Tag Archives: racing

How To Do The Races In Style

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With 2016 now finally here, many of us will be looking for a few fun ways to get out and about to shake off the festive cabin fever. And the racing season offers a great way to have a little sporting excitement whilst trying out the latest fashion trends in a truly fabulous setting!

 

Although many of us may associate horse racing with fusty old betting shops that offer tips on the Grand National for horses with silly names, it’s increasingly becoming something of a hot-spot for many celebrities thanks to the rise of glamorous Ladies Day events and the emergence of racing-influenced fashion styles.

 

Racing opportunities

 

gototheracesinstyle

 

There are many racing events dotted throughout the calendar that can provide a good introduction for the racing newbie. The deeply aristocratic Royal Ascot takes place in the middle of June and offers you the chance to party like royalty and even spot a celebrity or two!

 

Whereas the pinnacle of the racing season is undoubtedly the Grand National which runs at the Aintree racecourse in Liverpool in April. As we’d feel more comfortable offering fashion advice, if you fancy a tip or two on the Grand National, you’d be better off visiting a site like Coral that offers a greater degree of expert horse-racing knowledge.

 

Fashion at the races

 

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Racing events have become something of a staple in the fashion calendar. The extravagant hats worn at Royal Ascot give a good indication of the enthusiasm that many fashionistas have for these prestigious racing events.

 

And whilst some of the garments worn at recent Aintree racing events may have pushed the boundaries of acceptable fashion, our fashion tips for events like the Grand National is to always check the dress code at the racecourse’s website, and be prepared to wrap up warm for any unexpectedly chilly race meetings!

 

Making it an event

 

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Modern race-going has become so much more than just the horse racing and fashion tips however, as many people are increasingly turning a race meeting into a fully-fledged holiday activity. Thankfully it’s now easier than ever to really make it a luxurious occasion as you can now easily rent some bespoke country houses and even mansions with the help of the UK Airbnb site that has hundreds of opulent retreats dotted around the nation.

 

And some glamorous hotels such as the Goodwood Hotel are handily located near the Sussex racecourse and offer suitably luxurious specials such as a Girl’s Weekend Away offer. This provides full access to the hotel’s health club, so that you can return to the racetrack fully-energised the next day to cheer on your winner as they cross the line!

 

 

 

What Do You Need for a Day at the Races?

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The glitz and glamour of a major horse racing event is one of the reasons the sport is loved by people from all walks of life. High octane action on the course is flanked by endless rows of food stalls, bars, live music and women in outlandish outfits. All in all a day at the races is one that’s not only filled with betting action but all round entertainment.

So before you head off to one of the biggest meetings of the year, the Grand National for example, what do you need to know to get maximum value out of the day?

Choose Your Outfit Wisely:

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by  Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer 

As much as a day at the races is a fashion parade, it’s also a day out in the open for the most part. The Great British weather is notoriously unpredictable and if you are attending an event such as the Grand National 2015 you need to be prepared for anything. A long skirt for women accompanied by a light jacket and a fancy hat are always good choices. For men, the classic two piece suit is a must for any high profile racing event. Ties are optional if the weather is nice, but you need to ensure your outfit is both practical and fashionable.

Have a Plan B:

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by Kurayba 

Having a back-up plan is always necessary in the racing world because, as we’ve said, the weather is notoriously unpredictable. To ensure your day at the races isn’t a washout you need a point of cover if the sky decides to open up. Most major race courses will have an indoor section, for example Newmarket racecourse has two grandstands, so you should try to create a base inside before heading outside. If you can manage to hold a spot under cover and still get outside to see the races you’ll have cracked it.

Study the Form:

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by  Paolo Camera 

One of the biggest considerations you’ll need to make before you head off to the races is the form. Although the auxiliary antics on offer are always fun, the main reason you’re at a racing event is, unsurprisingly, the racing. If you’re going to make a bet, you need to know what you’re speculating on and the best way to do this is combine online research with your own observations. Make sure you check out the stats from one of the many online bookmakers offering Grand National 2015 odds then compare these stats to the form books available at the racecourse. After weighing up your options, make sure don’t spend more than you can afford.

Get Out Early or Stay In Late:

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by jaguarmena 

The final thing you need to think about before you go off and enjoy a day at the races is the amount of time you’re going to spend inside the venue. Major events attract thousands of spectators and that causes a swell of people when the final race comes to a conclusion. The majority of people will want to head off into the nearest town as quickly as possible, so you need to make a choice: leave early or stay late. Either option is as valid as the other, but you need to make your choice and stick to it. If you can follow this simple piece of advice and our preceding three points, then a day at any racing event in the country will be a fantastic day filled with fun, frolics and, hopefully, profits.

