#AscotAsks Marco Botti, Key Runners and Riders for #RoyalAscot

1. How do you spot a good horse from when it is very young and what would you advise to watch in a horse maturing through its racing career?
I tend to look at confirmation of the horse, looking at the horse as a whole picture also helps. Good pedigree, good confirmation and good attitude all help. Having an excellent attitude becomes more important later in the career, as they need to keep the love of racing.

2. Do you have a favourite distance that you most like to train your horses for and why?
No, a winner at any distance is great!

3. Is Frankel the greatest horse you've seen and do you ever think we will see one like him again?
There is no doubt he has been the greatest racehorse that I have seen in my lifetime, as to if there will be another Frankel – we can only hope, and I would hope even more that he or she would come out of my yard.

4. If you had a choice would you rather a place in all the classics or a win in just one in the season?
Just one classic would be FANTASTIC!

5. What is your best prospect for a Group 1 victory this year?
For a group one victory this year, I would have to say on Saturday’s performance, Dandino. We have some lovely “potentials” in the yard.


6. Is Planteur the best horse you have trained, or has there been one that’s better?
Excelebration, Planteur and Gitano Hernando would all be in the same “superstar” league.

7. What or who inspires you?
Henry Cecil, he is an amazing trainer who has a great eye for talent. Espressos also help me find inspiration – we drink copious amounts in the office!

8. What horse/s are you most excited about watching this season?
Dawn Approach - He was real class and looked fantastic at Newmarket, when winning so impressively in this years Guineas.

9. How did you get into a career as a racehorse trainer?
I have been around racing and racehorses all my life, my father, Alduino Botti is champion trainer in my native Italy. I worked for my father and was also Champion Amateur Jockey in Italy before moving to Britain, where I had spells with Luca Cumani, Ed Dunlop and Godolphin.

10. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2013?
We will hopefully have a good few runners at Royal Ascot this year; I would like to think that this year we will have our strongest team for Royal Ascot. If we had a winner, that would be the real icing on the cake. There is a great buzz around Prestige Place Stables in the run up to Royal Ascot week and it is great to be represented at the Royal Meeting.

#AscotAsks Piers Attkinson, Millinery Trends for #RoyalAscot

1. What are the key trends and colours for this season?
In my collection the trends are ‘Hollywood Glamour’ and the colours are black, silver and dusty pink.

However in fashion today there is a sense of ‘anything goes’ so you have to follow your own instincts as far as what suits your own particular shape, age, colour and so on, but the fun thing about Ascot is working your own, individual style into the Ascot dress code. But if you want my personal advice I think that the trend for digital print is a great one to follow and it gives you lots of exciting elements to match to your hat, bag, shoes, binoculars, etc.

And remember; the neck is a very beautiful part of a woman so please pull your hair up and wear your hat into this! You will look amazing!

2. Can you suggest a way to look amazing with a limited budget?
One lovely trend is to see designer labels at reasonable prices in collaboration with the high-street – so that is one obvious way.

Another trick is to jazz up an old favourite with a new pair of shoes or (and here comes the plug) a HAT! But the most important way to look amazing is to feel confident about yourself, walk well, stand up straight and hold your head up!

3. What trends are you expecting to see at Royal Ascot this year?
I’d like to see more wide brims on the hats – and less of the ‘saucer’ shape. Think ‘My Fair Lady’!! But I expect to see a lot of colour as this is an area where confidence is growing.


4. How do I keep my hat in place and curtsey at the same time?
Great Question! You should have an elastic that goes round the back of your head on the smaller hats that sit on top of your head, the bigger ones shouldn't fall off if they fit properly, but you can always add in a small comb or sew in tiny loops to the inside of the hat and use hairgrips – but my honest suggestion is to practice your curtsey as the body should dip but the ladies head only bows forward a tiny bit while the back stays upright! (imagine you are wearing a corset).

5. What style of hat suits a bigger head and hair?
I always think that it is more the whole body shape rather than the actual head size. Shorter ladies will disappear under a huge brim, broad ladies look broader in a small percher hat – so look at your whole silhouette.

6. Is it best to match your hat to your dress or vice versa?
Most of my private clients ask me to match a hat to a dress they have, however one customer recently bought a hat and said she would go and find the dress to match! I would say that if either a hat or a dress grabs you then start with that and then go on a hunt for the rest of your outfit.

