Wolverhampton Racecourse working with Promise Dreams

Wolverhampton Racecourse is delighted to be once again working with Promise Dreams on two fundraising events in 2013. 

Friday 20th September sees the racecourse host the Promise Dreams Charity Race Night. Tables are available in the stunning Horizons Restaurant with a percentage of each package sold going to the charity. Special admission tickets for the Grandstand enclosure are also available with all proceeds going to the Promise Dreams charity. In addition to the 7 thrilling races on the card that evening, there will be entertaining fundraising activities throughout the evening for those attending!

These special tickets and packages are only available through Promise Dreams – call 01902 212451 for details.

Friday 29th November – Crystal Ball 

A shimmering gala evening full of celebrities and stars including R’n’B legend Alexander O’Neal and soul diva Jaki Graham. A sparkling drinks reception followed by a lavish four course meal and lots of fun throughout the evening raising funds for our special little diamonds.

Nathan Corden, Head of Commercial Development at Wolverhampton Racecourse said “we are delighted to be working with Promise Dreams again on two new fundraising events. We have worked with the Promise Dreams team many times in recent years and we are always amazed by the work they do. The racecourse team are excited about these new events and we look forward to contributing to their success and raising funds for this very worthy cause. 

Bev Bird, Charity Manager at Promise Dreams said, “It is always a pleasure to hold events at the racecourse; from an organisers point of view they are terrific to work with ensuring all of our guests receive great food and great service, within fabulous surroundings. They have also been fantastic supporters of the work that we do and we are really proud to be associated with them.”

For details on both events and to book tickets please call Promise Dreams on 01902 212451

Promise Dreams is a national registered charity, dedicated to helping seriously and terminally ill children and their families turn a very special dream into a reality.  Whether the child would like a holiday, a toy, medical treatment, house alterations, or even the chance to meet their favourite celebrity, Promise Dreams is committed to help.Since forming in February 2001, the charity and its enthusiastic supporters have raised more than £2 million and helped more than 1250 very special children along the way.   

Pictured at Wolverhampton Racecourse is Promise Dreams patron Steve Bull, Poppy the Promise Dreams mascot and Nathan Corden from Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Join our Young Hooves Kids Club!

Are your young ones big fans of horse racing? Do they enjoy cheering on their horses at the races? Then why not sign them up to our brand new, Young Hooves Kids Club.

Singing up to the Young Hooves Kids Club is completely FREE and there is no cost or membership attached. Members of the Kids Club will initially receive a goody bag including:

• A welcome booklet with puzzles and information about horses
• A certificate for becoming a member of the 
• A members badge
• Binoculars 
• Crayons

Members will also have access to games and information on our great Kids Club website!

Archie, the ARC mascot will also send a special birthday treat to members.

It is a fantastic way to engage young children into this great sport of ours and we hope you will join up and enjoy your time as a Young Hooves Kids Club member.

Sign up now...

http://www.younghooves.co.uk/join/

Owners and Trainers take centre stage with complimentary food in new policy

A standardised policy for Owners and Trainers benefits has been created across 14 of the racecourses in the Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) group. Adding to the recent announcement of an increase in prize money and the additional free entry to all of ARC’s courses for annual members, the Group has now announced a major overhaul of its Owners and Trainers policy.

ARC has spent the time to review the policies across the group, listening to Owners and Trainers and discussing plans with the Racehorse Owners Association. Complimentary food, tea and coffee has now been introduced for all owners and trainers with runners on the day, and a complimentary owners annual car park label will be issued to those with runners to ensure a smooth start to the day – and for those lucky enough to have a winner - a bottle of champagne, a trophy, a DVD and a framed photograph will be awarded by the racecourse to celebrate a good end to the day.

Complimentary Badges will be allocated with six being issued to sole owners and eight to partnerships, and all fixtures will be included in the ROA Owners Badge Scheme, which offers qualifying members free entrance to participating racecourses.

