Master Milliner Stephen Jones

Yesterday we caught up with the master milliner, Stephen Jones, at Coworth Park for a quick chat about key trends for Spring/Summer 2013 and of course, the highlight of the millinery calendar... Royal Ascot.



World-renowned milliner, Stephen Jones, is curator of the Headonism initiative, which with the support of the British Fashion Council and sponsored by Royal Ascot, showcases a selection of the newest and most exciting millinery talent. Expectations are high with the summer social season just around the corner and an array of exciting fashions and millinery on offer!




You started your career by studying fashion design at Central St Martins - how did you end up working with hats?
I was a tailoring intern as I wanted to improve my sewing skills and was then transferred to the millinery workroom.

How would you describe your style of hats?
‘Elegant humour’

What materials and techniques do you favor?
The most classic material such as, pure white cotton, perfect black velvet and lustrous pink satin, or Day-Glo plastic.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
By everyday life.... but in particular, architecture

What are your top tips for Spring/Summer 2013 style?
The Duchess of Cambridge is still a front-runner on this front, but I expect a softening of her signature chic.

What are your key colours/designs for this Spring/Summer?
A lot of soft grey, blue and white, spiced with hot pink and vivid turquoise.

Is it best to match your hat to your dress or vice versa?
It’s best to match your hat with your face and then your clothes will follow on from that.

Should the hat be the focal point of the outfit?
No, the hat shouldn’t be the focal point of the outfit. The hat is merely a frame but it can be a conversation point too.

As curator of Headonism, how does it feel to be an ambassador for millinery?
It’s a tremendous honour and I am delighted to be able to mentor and ease the path of young British millinery talent.

Do you have a favourite type of hat?
Yes, a Top Hat or developments of a Top Hat because it always adds sex appeal, whether the wearer is male or female.

How important is millinery to Royal Ascot and British culture?
Together with the attendance of The Royal Family of course and the wonderful horses it is millinery and fashion that make Royal Ascot one of the most special events in the world.

A selection of Stephen Jones' designs can be found on our Royal Ascot Style Guide video.

Countryside Raceday, Racing Action Preview

After the excitement of the Grand National at Aintree yesterday, the racing action does not stop with a fine family raceday card here today.

Courtesy gets the Call in the opener
We open with the Colts and Fillies Club Maiden Hurdle (2.15) over 2m3f and the highest-rated horse in the field Village Vic is likely to be sent off favourite. The Philip Hobbs-trained six-year-old has put in some good efforts in better races than this, however he does not have “winning ways” about him and could be worth opposing with the unexposed Courtesy Call from the Nicky Henderson yard. He has had just one run over hurdles in February at Kempton over an inadequate 2m trip and as a winner off a BHA official rating of 81 on the Flat and over 2m he should be suited by this extra 3f and better ground.

Molotof can explode
We go chasing in the A.P. Security Novices’ Chase (2.50), the second race on today’s card, and it should be an easy opportunity for Molotof, a Grade 2-winning hurdler here in 2011, to put his head back in front after a down-the-field run at Cheltenham.

A novice chase winner at Warwick over 2m3f in February (a little reluctant to jump off), he was a good fourth to this week’s John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase winner Dynaste at Kempton before Christmas.  Molotof does have a welter-weight to shoulder here and if he has any shortcomings Kingsmere could be the one to take advantage. His form figures do not read too well, but he has been crying out for a sounder surface and could bounce back.

Go Dutch in the Juvenile Hurdle
Many of the runners in the Huge Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (3.25) are shouldering winners’ penalties and Little Dutch Girl does not escape having won by 17l at Taunton last time out, but as she is just a four-year-old and is filly she gets age and sex allowances and can make the most of that advantage.

Little Dutch Girl, Aazif and Calculated Risk all met at Doncaster in February with the three finishing in reverse order with just 7l between them. Calculated Risk, the John Quinn-trained winner, now has a stone more to carry than the Henderson filly which could be a deciding factor.

Another to take a look at is Kauto D’Aloes, who is out of a sister to the wonderful Kauto Star and has twice finished third on his two starts in Britain. This is his first run against his own age group and on better ground.

Turn to Grey for the BMW Chase
There will be plenty of pace on in the 2m BMW Novices’ Chase (4.00) with Ballygarvey, Kapga De Cerisy and Conquisto all habitual front-runners. If all run as expected, this testing track could set the race up for the improving six-year-old Greywell Boy, who stays well, can sit in and will still be galloping home at the end. Trainer Nick Williams selected this race as a target for the horse after a  last-time-out victory at Sandown.
Veteran Garleton still going strong

At the other end of the age spectrum Garleton is still putting in big efforts as a 12-year-old and he should make the journey south worthwhile for his Cumbria-based yard in the A.P. Security Veterans’ Chase (4.40).
The Maurice Burns-trained son of Anshan was last seen when a head second off a BHA mark of 142 in a 2m6f Listed chase at Kelso at the beginning of March with none other than yesterday’s Grand National winner Auroras Encore well back in fifth.

