Ascot’s Premier Sprint Renamed “Diamond Jubilee Stakes”

Ascot Racecourse is delighted to announce that The Golden Jubilee Stakes has been renamed The Diamond Jubilee Stakes to mark this important milestone in Her Majesty The Queen’s reign.

2012 also marks the 150th anniversary of the inception of The Prince of Wales’s Stakes and this year’s renewal will be run as “The 150th Anniversary of The Prince of Wales’s Stakes”.

“We are delighted to be commemorating The Diamond Jubilee by renaming the Golden Jubilee Stakes,” said Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot.

“All being well, we will be running the race with the world’s top rated sprinter, Black Caviar, representing Australia in what is historically Europe’s most international race, which would be a wonderful way to begin a new era for The Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

“We celebrated the 200th running of The Gold Cup a few years ago and this year we will be marking the 150th anniversary of Royal Ascot’s most important middle distance race, The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, which has been won by the likes of Rewilding, Vision D’Etat and Manduro in recent years.”

Ends

Press Release: 31st January 2012

For more information, please contact:

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive, Ascot Racecourse:

Tel: 01344 878501

Nick Smith, Head of Communications, Ascot Racecourse:

Tel: 01344 878430 / 07771 791 449 or nick.smith@ascot.co.uk

Save over £50 with the 2012 Ascot Family Day Pass

We have five fantastic Family Days in 2012 so put the dates in your diary. We will once again be offering our Family Day ticket offer for 2012.

The family days will include:

Sunday 1st April – Countryside Raceday

Sunday 22nd July – Betfair Weekend Family Day

Saturday 11th August – Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and 80s Concert

Saturday 3rd November – United House Group Day and Firework Spectacular

Saturday 22nd December – Christmas Meeting

 

You can now buy a Grandstand Admission ticket to all five Family Days in 2012 for just £47.50 per adult a saving of over £50!

Grandstand Admission tickets for Family Days are usually £18 per person, except Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup when they are priced at £26 so this is great value for money.

Simply quote Family Day Pass Offer when booking.To book, call 0844 346 3000 and talk to a member of the Sales Team. Don’t forget kids under 18 go FREE! Offer limited to four 2012 Family Day Passes per household and must be booked before 29th March 2012.

Ascot Premier Admission Customers to Receive Full Refund

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot, said: “It is clear that we let down many of our Premier Admission customers with a well intentioned but misguided policy, whereby we attached marks to those not complying with the new dress code. The intention was that customers who had been advised once that a new dress code applied wouldn’t be approached a second time.

“The results were unfortunate, and no customer should be expected to pay for such an experience. Therefore, we have taken the view that all Premier Admission visitors on Saturday will receive a full refund.

“We have worked very hard for many years to establish ourselves as a benchmark for customer service and are making this statement today to reinforce that we will not allow our reputation as a welcoming sports venue to be tarnished by an isolated lack of judgement on our part.

“We will work through the logistics of the refunds tomorrow. Most people will have booked in advance or paid by card on the day but we will look after cash customers too and anyone who still has their admission badge should hold onto it.”  

Royal Ascot 2012 Dress Code

A day at Royal Ascot is very special and dressing accordingly is an important part of the experience. The dress code set out below is designed to help racegoers to dress appropriately for the occasion. Please note that a different dress code applies for each enclosure.

ROYAL ENCLOSURE

Ladies
Ladies are kindly reminded that formal day wear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer;
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater;
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code;
• Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length and of matching material and colour;
• Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted;
• Midriffs must be covered;
• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).

Gentlemen
Gentlemen are kindly reminded that it is a requirement to wear either black or grey morning dress which must include:

• A waistcoat and tie (no cravats); and
• A black or grey top hat; and
• Black shoes.

A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden.

The customisation of top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) is not permitted in the Royal Enclosure.

Children (admitted on Friday and Saturday only)
Girls (aged 10-16) should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested. Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.

Boys (aged 10-16) should either dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s dress code (as set out above); or alternatively may wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie (whereupon no hat is required).

Overseas Visitors
Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal National Dress of their country or Service Dress.

Serving Military Personnel
Serving military personnel are welcome to wear Service Dress or equivalent.

GRANDSTAND ADMISSION

Ladies
Ladies within the main Grandstand enclosure are encouraged to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion.

Ladies are kindly asked to take particular note of the following:

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times;
• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted;
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above (i.e. strapless or sheer strap tops are not permitted);
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Grandstand Admission dress code;
• Midriffs must be covered;
• Shorts are not permitted.

Gentlemen
Gentlemen are required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie.

Children
Girls (17 or under) should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested. Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.

Boys aged (13-17) should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and a tie. Younger boys (12 or under) should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.

General
All Royal Enclosure compliant attire, as defined in this document, is welcome in the Grandstand.

SILVER RING

Whilst we encourage racegoers to wear smart clothes, no formal dress code applies in the Silver Ring except that replica sports shirts are not permitted.

GENERAL
In addition to the specific guidance in this document, please note that fancy dress, novelty and branded / promotional clothing are not allowed on site.

Ascot Racecourse recognises that there may be instances where a degree of discretion is required in determining compliance with our dress code. In such instances, reasonable judgement will be exercised.

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

Win Tickets to Victor Chandler Day Plus The Chance to Choose The Best Turned Out Horse and Present A Trophy

On Saturday 21st January we are giving two lucky people the chance to win tickets to Victor Chandler Day plus the chance to choose the Best Turned Out Horse and present the winning trophy in the Follow @AscotInsider on Twitter Juvenile Hurdle Race.