7. How important is millinery at Royal Ascot?
VERY important! I hadn't been until I was lucky enough to go on Ladies’ Day as a guest of Ascot a few years ago. I couldn't believe how many hats were there; everyone has a hat and you would feel so out of place if you were without one, although a hat is a dress requirement. I think that what might feel outrageous for a novice hat-wearer at home will suddenly feel perfect in the grounds. Some hats are wonderful, some are terrible, but that is half the fun; looking around and thinking ‘Yes!’ or ‘NO!’ but they are ALL wearing hats.

8. Where do you get inspiration for your designs from?
From everywhere, an exhibition, a conversation, lots from gardening and walks in nature. A lot from my sense of humour and a sense of ‘can I get away with this?!’ but also from the amazing women I meet. I think to myself ‘this would be amazing on Erin’ or ‘Lecia would LOVE this!’ and then I know I'm onto something.

9. How would you describe your style of hats?
Generally witty and fun, but I have made a lot of chic hats recently – does that mean I'm getting safe? I am very fussy about the line of a hat and how the hat and the trim work with each other and the human form. A hat should work with the body, not against it.

10. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2013?
Winning a huge bet!

For more information on Piers Atkinson visit his website, or for Royal Ascot visit ascot.co.uk

#AscotAsks Sally Duckett, the Live Reporter on the New Ascot Racecourse App

In a special edtion of our #AscotAsks series, we chat to Sally Duckett the Live Reporter on our new Ascot Racecourse App, launched at Royal Ascot this year. Sally will report live from the Parade Ring on every raceday including the Betfair Weekend starting this Friday.

Sally’s wealth of horseracing knowledge, which we found out after chatting to her this week, is perfect for the live reporter.

Racing Background

She initially worked for National Hunt trainer, Robin Dickin and had a few rides under Rules for him and then, throughout her degree and after, she spent much of her time riding racehorses and in point-to-points.

After this, Sally worked for a couple of trainers including Mick Channon, and Charles Egerton, whom she became secretary for but decided she wasn’t organised enough to be a trainer’s secretary (the toughest job in racing!).

She then decided to enter the editing world and became a sub-editor at Raceform. From there, she went onto work at Darley Stud in its marketing department and then the Racing Post with its bloodstock advertising team. After three years she moved onto becoming editor of the Pacemaker magazine.

Sally was then lucky enough to be given the opportunity to run her own business, Thoroughbred Publishing and develop its magazine, International Thoroughbred which to this day is going from strength to strength.


To follow Sally and her up-to-date news from the Parade Ring plus

• Racecards and Results including entries, form and starting price
• Interactive Course Map enabling you to explore the racecourse from your mobile
• The latest Going reports
• All your Fine Dining options
• Interact with our Facebook and Twitter profiles
• Plus all the latest food and drink offers at the click of a button!

Download the Ascot App FREE today by Clicking Here for the iPhone version or Clicking Here for the Android version.

#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.

#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.

#AscotAsks Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot

This week #AscotAsks Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot, ten questions about his role at the racecourse and what he is most looking forward to at this year’s Royal Ascot.

 



Profile

Name: Chris Stickels
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
Occupation: Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse







1. Chris, as Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse, could you explain what your job role entails?

As Clerk of the Course, my fundamental role is to ensure that the Racecourse and track complies with all of the regulations set by the British Horseracing Authority, making it a safe environment for horses, people around them and jockeys.  From about ten days before a meeting, I assess the track and report on the Going and on a raceday I oversee the various racing operations.

2. What was your career path to becoming a Clerk of the Course?

I first started at Folkestone Racecourse as a Groundsman in 1996, then progressed through to Head Groundsman.  From here I progressed into the position of, Clerk of the Course.  I then joined Ascot Racecourse as Clerk of the Course in 2005.

3. A range of terms can be used to describe the ground conditions on a raceday ranging from heavy to firm/hard in some cases. Could you briefly explain the difference of these terms and how it can affect a race?

The Going is the term used to describe how the track is going to ride, which is important to ascertain as it can definitely influence the outcome of a race.  Whether the going is heavy to firm, it will affect a horse’s motion and speed on the track.  For Royal Ascot we aim to start the meeting on Good providing the forecast isn’t wet for the coming week.

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

The highs are definitely seeing some of the top class horses in the world running here at Ascot and unfortunately the low of my job is when a horse or jockey gets injured racing.

