Celebrating. YEARS of racing in 2016! A great day at the races! Fixtures, special offers and hospitality information

Transcription

1 Celebrating 125 YEARS of racing in 2016! A great day at the races! Fixtures, special offers and hospitality information 1

2 2016 fixture List January February STANDARD DAY FEATURE DAY FEATURE PLUS DAY EVENING RACING FLAT RACING Fixture/ Date First Race* Last Race* Friday 8th: Weekday Racing Saturday 16th: Christmas Jumper Saturday Tuesday 26th: Weekday Racing Saturday 6th: Totepool Medieval Day Featuring the Totepool Towton Novices Chase E F IN THIS BROCHURE... 3 Contents List 4 Fixture Highlights 5 Christmas Racing 6-7 Celebrating 125 Years 8-9 Enclosures and Admissions Discounts & Offers 12 Pick of Packages Theme Days Hospitality Private Suites Hospitality Restaurants 20 Sponsorship 21 Conferencing 22 Annual Badges 23 General Information 24 How to find us Welcome to Wetherby Racecourse Welcome to an exciting year of racing at Wetherby Racecourse. Already home to some of the most competitive races staged throughout the Winter National Hunt Season, Wetherby staged its first ever Flat racing fixtures in 2015, which we continue into 2016, the 125th year of racing at the current site. March April May Friday 12th: Weekday Racing Tuesday 23rd: Weekday Racing Tuesday 22nd: Weekday Racing Friday 1st: Wear a Hat Friday Supporting Brain Tumour Research Sunday 17th: Family Day Featuring the Mascot Gold Cup Wednesday 4th: Jump Season Finale Tuesday 17th: Community Race Evening Experience the thrill and endurance of the Steeplechase or revel in the grace and speed of the Sprint and enjoy a great day out with family and friends whichever day you choose to attend. Wetherby Racecourse promises you a day to remember! October November December Tuesday 24th: Yorkshire Post Ladies Evening Wednesday 12th: Opening Jumps Meeting in support of Spinal Research Friday 28th: The bet365 Meeting (Day 1) Featuring the bet365 Handicap Steeplechase Saturday 29th: The bet365 Meeting (Day 2) Featuring the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase Saturday 12th: Totepool day & CIU Annual Charity Day Wednesday 23rd: Weekday Racing Saturday 3rd: Christmas Carol Saturday Monday 26th: The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting (Day 1) Featuring the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase Tuesday 27th: The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting (Day 2) Featuring the Castleford Handicap Chase *Please note that timings may be subject to amendment 2 3

3 Fixture Highlights You will find information for all of our 2016 fixtures within this brochure, and while every day at Wetherby Racecourse provides an exciting day out, we believe some of our fixtures offer that little bit extra. It s not a Yorkshire Christmas without racing at Wetherby. The highlights in Wetherby s fixture list come late in the calendar year, but they are well worth waiting for! The Premier Enclosure, Restaurants and Hospitality Suites will all sell out on these days so we advise you book early to avoid disappointment. Don t miss the action, book online today Book your tickets on our website: The bet365 Charlie Hall Meeting Friday 28th & Saturday 29th October 2016 This meeting is a significant highlight in the National Hunt Calendar, and offers a quality two-day programme featuring two listed races on the Friday and the Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle and the 100,000 bet365 Charlie Hall Steeplechase on the Saturday. Widely acknowledged as one of the most important and influential trials for top-quality chasers as they set out on the long roads to the Cheltenham and Grand National Festivals. 125 Celebrating YEARS The bet365 Charlie Hall Steeplechase is a memorial race celebrating renowned Yorkshire trainer W.A. Charlie Hall who trained at Towton near Tadcaster. Previous dual winners of the race include Wayward Lad, Barton Bank, See More Business and One Man. Paddy Brennan and Cue Card Winners of the 2015 bet365 Charlie Hall Steeplechase MONDAY 26TH DECEMBER (Boxing Day) AND TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2016 The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting The Yorkshire Christmas Meeting brings people together. Set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, Wetherby Racecourse provides an exciting and action packed afternoon s racing, first-class facilities in which to spend your day and quality food and drink, much of it locally sourced within Yorkshire. Join the Ritual Undecided on what to do this Boxing Day!? Why not Join the Ritual and bring your family and friends racing over the festive season. Before you know it, it will be part of your Yorkshire Christmas tradition. Don t get left standing. Book your ticket today! Save up to 20% on Paddock or Premier admission when you book online! Under 18s go FREE! 4 5