Garleton has only had two runs this season and comes here a fresher horse than Tullamore Dew, Fruity O’ Rooney and Monkerty Tunkerty, who finished fourth, fifth and seventh in the JLT Specialty Chase at the Festival, a race that may just have left its mark.

Top weight Hold On Julio will need to brush up his error-prone jumping if he is to feature.

Wings can Promise again
Promised Wings, sporting first-time blinkers, can follow up his last-time out success in the Getreading.co.uk Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (5.10) for the Chris Gordon yard, while Creevytennant is unopposable in the finale, the Fleming Family & Partners Hunter’s Chase (5.45). He ran well for a long way in the Foxhunter Chase at The Festival, and a return to a right-handed track and better ground will suit.

A Restaurant Full Of Racing Knowledge

    

For five exciting days in June, Ascot Racecourse is not only filled with hats and fashion but also the most talented thoroughbreds, with the finest horses in the world competing at the very highest level to be in with a chance of making it into the Royal Ascot winners enclosure - every racehorse owners dream.

A new theme is being introduced to the Bessborough Restaurant this year, as it is transformed into the ideal venue for racing enthusiasts and novices alike.  This unique restaurant will feature an iconic racing panel with special guests, who will give racegoers the inside track to the runners and riders, betting and all things Royal Ascot.

The panel includes the colourful John Francome -  once a champion jockey, now author and TV presenter, William Buick, top jockey and winner of 5 races at Royal Ascot in 2012, premier league footballer and racing enthusiast Michael Owen and finally top trainers, Ed Dunlop, Richard Hannon Jnr. and Andrew Balding.

The Bessborough Racing Panel: 
Tuesday:  John Francome, William Buick and Michael Owen
Wednesday:  John Francome, William Buick and Ed Dunlop
Thursday:  John Francome, William Buick and Michael Owen 
Friday:  John Francome, William Buick and Richard Hannon Jnr 
Saturday:  John Francome, William Buick and Andrew Balding 

John Francome, says “This is the best flat race meeting in the world at the best venue in the country and I’m looking forward to hosting the Bessborough Racing Panel with such a strong line-up of racing enthusiasts.” 

Michael Owen, commented, “Horse racing is a huge passion of mine and to be asked to be on the Bessborough Restaurant Racing Panel during Royal Ascot alongside the racing legend John Francome and top jockey William Buick will be a really fun day out for me, I just hope some of my tips will come in!” 



Guests will start the day with some delicious canapés and a glass of Piper Heidsieck Champagne or a cocktail before sitting down to mark their card with the words of wisdom from the panel. 

They can then enjoy a delicious four course luncheon of Loin of Cold Smoked and Cured Salmon on a bed of Cucumber Linguine, Pickled Samphire and Ocean Pearls with a Lobster Vinaigrette, followed by  Roasted Fillet of Angus Beef with a Beaufort and Lemon Thyme Crust and a delicious dessert of Dark Chocolate Fleur de Sel with Salt Caramel and Wild Strawberry Dressing. Luncheon will be completed with some great British Cheeses including the award winning Sussex Charmer Mature Cheddar, before watching the Royal Procession from the private balcony which heralds the start of some world class racing action. 

Between the third and fourth race guests will also enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea.

Fine dining experiences in the Bessborough Restaurant start at £570 (inclusive of VAT) per person and are now on sale.  To find out more information or to make a booking please visit www.royalascothospitality.co.uk, call the Hospitality Team on 0844 346 0346 or email: hospitality@ascot.co.uk.

Royal Ascot Partners With The British Fashion Council And Stephen Jones To Announce Exciting New Line Up Of Milliners For Headonism 2013

Royal Ascot is once again working with the British Fashion Council on the Headonism initiative which supports and showcases a selection of the newest and most exciting millinery talent at this February’s London Fashion Week.

Curated by world-renowned milliner Stephen Jones, Headonism is a BFC initiative celebrating the new wave of emerging British based hatters. The talents who have been invited to show at Headonism and Royal Ascot are Piers Atkinson, William Chambers, Moody and Farrell, Emma Yeo and Aurora.

Stephen Jones says of the talent this season, 

“I am thrilled to welcome our new milliners to Headonism 2013.  They bring a new flair and excitement to our wonderful London designers: Piers Atkinson and William Chambers. Aurora Ozman brings tactile glamour to hats and headdresses, Emma Yeo creations are exquisitely sculptural, whilst Eloise Moody of Moody Farrell personifies the energy, style and wit of young London.”