 

 

Cheltenham Festival Announces Preview Evening

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Cheltenham Festival announces preview evening

Horse racing fans are set to gather in their droves next year to attend a special preview evening in honour of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival.The event will take place at the Elland Road Football Stadium in Leeds on 4th March 2015, six days before the festivities begin at Cheltenham Racecourse.

 

Last year’s event was the first of its kind for the 155-year-old festival, but went down a huge success with more than 700 in attendance. The evening was attended by a panel of horse racing pundits including world class jockey Jason Maguire, Sky Sports news expert Alex Hammond and Racing UK’s Mark Howard, Donn McClean and Niall Hannity.

 

“The preview evening this March was a huge success and all parties were very keen to get the date in the diary again,” said Sky Bet Racing PR Manager Michael Shinners. “We’ll be confirming the panel in the build-up but it will be another great night for any racing fan, or someone who likes a bet at the Cheltenham Festival.”

 

Indeed, the betting element of the evening will be one of its biggest attractions – with more than £250 million expected to be spent at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. Added to that, the evening will also feature an extensive preview of each day of racing at the three-day festival, as well as video interviews with racing trainers and a buffet supper.

 

Having taken place since 1860, the Cheltenham Festival brings together some of the most prestigious racers from around the world, culminating in the famed Cheltenham Gold Cup race, which takes place next year on 13th March. Friday 13th may be unlucky for some, but for the winning jockey, there is a huge £550,000 prize at stake.

 

One jockey who will be gunning for the prize is Ruby Walsh, who has had outstanding success at the events in previous years. This famed star has won the coveted ‘top jockey’ prize – one which is awarded to the jockey with the most wins over the course of the festival – eight times in the last century.

 

Other exciting moments that spectators will be keen to keep an eye out for will be the performance of Balthazar King, as trained by PJ Hobbs. The 10-year-old Bay Gelding is already hitting headlines with his upcoming performance at the Cheltenham Open, and given his experience at the course in Prestbury Park, should impress once again in March.

 

The Cheltenham Festival may be five months away, but with a preview evening to get fans even more excited, the 155th anniversary could just be the best festival yet.

 

 

 

Jude Law races around Yas Marina Circuit, the home of Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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ABU DHABI LAYS DOWN THE LAW ON A FAST-TRACK CIRCUIT

British actor Jude Law, the heart-throb star of countless Hollywood hits, swapped red carpets for chequered flags on a recent trip to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit – the futuristic home of the emirate’s annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Jude Law

Jude Law cools down after his Hot Laps at Yas Marina Circuit

jude law racing

This one is the brake… Jude Law gets last-minute pointers from the Yas Marina Circuit instructor

 

 

With stunned fans snapping the Sherlock Holmes star on their mobile phones, fearless Law buckled into an open-cockpit Yas Supersport SST – a mini version of Le Mans endurance vehicles – for thrill-a-minute ‘Hot Laps’ around the 5.5km track.

 

“Jude was bowled over by the entire experience – he was a natural racer,” said a Yas Marina Circuit insider. “He even said he was considering returning to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix in November.”

 

To find out more about Yas Marina Circuit, book Driver Experience packages, or secure tickets for the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs October 31 to November 3, visit: www.yasmarina.circuit.ae

 

FRANKEL’S FAMOUS FANS OUT IN FORCE

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An array of stars from the world of television, sport and media have come out in force to heap praise on wonderhorse Frankel, in advance of his final appearance at Ascot for QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday 20th October.

Amongst them is Michael Owen, a racehorse owner himself who said, “Like all athletic greats, Frankel has a knack of making exceptional opposition look inferior,” whilst fellow Premiership footballer Tom Cleverley said, “In football terms, Frankel reminds me of Ronaldo – big, strong, tall, imposing and most of all very fast. He’s an incredible horse.”

And the comparisons don’t stop there with TV presenter Clare Balding comparing him to Usain Bolt and the football pundit Robbie Savage likening Frankel’s domination of the sport to the record-breaking exploits of Arsenal’s Invicibles team of 2003-04.

And, according to super-middle weight boxing champion, Carl Froch, Frankel’s had to take more hits that his rivals in order to stay at the top of his game: “When you are the best, it’s harder to stay on top as rivals go at you that extra bit harder so they can be the one to say they beat you. So when you measure Frankel’s success and consider that, like a boxer, he’s had to take the hardest shots any of his rivals could muster, he’s a true sporting great.”