4 The Bramham Grandstand Circa 1906 New Grandstand 2017 Artist s Impression 125 Celebrating YEARS Embracing the past The north bank of the River Wharfe has a long history of racing horses and it is there that the Wetherby story begins with the Vikings stabling and training their horses in nearby Follifoot and the Romans racing their Arab horses a few miles upstream at Netherby. In the 17th century it is recorded that horse racing took place at nearby Clifford Moor and at Bramham Moor. During the latter part of the 18th century steeplechases were being organised in many parts of the country and the popular local steeplechase was between Kirk Deighton Church and Walton Church, a distance of about three miles. Rather fitting therefore that you can see Walton Church from Wetherby Racecourse today. During the first half of the 19th century, horseracing became more and more popular and in 1842 Lord Leconfield was persuaded to allow Wetherby s race meetings to be held at Wetherby Ings, now the site of Wetherby Golf Club. In 1878, Wetherby races was taken over by a committee of local sportsmen from the local townspeople and after being refused permission to purchase the land and disgruntled by the increasing rent demands from the tenants of Wetherby Ings, it became apparent they would need to find a new course. The current Racecourse is sited on land previously owned by The Montagu family of Ingmanthorpe Hall, the large Georgian House you can see from the Racecourse today. The land was rented to the race committee and the first meeting was held on 30th March Looking ahead to the Future. Wetherby Racecourse have invested heavily in the improvement of their facilities in recent years, with the Saddling up Shed, Weighing Room and Offices, the Wetherby Millennium Stand and the Bramham Hall all being constructed within the last 20 years. The next development planned is an exciting multi-million pound project to replace the middle grandstand with a completely new and modern building which will adjoin the Millennium Stand. Work will start in June 2016, with a view to finishing in the spring of the following year. We hope that the construction work will not detract from your racing enjoyment this year and that you will all be as excited as we will be, to see the building progressing. The race committee set about making the Racecourse a much more organised affair and from 1906 started developing the course facilities which first included the construction of the Bramham Grandstand, which is still standing today. In 1920, the Wetherby Steeplechase Committee was formed and Wetherby Racecourse has since gone from strength to strength, eventually purchasing the land, and continuing to develop and improve the facilities for both racegoer and horsemen alike. Information and Images: Courtesy of Wetherby Historical Trust 6 7

5 Premier Enclosure Premier Enclosure badges offer racegoers access to the spectacular Wetherby Millennium Stand, as well as to covered seating in the grandstand directly opposite the winning post. Premier Enclosure badge holders have access to the Marston Moor Bar on Level 2 of the Millennium Stand, which also serves hot drinks and snacks, the White Rose Restaurant on Level 3 and the White Horse Mezzanine Bar overlooking the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure. Premier Enclosure badges also allow access to the facilities that are on offer in both the Paddock and Course Enclosures. Standard Day Feature Day Feature Plus Day Enclosures and Admissions Wetherby Racecourse offers racegoers a choice of enclosures, each offering something different, but all offer facilities for the disabled, tote and bookmakers, race programme sales and refreshments. A large screen that can be viewed from all enclosures is on-site for every race fixture. Please note that there is limited seating in all enclosures, offered on a first-come basis. Seating cannot be reserved unless you have booked our restaurant or hospitality facilities. Paddock Enclosure Paddock Enclosure racegoers can enjoy the racing from either the covered Bramham Stand, the comfort of the Bramham Hall or, getting even closer to the action, by the last Fence in the Home Straight. There are several bars and food outlets within the Paddock Enclosure, offering a wide range of hot dishes, snacks and fast food and racegoers also have access to the busy Parade Ring, Winners Enclosure and the main betting ring. Standard Day Feature Day Feature Plus Day Course Enclosure Situated in the centre of the racecourse, the Course Enclosure offers a great day out for those racegoers with limited budgets. It has views of the Final Furlong as well as catering and betting facilities. Access to the Course Enclosure is either via the turnstiles or those Racegoers who want to take their cars close to the action can do so by coming in through the Cars-to-Course entrance and parking in the centre of course car park. You cannot book in advance for Course Enclosure or Cars to Course Standard Day 6.00 Feature Day 6.00 Feature Plus Day 7.50 Cars-to-Course Admits 1 car and up to 4 adults Standard Day Feature Day Feature Plus Day On Sunday 17th April Family Day, the Centre of Course and Cars to Course pricing is as that of a Feature Plus day Accompanied children aged 17 and under are admitted FREE to all our racedays! See inside back cover for information regarding car parking, child admission, disabled racegoer 8 facilities, dress code, OAP and student pricing etc. 9