As part of the ongoing partnership, Royal Ascot will also host a Headonism installation during Europe’s premier race meeting to an audience of race goers from around the world. 

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, comments:

“We are delighted to continue to partner with Royal Ascot to support the BFC’s Headonism initiative. The Royal Meeting at Ascot is watched by the world and Headonism is the perfect platform to generate interest and promote Britain’s emerging milliners to a wider audience.”

Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, Charles Barnett, said:

“We are very excited to once again be working with the British Fashion Council and Stephen Jones to support a new generation of milliners. Fashion is always high on the agenda at Royal Ascot and Headonism is an initiative, which directly supports some of the inspired designs that we see at the Racecourse.”

Headonism provides an exciting platform for British based milliners to promote their work. Piers Atkinson acknowledges the value the initiative will bring to all five milliners:

“I am so pleased to be part of Headonism this season, crafted millinery is very niche, so to have the support of the BFC and Royal Ascot to showcase our work is a crucial first step to becoming a player on the international stage. The BFC work with ultra-milliner Stephen Jones so to have the ‘seal of approval’ from both the BFC and Stephen Jones is the most incredibly supportive launching pad one could imagine.”

“Horse of the Series” Vote Launched

An amazing year of Flat racing has drawn to a close and with the second edition of the QIPCO British Champions Series having climaxed at Ascot last month, our expert panel has come back with the three names to go forward for the “Horse of the Series” vote.

Michael Owen, Cornelius Lysaght, Lee Mottershead, Alex Hammond and Nick Luck not surprisingly all had one horse at the top of their list. There can be no doubt as to who will win the poll, but what percentage of the vote will Frankel claim? 

Stoke City and former England striker, Michael Owen, said of the Sir Henry Cecil-trained superstar: “Heads into retirement with his unbeaten record intact, after heading off Cirrus des Aigles in a thrilling Champion Stakes. One of the greats."

Frankel’s impact on the Series cannot be under-estimated. No other horse has won more than two Series races since its inception – Frankel has won nine, four last year and five this season. 

His two rivals in the poll are both trained by Aidan O’Brien. 

First up is Excelebration, who stepped out of Frankel’s shadow to blow the opposition away in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO, earning himself a rating that confirms him as the second best miler in the world after Frankel.

BBC Radio’s Cornelius Lysaght said: "Excelebration showed us Frankel's brilliant worth when putting in his own top notch, Group One performance in the QEII."

Frankel’s second rival is Camelot, who came so agonisingly close to winning the elusive Triple Crown.

Sky Sports presenter, Alex Hammond, said: "Camelot is another Aidan O'Brien star. He deserves to be in the top three given his achievements this season."

The Racing Post’s Lee Mottershead summed up the voting shortlist perfectly: "Like all the races Frankel has run in this year, this one is hugely one-sided, not due to a lack of meaningful opposition but because of his own incomparable and perhaps unprecedented ability.

"Frankel is head and shoulders above all other horses and that fact that Excelebration is still clear number-two choice is a further compliment to the great one.

"Camelot deserves to come home third, not necessarily because he was the third best horse to race in the Series, but because of a fine Guineas-Derby double and a valiant assault on the Triple Crown."

Everyone who casts a vote will be automatically entered in a free prize draw to win two tickets to QIPCO British Champions Day in 2013 plus a QIPCO British Champions Series cap.

Votes can be cast at www.britishchampionsseries.com. The vote will close at 10.00am next Monday 19th November.

Shergar Cup Jockey Chantal Sutherland Retires

The moment has come where I have decided to announce my retirement from being a professional jockey; I almost can’t believe it myself. I’m not sad, but rather looking at another opportunity to begin a new chapter in my life. Looking ahead, I’m excited about new challenges and new opportunities that life has in store for me.

Horse racing has been my life for the past 14 years. I’ve reached many of the goals that I set for myself. I’ve lived out many of the dreams I had as a little girl, back when I was riding my pony, mucking stalls, feeding cows, aspiring to finally become a professional jockey and racing in stakes races on a worldwide stage. I’m so very blessed and grateful of the life that I have lived and career that I’ve had.