Furthermore at some courses, additional facilities have been made available. At FontwellPark the Grade II Listed Fontwell House in the picturesque gardens has been converted to an Owners and Trainers Facility.

Jim Allen, Racing Director at ARC said: “We recognise the importance of the race day experience to owners and we were keen to ensure a consistent standard across all of our racecourses, many of whom were already offering a great deal of benefits to owners. We have listened to owners and trainers and we know that this enhanced package will be welcomed by them. Wherever possible we are keen to react to feedback from our customer groups and organisations, such as the ROA to help us achieve high levels of customer satisfaction”

Full details of all the new benefits on offer will be sent to all owners and trainers in a newsletter which outlines the policies in detail.

These improved benefits follow on the announcement last month of prize money increases. In 2013 total prize money at ARC operated tracks will reach £24.3m, an increase of 18.5% on 2012’s total of £20.5m

The ARC Group's executive contribution now totals £9.6m, which amounts to a 166% increase over the last three years, £6.0m more than that which was paid in 2010.

Richard Wayman, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association said:

“The ROA welcomes ARC’s enhanced offering for owners and their commitment to improving the owners’ raceday experience. It is essential that whenever an owner has a runner, they feel valued by the racecourse and its staff, and ARC deserves credit for increasing its investment in the levels of customer service that it will provide across all of its courses.”

Brighton Racecourse to stage extra fixture on 30th May

Following the transfer of the first three Brighton fixtures this season within the ARC group, a further change has been announced today by the British Horse Racing Authority.  The Wolverhampton fixture on 30th May has now been transferred to Brighton where it will be the Sussex track’s second meeting of 2013.

The previously agreed fixture transfers with the British Horseracing Authority :

25th April Brighton to Lingfield
2nd May Brighton to Chepstow
7th May Brighton to Yarmouth

Today’s agreed fixture transfer:-

30th May Wolverhampton to Brighton.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce 5-a-side Football Competition

On Tuesday 23rd of April, many excellent 5-a-side football teams took to the pitches at Power League, Halesowen… and The Holiday Inn Hotel & Wolverhampton Racecourse also took part.

Many representatives of the hotel and racecourse alike were more than happy to spend their Tuesday evening participating in the charity event, which was extremely well attended, with sides being entered from many areas of the West Midlands.

At 7.10pm The Holiday Inn Harriers and The Racecourse Rovers played their first games in their respective groups. The Holiday Inn Harriers got off to a good start with a 1-1 draw. However, The Racecourse Rovers came up against a very well organised side and went down 5-0 in the opening game.

With Freddie Furlong being the only mascot at the event, the teams felt boosted by the extra support, and Freddie Furlong was like the 6th man for both teams, despite being of the equine variety.

Both teams were required to face off against 4 teams within the group stage. However, the strong opposition within both groups got the better of The Holiday Inn Harriers and The Racecourse Rovers and the teams didn’t progress from the group stage. However, The Racecourse Rovers did end on a high note as they won their final group game, with a 4-2 victory.

The two teams were extremely grateful for the support of colleagues and friends and of course mascot Freddie Furlong. Lindsey Jephcott, Commercial Manager at Wolverhampton Racecourse said “as patrons of the Black Country Chamber we were delighted to be able to enter two teams in the charity tournament, it was a great evening and all the staff involved thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Wolverhampton Racecourse launches a 'Home and Away' initiative for Annual Members

Wolverhampton Racecourse launches a ‘Home and Away' initiative with FREE Racing available to Annual Members.

Get yourself signed up now to an Annual Membership at Wolverhampton Racecourse to gain a whole host of benefits!

Wolverhampton Racecourse is part of the Arena Racing Company (ARC) and as the largest racecourse operator in the UK, with 15 racecourses spread across the UK, hosting nearly 40% of the fixture list, keen racegoers will never be far away from an opportunity to go racing for free.