5. In extreme weather conditions, is there much that you can do to protect the turf?

As you can expect, conditions can range from very sunny and hot periods to the freezing lows of winter and torrential rain, so I can give a few examples of how we would try to protect the track;

If we are expecting large amounts of rain there isn’t a whole lot that we can do.  We have used rain covers in isolated areas on occasion; however they aren’t the most effective as they drive the rain into other areas of the racecourse.  It may also be worth noting here that when the weather is very hot, water collected from rain falls in to the top of the grandstand and is pumped into a reservoir.  This water is then used and to irrigate the track to stop it drying out and becoming too hard.

In the colder months we can lay down covers on various parts of the track to protect it from the frost.  Using this cover then maximizes the opportunity for racing to go ahead in the winter.

6. As the job of looking after the racecourse and specifically the track is so vast, you must have a team who you work with?

Yes, we have a team of 13 full time staff including the Head Groundsman and his staff who impeccably look after the grounds around the racecourse, as well as the Stable Manager and of course myself and my PA.  In the summer months we recruit additional staff to help around the racecourse and on a raceday we can have a team of up to 60 ensuring the whole day goes smoothly.

7. Could you give us your daily routine on a Royal Ascot raceday?

I arrive at the racecourse by 5.30am and conduct my first walk of the course to check everything is Ok.  I’ll then head back to the office to announce the Going and deal with any racing enquiries that have arisen.  I will then go and check all the equine facilities and stables before I have some breakfast ready to walk the track again just before racing.
I will also ensure that everyone who needs to be here is onsite, including the officials, doctors and vets and that racing starts on time, overseeing the movement of horses.  Once racing is over, I check the track is fully prepped and repaired for the following day.

8. For someone who is interested in a career in Clerking, could you advise a good way to get into it?

As there are only 60 racecourses in the country, there aren’t too many Clerk of the Course jobs going.  However, I would suggest getting a job in racing and learning about how a racecourse operates in many different ways.  Your interests may then lead on to other thing – you never know!

9. Briefly, what will be your plan of action in the three week lead up to Royal to make sure the track is perfect? (Weather permitting!)

We will be assessing the track daily, monitoring the forecasts and carrying out the final turf management practises.  When we are 10 days out we will water the track accordingly, depending on the forecast and ground conditions, to ensure we have our optimum Going.

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

I’m looking forward to seeing last year’s star, Frankel, to start the Royal Meeting with a bang followed by Black Caviar, which will top off what is set to be a fantastic week.

#AscotAsks The Hon. Harry Herbert, Managing Director at Highclere Racing

AscotInsider was lucky enough to have a chat with the Hon. Harry Herbert earlier this week as part of the #AscotAsks series and find out how he first got into racing, what his highlight of racehorse ownership and what he’s most looking forward to seeing at Royal Ascot this year.



Profile

Name: Hon. Harry Herbert

Location: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, Newbury, Berkshire
Occupation: Managing Director







1. Harry, how did you first get into racing?
My father owned and bred horses here at Highclere and he was also racing manager to HM The Queen so racing was spoken at pretty much every meal.  Initially, I wanted to be an actor before working in the city for four years for a stockbroking company called Rowe and Pitman.  By this time the racing bug had really got hold of me and I decided to head off to Kentucky to learn about the racing business.  I stayed in America for three years returning to set up syndicates in 1987.

2. A number of syndicates, which you manage, are described as being some of the best in the world. Could you explain briefly how a racehorse syndicate works? 

We put together small groups of people - usually between 10 and 20, to own parts of a number of horses.  We act as Racing Manager to each shareowner keeping them fully informed as to the progress and running plans of their horses wherever they happen to live in the world.  Our level of communication, combined with the consistent success of our horses, has enabled Highclere to be the leader in the field of syndication since I founded the business in 1992. 

3. What would you say is the best part of having a share in a racehorse?

The best part of having a share in a racehorse is watching your horse develop from being broken as a yearling through to that magical moment when he or she wins their first race.
 
4. What has been your highlight of racehorse ownership?

We have been fortunate to have had many highlights over the years.  The best moments would be Petrushka winning the Irish Oaks to become the first syndicate owned classic winner, Motivator winning the Derby for the Royal Ascot Racing Club and of course Harbinger winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes by eleven lengths and becoming the highest rated horse in the world.