“Every sport needs a jaw-dropper. The kind of athlete who makes you stop and stare. Frankel is racing’s Usain Bolt. He makes it look so easy, it’s almost ridiculous. I feel privileged to have seen him race and I have certainly never seen a better horse in my lifetime.” Clare Balding, Presenter

“Like all athletic greats, Frankel has a knack of making exceptional opposition look inferior, or in his case, proper Group 1 horses shape like mere handicappers. His talent transcends our sport, like no other horse I can remember during my lifetime.” Michael Owen, Footballer

“It’s not often you get a sporting legend that’s not human, and even less often for something or someone to be unbeaten throughout a career. In football terms, Frankel reminds me of Ronaldo – big, strong, tall, imposing and most of all very fast. An incredible horse.” Tom Cleverley, Footballer

“It’s amazing to have such an incredible horse as Frankel. He’s better than anything else out there, so we’ve all been really lucky to have the chance to see him. It’s also been absolutely brilliant for Sir Henry Cecil – he’s not been in the best of health lately, so I’m really pleased he’s had Frankel to keep his spirits up.” Harry Redknapp, Football Manager

“Frankel’s achievements are the equivalent of Arsenal’s 2003-04 Invincibles side when they won every single one of their matches. Even people with no interest in the sport know all about Frankel as he is a total one off – and a great tribute to his trainer Sir Henry Cecil.” Robbie Savage, BBC football pundit

“The world’s best racehorse trained by the greatest trainer I’ve seen, Frankel and Sir Henry Cecil really are the perfect combination, and in what has been the most remarkable sporting year, their achievements will live long in the memory of all race fans.

“I was fortunate enough to be at Royal Ascot this summer to witness his extraordinary Queen Anne Stakes win, and incredibly he looked even better when stepping up in trip in the Juddmonte International at York. It is entirely fitting that Frankel is the headline act at the second QIPCO Champions Day, as he is without doubt the ultimate equine champion.” Jeremy Kyle, Presenter

“When you are the best, it’s harder to stay on top as rivals go at you that extra bit harder so they can be the one to say they beat you. So when you measure Frankel’s success and consider that, like a boxer, he’s had to take the hardest shots any of his rivals could muster, he’s a true sporting great.” Carl Froch, Champion Boxer

“I think Frankel is a freak; he has to be the best flat horse of all time.” Nick Skelton, Olympic Gold Medallist

“Frankel is a phenomenon, a once in a lifetime horse who has made the difficult leap from a star of our sport to a superstar that has transcended racing.” Alex Hammond, Sky Sports

“Henry and his team have handled Frankel impeccably. When he accelerates, he destroys the opposition in about 100yds. He is a magnificent racing machine.” Sir Michael Stoute, Racehorse Trainer

“Quite simply the best horse I’ve ever seen in the flesh. Truly magnificent and I’m delighted for Sir Henry Cecil. We pray he wins.” Alan Brazil, Radio Presenter

 


QIPCO British Champions Series – the world’s finest Flat racing

www.britishchampionsseries.com

JAMIE LAING RECRUITS NEW CANDY KITTEN

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Jamie Laing, entrepreneur and star of Channel 4’s hit show “Made in Chelsea”, has ventured into the world of racehorse ownership as co-founder of The Candy Kittens Racing Club.

The Racing Club is just one within the Celebrity Race Clubs portfolio, offering customers the chance to mingle with their favourite celebrities while experiencing what it is like to own their own racehorse. Each group has a racehorse running under its name and in its colours and membership can cost as little as £10 per month, offering exciting opportunities to go behind-the-scenes of the sport, as well as enjoy some top on-track action.

The Candy Kittens racehorse has been named by Jamie after his brainchild sweet shop, Candy Kitten, which opened this May in London. The two year old filly is trained by Alastair Lidderdale, in Lambourn, and is due to make her debut at Goodwood Racecourse on 14th October 2012.

Jamie (pictured) visited his new horse last week, meeting female jockey Leonna Mayor, Apprentice Jockey for Alastair Lidderdale, who rode Candy Kitten on the gallops in the Club’s chosen silks. He commented during his visit:

“I am very excited to be adding to my Candy Kitten family with this fine filly of a racehorse and hopefully she’ll give us reason to celebrate during the coming months. Everyone is welcome to join in and I am looking forward to meeting lots of Candy Kitten fans at the races.”