6 Early Bird and Group Booking discounts Why not save money and time with an early bird booking? Your tickets will be sent to you in the post so you can avoid queuing on the day. We offer advance booking and group discounts on Premier Badges and Paddock Tickets. Visit and get 10% off the total price if you book 1-9 tickets online, or 20% off if you book 10 or more tickets! Alternatively call us on and get 10% off the total price if you book 10 or more tickets. Discounts close at least 14 days prior to the race fixture date. Please check the website for the exact closing dates for each fixture Special offer packages and theme days 10 We like to add a touch of individuality to every raceday, but certain days in particular stand out as offering something a little different. Medieval Day, Family Day and Ladies Evening, all offer exciting racing and fabulous entertainment, and are ideal days out for new racegoers, families and group outings. We offer special packages for these days as detailed across pages 13 to 15. Our Pick of Packages are available on most racedays and can be purchased with either Premier or Paddock admission. They include a racecard, refreshment and tote vouchers as detailed overleaf. 11

7 Booketh your tickets today! SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY Prizes for the best Medieval styled racegoers on the day! Pick of the... Our Pick of packages, are available to advance order on most of our racedays. They include discounted admission plus a racecard, refreshment and tote betting vouchers. These packages cannot be purchased at the turnstiles on the day of racing and they do not attract further early bird or group discounts. MEDIEVAL RACEDAY We are back in 1461 and the era of the Battle of Towton. Exciting National Hunt Racing Plus: Medieval Living History encampment, Demonstrations, Birds of Prey and authentic musicians The Package per person Paddock Enclosure Admission Racecard Voucher 2 Tote Bet Pint of Mead (John Smith s Smooth or Fosters) Hog Roast (BBQ Pulled Pork in a Bap) Pick of the Premier Pick of the Paddock Premier Enclosure Admission Racecard Voucher 8 Refreshment Voucher 4 Tote Bet Standard Day Feature Day Feature Plus Day Paddock Enclosure Admission Racecard Voucher 4 Refreshment Voucher 2 Tote Bet Standard Day Feature Day Feature Plus Day Like us on Facebook Follow us on You can order packages via or call us on Featuring the totepool Towton Novices Chase 12 13

8 Book your tickets today! SUNDAY 17 APRIL Book your tickets today! Family Raceday The Package per family Paddock Enclosure Admission for 2 adults FREE entry for all accompanied children aged 17 and under Racecard Voucher 2 x Interactive Kids Activity Books* 2 x Sweetie Shop Vouchers *Additional packs available at 2.50 each The going is Soft to Cuddly for Family Raceday, as not only do we have an exciting jumps race card but we also stage the Guinness World Record Holding Mascot Gold Cup. In addition to fast and furious jumps racing and weird and wacky mascot racing, we also have lots of additional family fun, including the National Festival Circus, Inflatable fun, Petting farm, Barrel train and climbing tower. Most of the family entertainment is situated in the Centre of Course, but to fully appreciate the Horses and the Mascots, you need to be in the Paddock or Premier Enclosures. You can freely cross to the Centre of Course during the day. Packages can be purchased by calling the ticket office on or on the website: Save up to 20% on Paddock or Premier admission when you book online! Under 18s go FREE! Best Dressed Lady TUESDAY 24 MAY YORKSHIRE POST LADIES EVENING Tuesday 24th May Package Racecard Voucher Glass of Chilled Prosecco Seafood, Meat or Vegetarian Platter* Paddock Enclosure per person Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions on the evening. Premier Enclosure per person *Alternative meat and vegetarian platters are available. Once you have booked please call us to discuss. Watch every race live from the UK s best racecourses ONLY ON RACING UK racinguk.com/join 14 15

9 Hospitality and Fine Dining Few events compare with the exciting spectacle of a day at the races and there is no better way to entertain clients, staff, family and friends than in the style and surroundings of a first-class racecourse. The Wetherby Millennium Stand offers the very best in hospitality with panoramic views that extend beyond the racecourse and over the Yorkshire countryside. The Ultimate Indulgence Private hospitality suites Luxurious, private suites are available on the upper floors of the Wetherby Millennium Stand. Each suite has a private viewing balcony which presents a superb panorama of the racing action. Packages are available for groups of Whatever the occasion, you will find everything you need at Wetherby Racecourse. The top quality racing, first class facilities, the beautiful setting and friendly, professional management and staff will ensure that your day is a success. 125 Celebrating YEARS Our Private Suite packages are named Meyrick & Montagu, after early pioneers of racing at Wetherby. Captain Montagu was one of the first Directors of the Wetherby Steeplechase Committee in 1920 and Rowland Meyrick was the Clerk of the Course between 1919 and Our packages include: Private hospitality suite with panoramic views VIP admission badges Reserved car parking permits Choice of silver service or informal dining Complimentary tea/coffee throughout the day Official raceday programme Racing newspapers Floral table decorations Private bar facility within the suite. Drinks packages Unless stated, drinks are not included in the package prices. We offer a range of options for your drinks, from account and cash bars, to wine packages and all-inclusive drinks packages. MEYRICK PACKAGE 3 Course Set Menu or Hot & Cold Fork Buffet MONTAGU PACKAGE Champagne & Canapé Reception 3 Course Superior Set Menu or Special Collation Hot & Cold Fork Buffet Gourmet Cheeseboard or Afternoon Tea See page 19 for our Private Suite package prices