5. Have you ever had a favourite horse and why?

It is hard to have a favourite horse but I would have to say that our wonderful stayer Distinction would be right up there as he raced until he was nine and was the most wonderfully consistent stayer winning the Goodwood Cup and being placed twice in the Ascot Gold Cup.  We still see him now on our visits to Newmarket as he is Sir Michael Stoute’s hack. Our seven Champions would also rank very highly, especially Harbinger!

6. What would be your advice to any new racegoer wishing to become part of a syndicate?

My advice would be to choose carefully which syndicate or club you join, looking carefully at their terms and conditions as well as their track record.  The RSACA (Racing Syndicates and Clubs Association) is the syndicate association that ensures that its members abide by a clear set of terms and conditions, their website is www.rsaca.com.

7. As an owner, which is your favourite race meeting and why?

My favourite meeting is, without a shadow of doubt, Royal Ascot as to me it embodies everything that is stylish, fun and glamorous about owning racehorses.  To win a race at the Royal Meeting is unbelievably exciting and over the years we have been lucky enough to win ten.  Two years ago we won The Norfolk, The Albany and The Hardwicke and we were beaten a short head in The Queen’s Vase – that really was the week of all weeks!

8. What would you say is your favourite racecourse and why?

My favourite racecourse is Newbury as it is my local course and therefore where I first went racing as a child.  My father was Chairman for a number of years and I am now a Director so it really is very close to my heart. It has great viewing and is a wonderfully fair track for all horses.  My other two favourite racecourses would be Ascot and York.

9. What do you most look forward to when you have a horse running at the races?

I look forward to meeting up with all the owners in the Pre-Parade Ring and then getting that first look at their horse in the paddock.  Any syndicate manager in the world will tell you that the thing we most look forward to is watching shareowners’ faces after their horse storms to victory! 

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

I think that we have a really exciting group of horses this season and whilst it is too early to know for sure which of them may be good enough to run at Royal Ascot I would hope that we would have a couple of two year old runners such as Mysterial and Tassel.  We have been lucky enough to win the King George V Handicap four times and this year we will be aiming horses like Commitment in that direction. We usually have five or six runners in the week but right now we are still very much in the planning stage!

#AscotAsks Racehorse Trainer Andrew Balding

After AscotInsider was lucky enough to have a tour round his yard, Park House Stables, #AscotAsks racehorse trainer Andrew Balding a few questions which include what his routine is before a day’s racing, what his favourite racecourse is as well as what he is looking forward to at Royal Ascot this year.

Profile

Name: Andrew Balding

Age: 39

Location: Park House Stables, Kingsclere, Newbury

Occupation: Racehorse Trainer

1. Andrew, how did you first get into racing?

Having had a Great Grandfather, two grandfathers, two uncles and a father as a trainer, I was well exposed and followed the family tradition. I was also a pretty average amateur jockey so saw that side of the game too.

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

I was assistant to Lynda Ramsden in Yorkshire for a while before coming home to be assistant for my father for three years before taking over the licence in 2003.

3. What do you think are the best and worst parts of your job?

The best is naturally having winners, the worst, without a doubt is all the injuries.

4. What would you consider has been the highlight of your career?

Winning 3 International Group 1’s with Phoenix Reach from 2003 – 2005 is still the highlight. He took us to some great places with the three triumphs being in Canada, Dubai and Hong Kong.

5. Could you let us into your routine before racing?

I get up and have cup of tea and look through the Racing Post, watch the 1st and 2nd lot, back in to the office for entries / declarations and a cup of coffee. Back out for 3rd lot and fly back in, change (quick shave if I have time) and off in the car. 99% of the journey I will spend on the phone, thank goodness for mobile’s!

6. What would be your advice for those interested in becoming a racehorse trainer?

Get as much experience world wide as you possibly can, watching, learning and seeing how every one does it differently.

7. Who was your role model growing up and why? 

My Father, and Uncle Toby – both great trainers and between them won the Derby and the Grand National.

8. What is the highlight of your annual racing calendar and why?

The highlight is the Epsom Derby meeting. I have always been a Derby anorak and just think the history of the race, the unique atmosphere and the fact that it is still the Premier flat race, make it very special.

9. What is your favourite racecourse and why?

Epsom, Ascot and Chester – all very different, offer some good prize money and our owners love running horses there.

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

The prospect of seeing two serious champions in Frankel and Black Caviar is very exciting.