An Annual Members benefits package has been created that is rivalled by none other in the racing industry. All Annual Members of Wolverhampton Racecourse will now get free entry to any other ARC racecourse fixture. So don't miss out on the chance to travel the length and breadth of the country and always have a free entrance to a racemeeting at your finger tips.

If you live locally to Wolverhampton Racecourse and take out an annual membership for £275, this will become your ‘home' racecourse and you will get full members benefits, the ‘Away' racecourse is any other you visit in the group and you will be given free access to any enclosure.

But the rewards don't stop there, as plenty of offers & discounts are being given across all the racecourses and 4 complimentary admission tickets valid at any racecourse.

David Roberts, Managing Director at Wolverhampton Racecourse said:

“This new initiative will reward the loyalty of our members and give them an opportunity to try out some of the other racecourses in the group for free. With such a great spread of locations across the country we hope our members will enjoy visiting additional courses. If anyone had been considering taking out an annual membership to our course - this really is the time to do it!"

‘SCOUTING FOR GIRLS’ TO PLAY WOLVERHAMPTON RACECOURSE

Million-selling British pop band Scouting For Girls will tour six of the Arena Racing Company (ARC) racecourses in the UK in August 2013, taking in Wolverhampton Racecourse on August 22^nd 2013.

The live concerts will take place on a race day so concert goers can enjoy a whole evening of racing before the band performs, all as part of their ticket price.

Scouting For Girls are one of the biggest pop bands in the UK with over two million record sales, 4 Brit Awards and 2 Ivor Novello nominations, and 4 Top 10 singles.

The band will be playing a host of their hits including 'This Ain’t A Love Song', 'Summertime In The City', ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’, ‘Heartbeat’, ‘It’s Not About You’, to name a few.

Tour dates:

Sat       03-Aug                      Doncaster, Racecourse

               

Thu      08-Aug                      Chepstow, Racecourse

Fri       09-Aug                       Brighton, Racecourse

                               

Thu     22-Aug                       Wolverhampton, Racecourse

Fri       23-Aug                       Newcastle, Racecourse

Sat      24-Aug                       Windsor, Racecourse

David Roberts, Managing Director of Wolverhampton Racecourse said “We are delighted that Scouting for Girls will be playing the racecourse this summer. The band has a large fan base which will certainly bring a new audience to the races and will also provide a great jam packed night out - offering concert goers excellent value for money.”

For ticket information please call 01902 390000 or visit www.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk

Red nosebands raise £10,500 for Comic Relief

Red Nose Day was celebrated in style at Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton Racecourse on Friday (15th March) when 42 horses competed in Red Nosebands in a bid to raise money for Comic Relief. 

Owners and trainers at the two tracks were invited to kit out their runners in specially dyed red nosebands with course owners Arena Racing Company (ARC) donating £250 to Comic Relief for every horse that wore one. 

At Lingfield Park, 17 horses went to post in red nosebands, including first race winner Devout, while at Wolverhampton 25 runners competed with red nosebands. The 42 runners together raised £10,500 for Comic Relief. 

Kate Hills, Director of PR & Communications, commented “Huge thanks must go to all the owners and trainers who supported the Red Noseband initiative. It was great to raise so much money for Comic Relief, and to see so many winners wearing red noses.” 

The charity challenge was promoted jointly by ARC and Lovetheraces.com as a fun way that racing could support such an important fund-raising occasion. 

Nick Attenborough, Director of Consumer PR at Great British Racing, said “We were delighted with the outcome and would like to thank all the individuals who helped with the project. I dare say that we’ll be looking to support Red Nose Day again when it reoccurs in 2015.”

‘World’s greatest’ darts champ at prestigious Wolverhampton race

Two prestigious races will stage their annual renewal at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Saturday 9^th March, along with guest star appearances from five-times world champion darts player Eric Bristow, MBE, and fellow darts legend Keith Deller.