10 Fine Dining White Rose Restaurant Dine & View Restaurant A Dine & View package is an excellent alternative to the larger private suites, offering a private balcony and panoramic views of the Racecourse. The Dine & View Restaurant is a shared facility located on the upper floors of the Wetherby Millennium Stand. Private tables are available for parties of 2-12 guests. DINE & VIEW See opposite page for pricing PLATINUM PACKAGE See opposite page for pricing Wetherby Racecourse s White Rose Restaurant offers an à la carte menu, fine food and excellent value for money. Situated on level 3 of the Wetherby Millennium Stand, the Restaurant overlooks the Paddock Enclosure & Parade Ring. Racegoers wishing to dine will require a Premier Badge to access the restaurant, which we advise you to purchase in advance to guarantee availability. We recommend that you pre-book a table; however, tables are available most racedays on a first-come basis. Tables are available for groups of 2-12 guests. To discuss availability or to make a booking in the White Rose Restaurant, contact the Racecourse Caterer, CGC Events Ltd, on or info@cgcevents.co.uk Private hospitality & Dine & View prices Reserved private table Christmas Meeting 26th & 27th December VIP badge & reserved car park permit Morning coffee with biscuits Reserved private table Four course Grand Buffet VIP badge & reserved car park permit Race programme Morning coffee with biscuits EVENING RACING E CCTV & Tote facilities Bucks Fizz reception & canapés FLAT RACING F Private bar Four course Grand Buffet Prices stated are per person and are exclusive of VAT. Private balcony viewing Half a bottle of wine per person Mineral water 2016 MEYRICK MONTAGU DINE & VIEW Dine & View is not available Race programme Friday 8th January on 26th & 27th December 2017 CCTV & Tote facilities Private bar Saturday 16th January Private balcony viewing Tuesday 26th January Saturday 6th February Friday 12th February Tuesday 23rd February To book... Tuesday 22nd March To discuss availability or to make Friday 1st April a booking for Private Hospitality Sunday 17th April or Dine & View, please contact the Racecourse Hospitality Team Wednesday 4th May E on or Tuesday 17th May F E hospitality@wetherbyracing.co.uk Tuesday 24th May F E Wednesday 12th October Like us on Facebook Friday 28th October Follow us on Twitter Saturday 29th October Saturday 12th November Wednesday 23rd November All prices are subject to VAT at Saturday 3rd December the standard rate. Fixtures and pricing Monday 26th December * are correct at time of going to print, but may be subject to change. 18 Tuesday 27th December * * Platinum Package 19

11 Race Sponsorship Race sponsorship has many benefits and is one of the most cost-effective ways of increasing brand awareness in the sporting arena. We offer both corporate and celebratory sponsorship packages which can be tailored to suit individual requirements and budgets. A typical sponsorship package includes: Personalised race title Full colour racecard advertising Publicity in the national and regional media On-course publicity on the day, via the PA, CCTV and banner sites Television coverage via Racing UK On-course promotional opportunities on the day Opportunity to judge the Best Turned Out Horse in the parade ring prior to your race Present a memento to the winning owner in the winners enclosure Celebrate the success with the winning connections Receive a photograph of the presentation and a DVD of your race Contact us for more information or to request a detailed proposal. Call or sponsorship@ wetherbyracing.co.uk A winning venue Banqueting Conferences Exhibitions Weddings Flexible conference and banqueting suites Competitive day delegate conference rates Ideal location close to A1(M) with links to M1 & M62 Acres of FREE on-site parking and outside space events@wetherbyracing.co.uk TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