Victor Chandler Day is our first raceday of 2012 which features the Grade 1, £105,000 Victor Chandler Steeple Chase, arguably Ascot’s best known race over the Jumps. This year Victor Chandler are celebrating 25 years of sponsoring this feature race and to mark the occasion they have commissioned a life-size, Victoria sponge cake of Desert Orchid the inaugural winner of the race which will be cut and given out to racegoers at 3.20pm on Saturday.

To be in with a chance of winning tickets plus this fantastic opportunity to help celebrate the 25th Anniversary, just follow us on Twitter @AscotInsider and re-tweet the following tweet:

#RT to #win tickets to Victor Chandler Day on Sat 21st Jan at #Ascot plus the chance to choose the Best Turned Out & present a trophy.

If you aren’t so lucky, tickets start 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

Ascot Racecourse Terms & Conditions

1. Competition closes at 12.30pm on Friday 13th January.

2. Competition only open to 'followers' of @AscotInsider on Twitter.

3. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions on Twitter (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. 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(s) will be notified by 3pm on Friday 13th January of their prize on Twitter.

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 2 days after the competition closes.

12. One entry per household per day.

13. If a prize is not claimed within 5 days it will be offered to another entrant.

14. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter.

Promoter: Ascot Racecourse Ltd, Ascot, Berkshire. SL5 7JX

Dozen Entries For 25th Anniversary Of The Victor Chandler Chase At Ascot

FORPADYDEPLASTERER AIMING TO BECOME THIRD IRISH-TRAINED WINNER OF PRESTIGIOUS CONTEST

The prestigious £105,000 25th Anniversary Of The Victor Chandler Chase, one of Ascot’s premier jump races, is sponsored by Victor Chandler for the 25th consecutive year in 2012. This year’s race, which takes place over two miles and a furlong on Saturday, January 21, has attracted 12 top-notch entries.

Plenty of top-class performers have added their names to the roll of honour, with the great grey Desert Orchid famously seeing off Panto Prince to capture the race in 1989. The contest has also proved to be a good stepping stone to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, with Viking Flagship (1994), Call Equiname (1999), and Master Minded (2009) all completing the double in the same season - Master Minded is also the only horse to capture this race twice, after narrowly fighting off Somersby last year.

Forpadydeplasterer, a 10/1 shot with Victor Chandler, will attempt to become the third Irish-trained horse to win the race, but the first since it was promoted to Grade One level in 2007. The 2009 Arkle winner has not won since that Cheltenham victory, but he has run very well in defeat on a number of occasions since and trainer Tom Cooper was delighted with his third behind Big Zeb at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Cooper, who trains in co County Kerry, said: “You would have to be very happy with his last performance, but for making a mistake at the last he would have been bang there. We will definitely consider the Victor Chandler now.”

Cooper also suggested that Forpadydeplasterer will be aimed at the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but will also be given an entry in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has a tremendous recent record in the Victor Chandler Chase, winning the past three renewals, and this season he has entered the exciting novice Al Ferof (5/2), and Kauto Star’s half-brother Kauto Stone (6/1). Nicholls revealed yesterday that Al Ferof is his possible representative this year, with Kauto Stone probably waiting for the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase on February 18.

Nicky Henderson said yesterday that he will be represented by last season’s Arkle Chase runner-up Finian’s Rainbow (11/4), who returned to action season with a narrow success in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on December 27. Second and third that day were Philip Hobbs’ Wishfull Thinking (8/1) and Colin Tizzard’s Oiseau de Nuit (25/1), both whom could reoppose.

David Pipe claimed the prize in 2008 with Tamarinbleu, and accounts for one quarter of this season’s entries with Dan Breen (50/1), I’msingingtheblues (25/1), and I’m So Lucky (50/1) all engaged.

The Peterborough Chase winner Gauvain (7/1) has been given an entry by trainer Nick Williams, along with the runner-up Somersby (5/1), whose trainer Henrietta Knight is likely to make a decision on his participation nearer the time.

The entries are completed by Chris Gordon’s King Edmund (50/1), who won a handicap chase over the course and distance at Ascot’s Christmas meeting.

Charlie McCann, Director of Online Public Relations at Victor Chandler, said: “We are delighted with the quality of the entries for the 25th year of our sponsorship of the Victor Chandler Chase.

“The inaugural race was won by the iconic grey Desert Orchid and champion trainer Paul Nicholls has suggested that his novice, the brilliant grey Al Ferof, will be targeted at the 2012 renewal, and we make him our 5/2 favourite.

“The first three home in the recent Desert Orchid Chase will, fittingly, lock horns again and we are looking forward to welcoming the connections of Irish raider Forpadydeplasterer for what promises to be a cracking race.”

To Win the 25th Anniversary of the Victor Chandler Chase, Victor Chandler bet: 5/2 Al Ferof; 11/4 Finian's Rainbow; 5/1 Somersby; 6/1 Kauto Stone; 7/1 Gauvain; 8/1 Wishfull Thinking; 10/1 Forpadydeplasterer; 25/1 I'msingingtheblues; 25/1 Oiseau De Nuit; 33/1 I'm So Lucky; 50/1 Dan Breen; 50/1 King Edmund

Each-way Terms 1/4 Odds A Place 1,2,3. All Quoted, All in Run Or Not

For more information, please contact:

Nick Smith - Head of Communications & International Racing, Ascot:

07771 791 449 nick.smith@ascot.co.uk