This past year or so has been so amazing it’s actually overwhelming having to put it to words. I crossed paths with a horse that happened to change my life. That horse is named Game On Dude and what a horse! He’s a soldier. Together we travelled the world. We won the Santa Anita Big Cap, Goodwood, almost won the Breeder’s Cup Classic; we won the San Antonio, Hollywood Gold Cup, and the Californian. We travelled to Dubai and raced in the world’s richest race, the Dubai Duty Free World Cup. As if that wasn’t enough, I was asked to be the poster girl for Santa Anita and Del Mar racetracks, and had my picture on billboards and magazine covers. I can’t even describe how flattering that is. Another honor for me was being asked to represent Canada and the USA in a worldwide jockey challenge in England, titled The Shergar Cup. To top it all off, I was also able to win on my brother’s horse “Awesome Fire” in the Whonder Where stakes. In an ironic twist of fate, my dad, who started me off in this crazy love affair with horses, is also the proud owner of the last racehorse I will ride.

In the last year I also met and married the man of my dreams. It’s been a whirlwind. I’ve never really had weekends or holidays off, I’ve always spent so much time racing or focused and preparing for racing. Racing takes so much determination, guts, and sacrifice to be on top. I once craved, lived, and breathed racing. I can honestly say now, I’m ready to slow down and enjoy my life. Maybe I’ll cut loose and have a cheeseburger or some pizza. Those types of indulgencies are not allowed, when you constantly have to monitor your weight. Racing is so much hard work and takes so much mental toughness; I can honestly say that I’ve had enough.

I will forever miss my fans. They were always giving me encouragement and making me feel special and successful. I’ve made so many memories and good friends along the way that I can’t even begin to describe. I want to give a special thanks to my agents, valets, and everyone else in this industry that has stood by me.

So now, with the support of my husband, family, and friends I am ending one chapter in my life and starting a new one. I’m excited about my future and the challenges it will bring. I enjoy working hard and striving to achieve goals, so who knows; maybe you will see me pop up somewhere soon.
XO’s
Chantal

Q & A with Fuller's

Today is the last day of the Ascot CAMRA Beer Festival in association with Fuller's, which is showcasing over 220 real ales, cider and perries.

We managed to have a chat yesterday with National Account Executive at Fuller's, Arthur Voelcker about the history of this famous brewery and what he's been looking forward to tasting at this year's festival.  

Profile
Name:  Arthur Voelcker
Location: Chiswick Brewery
Occupation: National Account Executive







Questions

1. Fuller’s has been brewing beer for over 300 years, how did it begin?

That’s right. Beer has been brewed at the Fuller’s Chiswick site for over 350 years. The original founders Douglas and Henry Thompson and Philip wood had to seek another investor due to financial trouble and approached John Fuller for help. The new partnership was difficult and in 1841 when Douglas Thompson left it broke down. Finding it increasingly difficult to run the brewery on his own John Fuller looked for help and was soon joined by Henry Smith of Romford Brewery and his brother in law, and head brewer, John Turner. This formed Fuller, Smith & Turner in 1845. To this day Fullers is still very much a family orientated business with many of the family working for the Brewery.

2. How long does it take to brew a typical Fuller’s real ale?

For a typical brew it takes about 14 days for the raw products malt, hops and water to be transformed and fermented into beer. For more specialist beers the brewing process can be longer.

3. Fuller’s brew many different beers, but what would you say is the most popular?

We do have many different beers but London Pride has to be our most popular and well-known brand.

4. Are there any new Fuller’s beers that we should look out for in the future?

We launched a new seasonal beer this summer called Wild River. This is a classic double hopped American style beer which is one to look out for next summer.  However for now we have some great seasonal beers coming out with Bengal Lancer, Red Fox and jack Frost all appearing this Autumn and winter.

5. What is Fuller’s relationship with the Campaign for Real Ale?

Fuller’s Brewery has had a strong relationship with CAMRA since the group’s inception in the 1970’s, and we worked closely with them throughout the past 40 years. Fuller’s focus has always been on real ale, and the close affiliation with such a remarkable pressure group (which continues to grow) has been beneficial to both parties.

In fact, Fuller’s holds somewhat of a record with CAMRA; being the only brewery to win the Champion Beer of Britain award with three very individual beers – London Pride, Chiswick Bitter and ESB. ESB has actually won the award an incredible three times.

Fuller’s now one of the country's leading real ale brewers and a flagship brewery for craft
brewing, and the strong relationship between Fullers and CAMRA continues.

6. If someone’s palate is new to beer, what would you suggest they try first?

There is no right or wrong beer to start drinking if you are new to beer. Everyone’s tastes are different and there are many different types of beer that appeal to them. However for people who are new to beer it is best to start with one that is not too bitter and is easy drinking like London Pride.

7. Apart from Fuller’s beers, what is your favourite beer to drink on an autumnal evening?

If it’s not London Pride then my next choice and favourite for an Autumn evening would have to be St Austell Brewery’s Tribute.

8. What are you looking forward to tasting at this year’s Ascot CAMRA Beer Festival?

I am very much looking forward to tasting some of the beers from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland…and of course do some quality control of our own beers as well!