
Age: 4+
Prize money: £40,000
Distance: Two miles and about three and a half furlongs

Race 6: 4.05pm: The Trisoft ‘National Hunt’ Novices Hurdle Race (Class 2)
Age: 4+
Prize money: £10,000
Distance: About two miles

Race 7: 4.40pm: The Gardiner & Theobald Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 3)Age: 4 to 6
Prize money: £8,000
Distance: About two miles