The William Hill.com EBF Lady Wulfruna Stakes race - a class-1 handicap run over seven furlongs - and the prestigious one-mile William Hill Lincoln Trial will both offer an impressive £45,000 in prize money. Last year’s race was a nail-bitingly close call between winner Nazreef (trained by Hughie Morrison), second placed Kingscroft, and Mia’s Boy in third. 

And from horses to bulls-eyes, Eric Bristow and Keith Deller will also be at the racecourse in a Pro/Am challenge. The two, who’ve met countless times throughout the years, but most notably in the 1983 BDO World Championship Final, will be on-hand to partner the two highest scoring amateurs throughout the day.  Darts fans, who can enter the challenge for free, simply have to step up to the oche in Ringside and throw nine darts between races to be in with a chance of a partnering the two ex-world champions.

Managing Director David Roberts said: “Racing enthusiasts will undoubtedly see some of the best horses, trainers and jockeys at the racecourse during this Saturday afternoon fixture. Two previous winners of the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton Racecourse have gone on to win the Lincoln race held at Doncaster Racecourse.

“The Lincoln Trial Raceday really does showcase some fantastic racing and that combined with two darts legends, will make for a great day out for the darts and horse fans alike”.

Photo of 2012 Lincoln Trial winner Nazreef, ridden by Robert Winston.

Keith Deller, Freddie Furlong and Eric Bristow

Guest Blog Post - Vicki Power on behalf of ASOS

The Beginners Guide to Horse Racing Attire

The Horses is a daunting experience for someone who is new to the sport. Many places focus on understanding the Jargon and terminology in order to make your experience at the races at good one. Where I would start if I was embarking on a Horse Racing adventure is Wolverhampton’s Beginners Guide to Horse Racing that can be found here. This easy to understand guide will give you tips and pointers to make you confident enough to pick a winner.

When it comes to planning a day at the races, it is important to think about clothing.

Wolverhampton hosts more than 101 race fixture’s each year, day and night. It was Britain’s first floodlit racecourse and it continues to be one of the busiest racecourses in the country. The reason Wolverhampton Racecourse is so popular is its relaxed and inviting approach towards the sport of Horse Racing and as such, there is no strict dress code for visitors to Wolverhampton Racecourse.

For the Stallions

At Wolverhampton there are two enclosure levels, the Premier Enclosure and General Admission. The Premier enclose requests that entrants refrain from wearing Shorts, T-shirts and Trainers but other than that, smart casual clothing is appropriate in all areas of the Racecourse.

A smart suit is always an acceptable choice at the race course and you will be surprised at the number of men that choose this option. It is simple and smart and covers all bases. It is appropriate for winter and summer and if you wear a suit to work, it requires very little thought and effort.

For a more casual approach to race day, a pair of jeans or trousers paired with a comfortable pair of shoes is a good choice. Our lovely British weather means that it can change from a sunny day to a windy rainy evening in the space of a view hours, so whatever you choose, ensure it is weather appropriate and you have pockets big enough to store all your winnings.

For the Fillies

Ladiesis in September, this is the chance for the ladies to show off their true style with the chance to win a prize for Best Dressed Lady, Best Hat and Best shoes. Sadly on the other race days you will not receive a prize for teetering around in your highest heels, so my advice to you would be, have a look outside before choosing your footwear and attire.

I have seen many designer shoes destroyed at a race course. When the going is heavy and the ground has a bit of cut, a sensible choice would be wellies or flat shoes. If there is no prize to be won, why put yourself through the misery of painful feet and ruined heels. Pair up your wellies with a pair of skinny jeans and a warm jacket and you will be ready for anything the weather throws at you.

Alternatively, if it is a nice day, the races is the perfect occasion to dress to impress. A lovely dress, teamed with a pair of heels will be just the ticket, and you will definitely get the attention for the punters when you sashay up to collect your winnings. For some, a day at the races turns into a night on the town so this outfit will be perfect to take you on into the night.

This Guest Post was written by Vicki Power on behalf of ASOS, retailer of Men’s and Ladies fashion including Watches, Jewellery and Accessories.