Win Incredible VIP Trip to United States Grand Prix with Road to Austin Comp

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Win Incredible VIP Trip to United States Grand Prix
with Road to Austin Competition from Mobil 1

 

  • Enter ‘Road to Austin’ online racing competition and set fastest time to win VIP
    Grand Prix trip to Austin, Texas
  • Use your driving skills and knowledge of motorsports and Mobil 1TM to unlock time bonuses and reach Austin faster than your opponents from across Europe
  • Winner and a friend to meet Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and experience Grand Prix from ‘behind the scenes’

 

With the 2012 motorsports season shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, Mobil 1 is offering fans the chance to get in on the action with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team at the 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

 

The free to play Mobil 1 Road to Austin competition, available at http://www.mobil1.co.uk/performance/racing-academy-game.aspx tests players’ driving skills and motorsports knowledge.  To win, fans race against the clock on a route which takes them through Europe, passing famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Brandenburg Gate and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, finishing in Austin.

 

Throughout the race, players are challenged with multiple-choice questions to test their knowledge of Grand Prix racing and Mobil 1, with correct answers taking 15 seconds from their overall time. Once players reach the end of the track, they can either enter their details and submit their score or return to the start to have another shot at improving their time and chances of winning.

 

Competitors will also be offered the option to play the Mobil 1 Racing Academy game – upon which the Road to Austin competition is based. Here they can race through different racing series such as karting and midget cars, as they follow the careers of Lewis Hamilton and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.

 

The winner and a friend will fly business class to Austin, Texas, where they will enjoy luxury accommodation before joining the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team for the duration of the race weekend at the new Circuit of the Americas.

 

The exclusive access includes a private tour of the team’s garage and the opportunity to meet the team’s drivers, with the chance to watch the qualifying sessions and Grand Prix from exclusive Mobil 1 hospitality. The experience also includes spending money and a gift pack.

 

Terms and conditions of entry apply. To view full competition Terms & Conditions please visit http://www.mobil1.co.uk/performance/racing-academy-game.aspx.

FASHION & FUN LEAD THE PARADE ON LADIES DAY AT THE FESTIVAL

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Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, on Wednesday March 14, is gearing up to be a top day out. This is racing’s special day for the Ladies, where all eyes will be on the most elegantly attired females bidding to win prizes in the Best Dressed Fashion Awards.

Entry into the hotly contested Fashion Awards is open to all ladies who come racing on the second day of the four-day Festival. Fashion scouts will be on hand at the racecourse assisting contestants who wish to take part in any of the three fashion categories; ‘The Best Dressed lady’, ‘The lady with the Best Hat’ or ‘The lady with the Best Accessories’. Entry is free and fabulous prizes will reward the lucky winners.

Prizes for this year’s Fashion Awards include a short break holiday to the unique destination of Clowance Golf and Country Club Estate in Cornwall, provided by Seasons Holidays, £1000 worth of gift vouchers to spend at boutique British ladieswear shop Moloh, £1000 worth of gift vouchers from award winning Stuart Holmes Hair & Beauty Spa, £500 worth of gift vouchers to spend at contemporary British women’s clothing specialists Hobbs, a bespoke Hat from celebrity milliner Denise Innes and an overnight stay at the Hotel du Vin, located in the chic Montpellier district of Cheltenham, including dinner for two in the Bistro, a night stay in a romantic junior suite, breakfast and two 30 minute treatments in the spa.

The judging panel for the 2012 Fashion Awards includes: Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen who, with her husband Laurence, successfully runs design company Llewelyn-Bowen Limited and The Rt. Hon. The Countess Bathurst, the National Vice President of The Royal British Legion. Celebrity hair stylist Stuart Holmes from the Stuart Holmes Hair & Beauty Spa will judge the Best Hat and the Best Accessories prize will be judged by personal stylist Kate Parker.

Ladies can enter the Fashion Awards competition from 10:30am to 1.30pm by simply filling out an entry form and having their picture taken. Following the live judging of the selected finalists, presentations to the winners will be made in the Winner’s Enclosure before the last race. To be fast-tracked through the entry process on the day, Ladies can pre-enter for the Fashion Awards by visiting the Ladies Day page at www.cheltenham.co.uk

The racing action and the atmosphere on Ladies Day will be magical. There are seven top class races, including the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase, one of the highlights of the Jump racing season. Between races there is the opportunity to browse in the many fabulous shops in the Festival Shopping Village or grab a drink in one of the various racecourse bars.

Now in its sixth year Ladies Day is an important part of the Cotswolds’ favourite four days. This year the emphasis is going to be on fashion more than ever, so put on your best racing outfits and attend one of the great social events of the sporting calendar.

The Festival takes place from 13th to 16th March 2012. For more information or to enter the Fashion Awards please visit the Ladies Day page at www.cheltenham.co.uk