12 125 Celebrating YEARS of racing in 2016! Annual Badge Holders Don t miss the action! If you intend to be a regular visitor to Wetherby Racecourse, then one of our Annual Badge Holder packages could provide you with a huge saving on the cost of daily admission. On average, the daily cost of admission for Annual Badge Holders is less than half the cost of our standard Premier Enclosure admission price and includes access to all general Premier and Paddock Enclosure facilities, a race programme and the use of a private facility within the Premier Enclosure. Additional to this is the opportunity to attend over 25 reciprocal race meetings at Racecourses across the UK between October and August and attendance at selected Yorkshire County Cricket Fixtures during the summer. Our Annual Badge packages include badges for Single, Joint, Guest and year olds, so there really is something for everyone. Annual Badges are issued at the start of the racing season in October and are valid for a 12 month period. If you are interested in finding out more please contact the Racecourse Office on or info@wetherbyracing.co.uk ABANDONMENT As a racecourse which mainly operates throughout the Winter months, Wetherby fully appreciates the risk that the weather can occasionally pose to a race meeting. Therefore, the Company believes it is fair to everybody concerned that, with respect to charges, a clear abandonment policy is adopted. The Wetherby Steeplechase Committee Limited abandonment charges are as follows: Before the 1st race Full Refund Before the 3rd race 50% Refund After the 3rd race No Refund In the event of abandonment, no refunds will be issued on the day. All refund applications must be claimed in writing to the racecourse office within 14 days of the date of the meeting. Please return your tickets or badges, with the name and address of who is to receive the refund and provide details as to how they were originally purchased. CAMERAS Amateur photography is permitted on the Racecourse in all areas normally open to the public. Flash photography is not permitted in any circumstances. CHILDREN All children aged 17 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult and are admitted FREE to all Enclosures. Tickets or badges are not required. Proof of age may be requested. Additional entertainment is provided at selected fixtures throughout the season. Please contact the Racecourse office for more information. General Information CASH MACHINE A cash machine is located in the lobby of the Old Members Stand side entrance, and in the Bramham Hall, both of which can be accessed from the Paddock & Premier Enclosures. There is no cash machine facility within the Course Enclosure. Tote betting kiosks also offer a Cash Back facility. CAR PARKING Car parking is provided within the Racecourse grounds and is FREE of charge. Directional parking signage is displayed and car park attendants are on hand to assist you. Racegoers can also pay to park in the centre of our course. Our Cars to Course admission allows one car and up to 4 adults entry to the Course Enclosure. COACH PARKING Parking for coaches is FREE and provided within the Racecourse grounds. Complimentary Paddock admission will be provided for drivers who present their Manifest to the main turnstile. (One admission per coach). CONCESSIONS Students receive a 5 discount into the Paddock Enclosure on presentation of a valid photographic ID card. Racegoers aged 65 and over receive a 5 discount into the Paddock Enclosure or a 3 discount into Course Enclosure. Proof of age may be requested. These concessions are only available at the turnstiles on the day of racing. DRESS CODE Wetherby does not operate a formal dress code in any of the Enclosures. Racegoers who wish to use the Premier Enclosure are kindly requested to wear smart casual clothing. More information is available online at DISABLED RACEGOERS If a disability requires a racegoer to be accompanied to, and at the races, by a registered carer, one complimentary admission will be provided for the carer at the entrance on the day. Facilities for the disabled racegoers are provided in all of our Enclosures. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS Are offered on advance and group purchases for Premier or Paddock Enclosure admissions. The best discounts are offered on-line and close at least 14 days prior to each race fixture. Discount close dates are published on the website, please check in advance to ensure you do not miss them. Discounts are not applicable to Special Offer or Pick of Packages. SHUTTLE BUS For many of our busier meetings a FREE shuttle bus service is operated before and after racing, between Wetherby Town Centre and the Racecourse. Visit the website for dates and timings. OPENING TIMES For the majority of all our fixtures, the gates and all facilities open 2 ½ hrs in advance of the first race. However, we may open earlier for busy fixtures. Opening times can be viewed on our website. DOGS Dogs (except registered guide dogs) are not allowed into any of our Enclosures on racedays. PICNICS Racegoers are welcome to bring picnics into any of our car parks including the Cars to Course car park. No food or drink is permitted into any of the Enclosures

13 How to Find Us Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre is located just minutes from Junction 46 (Wetherby Services) on the A1(M). Our postcode for your Sat Nav is LS22 5EJ. The Racecourse offers acres of FREE public car-parking. If you want to know more about rail and bus links, please visit Design by Photography: & more than just racing... Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre BANQUETING CHRISTMAS PARTIES WEDDINGS CONFERENCES EXHIBITIONS OUTDOOR You can find out what public events we have coming up by visiting Why not book us for your next event? The Wetherby Steeplechase Committee Ltd The Racecourse, York Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 5EJ 24 Tel: