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OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017 p.4 Owners Group p.10 Contents

Industry Update 3

Cheltenham Festival 2018 4 - 5

Ten to Follow/Racecourse of the Year 6

Members Renewals 7

Ditcheat Jockey Academy 8 - 9

Owners Groups 10 - 11

Silk Series 12 - 13

Summer Events Round-up 14 - 15

Bloodstock News 16

Club Update 17

Events 18 - 19

2 IndustryUpdate Meet the new Racing Director at the Racecourse Association – Andy Clifton

“Apparently, everyone else they interviewed, who were 30-year-old computer experts, asked, ‘What’s the Triumph Hurdle?’ So, it was more by luck than judgement that I got taken on.”

Clifton’s responsibilities soon expanded to become secretary of the newly-formed Jump Pattern Committee and also included a spell on administrative work for the European Pattern Committee – both of which were later to throw up examples of racing’s ‘small world’ environment.

In 1997 he succeeded Simon Clare as PR manager at Ladbrokes, where he stayed for five years, followed by two years as PR director at the Tote and a similar spell as managing director of Favourites Racing, before he answered a call Andy Clifton fell in love with racing after leaving from Edward Gillespie to take up a new post as school, gaining first-hand experience of the communications manager at Cheltenham. betting world when he joined colleagues at the local bookmakers in their lunchtime break while After six years at Cheltenham, the call came from on a year’s work experience with his sponsor Hong Kong, where Clifton says: “I was flattered Austin Rover at its Longbridge factory. to be approached and had a brilliant year there, made many contacts, learned a lot and got a He used to go racing at least twice a week while different perspective on several different aspects at university, where he was probably the only of the racing industry.” student to have the Sporting Life delivered to the halls of residence and chose courses where For personal reasons he returned to the UK lectures took place mainly in the morning. after a year, just as Newbury chief executive Julian Thick was reorganising the management The knowledge of the race programme that this team and looking to fill the new role of head of gave him helped him secure his first job in the communications. sport.

Now, Clifton has moved from the specific to the Clifton recalls, “I saw an advert in the racing general, with race planning and programming for trade papers for deputy race-planning manager at all RCA members as his brief. the . The ad made it sound as if you needed to be 30 years old and a computer expert. “Several things attracted me to the RCA job,” he Well, I was 22 and just about knew how to turn on says. “There aren’t many people who’ve done the a computer, but I thought I’d apply anyway. variety of jobs in racing and betting as I have, or have the contacts in both areas whose brains I “I got an interview and I remember the killer can pick, which gives me the opportunity to take a question was, ‘Your four-year-old hurdler has just rounded view of the industry. won the Triumph and you’re going to campaign him towards the , what would “It felt like a great opportunity at the right time your programme be?’ I said you’d probably go to take a broader industrywide role. What’s more, for the Gerry Feilden first, because it’s open only I can hit the ground running, so there’s lots of to four- and five-year-olds, and then the obvious aspects that makes this the perfect job.” races. 3 CheltenhamFestival 2018 Cheltenham Festival Marquee

Champion’s Day Champion Hurdle Tuesday 13 March

£39 members, £47 guests

The famous Cheltenham roar awaits on day one of The Festival. As the tapes rise for the opening race, horseman and racegoers alike rejoice as the wait is over. The showpiece of the first day is the Champion Hurdle, where Britain and Ireland’s finest two mile hurdlers go head to The Racegoers Club marquee at the Cheltenham head. In 2017, Buveur D’Air took the honours for Festival is always a hugely popular event with JP McManus and . Champion’s over 200 members and guests visiting us each Day also features the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle day. As in previous years, we will have a marquee and Arkle Chase where the best two mile novice for every day of the Cheltenham Festival. Hurdlers and Chasers are on display. Last year Our marquee is situated in the tented village, Racegoers Club Ambassador, Richard Hoiles, gave with easy access to all facilities and just a short members a superb insight for The Festival and we walk from the paddock and course viewing areas. will be hoping for much of the same again.

Our facility includes: Ladies Day Queen Mother Champion Chase • Special guest speaker running through the Wednesday 14 March card each morning £36 members, £43 guests • Private cash bar serving hot & cold food

• Private Tote kiosk After the excitement of the first day of The • Screens showing all the action from Festival, the glamour comes to town for Ladies Cheltenham Day and the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Start the day with a glass of champagne in our • A seat for the day exclusive marquee, then enjoy the spectacle • A quiz with exclusive prizes of the best two mile chasers taking each other on. won the 2017 renewal of the We know that sharing the Cheltenham experience Queen Mother Champion Chase in emphatic style with family and friends is very important. Each and gave his second Championship member can bring up to five guests (six tickets Race win in two days. Also on the card there is total). Joint members may reserve 10 guest the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle which has tickets (12 total). been previously won by stars such as Simonsig, and Yorkhill.

Early Bird Cheltenham Special Offer: Get all four days for a special price of £135 (usually £150) when you book before Christmas* *Available for Members only and limited to the first 40 members - offer ends 15 December 2017

4 CheltenhamFestival 2018 Cheltenham Festival Marquee

St. Patrick’s Thursday Stayers Hurdle Thursday 15 March

£36 members, £43 guests

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Day Three of The Festival. It is a typically Irish affair with Guinness flowing all around the racecourse plus racegoers are treated to Irish Music throughout the day. As well as a superb atmosphere, the racing is excellent with the JLT Novices’ Chase, The Stayers Hurdle and the Ryanair Steeplechase. Last year St. Patrick’s day saw the barren run for and end as they chalked up Important Information a four-timer, the highlight being the feature race with Nichols Canyon. Come join us for a Guinness Access to the marquee requires Club Enclosure and some great racing on St Patrick's Day! admission, which must be purchased directly from .

Gold Cup Day Please contact us in advance if you require Gold Cup Steeple Chase disabled or easy access so that we can make Friday 16 March arrangements. If you would like to bring children please also contact us prior to the event due to £39 members, £47 guests capacity requirements.

The Festival closes with the showpiece of the How to book week, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The Gold Cup is one of the most sought after titles in racing Marquee Tickets will be available to purchase and always provides some enthralling racing. It from 25 October at 10am. is a race associated with the elite of the sport and nothing can rival the Cheltenham roar as Online - go to www.racegoersclub.co.uk/ the horses charge up the famous hill. The 2017 racecourse-events and select the days you wish to renewal was won in emphatic fashion by Sizing attend. John giving Robbie Power and Jessica Harrington their first Gold Cup success. Come and join us Post - fill out the form on page 20 and return for the blue riband event of the jumping calendar to: The Racegoers Club, Winkfield Road, Ascot, with a special guest speaker. Berkshire, SL5 7HX

Early Bird Cheltenham Special Offer: Get all four days for a special price of £135 (usually £150) when you book before Christmas* *Available for Members only and limited to the first 40 members - offer ends 15 December 2017

5 TentoFollow Ten to Follow Competition

Adrian Judd still has his neck in front

The Flat season is coming to a close and there have been some super stars this year. Enable has proved unstoppable over the longer distances and truly deserved her Arc win. Since toppling Carravaggio in the July Cup, Harry Angel has proven to be the star sprinter with a brilliant performance on heavy ground in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Adrian Judd is still out in front, but over the last few months his lead has been slowly ebbed away. John Williams has been creeping into contention and who knows what will happen on Champions Day when every race has bonus points attached. It could be all change after the 21 October.

Don’t forget to sign up to the Ten to Follow Jumps Competition starting on Friday 17 November, using the Booking Form on the back page. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15 November.

Racecourse of the Year Cast your vote by 31 December 2017

It’s the time of year when we ask members Please visit our website today to register your to vote on their favourite British Racecourse. votes for your favourite racecourses in 2017. Last year it was all change as York took the Alternatively, write to us at: The Racegoers Club, title after 12 years of Cheltenham dominance. Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7HX, to There were new faces in the regional awards as request a voting form. Wolverhampton and Chelmsford scooped the best small racecourses in the midlands and south respectively.

Every course has its own charm and it is up to you to decide which courses deserve the coveted Racegoers Club Regional and National awards. To cast your vote, please log into the Members Area and click on the Racecourse of the Year tab. When voting please consider all aspects of a race day: viewing experience, facilities, food & beverage, atmosphere, value for money.

Based on the scores, an overall Racegoers Club Champion will be announced and racecourses will be awarded ‘Accolades’ in each category.

6 MembersRenewals 2018 Club Membership 2018 Membership Renewal 2018 is shaping to be another for just £35 for an individual It’s that time of year again! landmark year as we celebrate membership or £55 for a joint It’s been a great year for the the Club’s 50th Anniversary. membership. There are three Club with Chilly Miss returning We have complimentary entry easy ways to renew your to action and a new ownership confirmed for 49 fixtures through membership: direct debit, online opportunity starting with Jonjo the concessions scheme and or via post. O’Neill. As well as this we have several celebratory events had more events than ever in planned. Renew your membership by 1 2017, including The Cheltenham December 2017 for guaranteed Festival and Glorious Goodwood. Renew your membership for 2018 delivery before 1 January 2018.

Direct Debit Online Post Members who pay by direct debit To renew online, log in to your Fill out the form below including will be entitled to a £5 discount account page on our website and your card details or cheque, cut on their membership, making select the membership type you out the form and send it to: an individual membership just require. As an added bonus, we £30 or a joint membership just are offering all members who £50. If you would like to pay via renew online before 14 November The Racegoers Club, direct debit, please complete the 2017 a £5 discount on their Winkfield Road, enclosed sheet and return before membership. Simply enter the Ascot, 14 November 2017. voucher code RENEW18 during the Berkshire, SL5 7HX checkout process to receive the or email racegoersclub@ Please note: If you have already £5 discount on your membership. racecourseassociation.co.uk signed up to pay your renewal by direct debit, your payment will be If you have not registered your taken 1 December 2017. We will email with us, please call us Last order date for guaranteed be sending a letter to all members on 01344 625912 and we will delivery before 1 January is 1 who have already returned their activate your online account for December direct debit forms to confirm this. you. Rewards4Racing You will also receive 500 R4R points for an individual membership, worth £5, or 100 points for a joint membership worth £10, when you renew your Racegoers Club membership. Please note: Rewards 4 Racing will only be able to allocate your points if we have a valid email address for you. Points can be spent with any eligible racecourse; for full details and terms please visit rewards4racing.com.

We send regular communications including the magazine and email updates on the latest events and stable visits. To ensure you don’t miss out, please confirm that you are happy to receive communications by ticking these boxes. Please note: we will only use your details for Racegoers Club communications and marketing and will not sell or pass on your details to any third parties. Post Email Text Phone If you would like to receive the Rewards4Racing points offer, please tick this box /here

7 Ditcheat Ditcheat Jockey Academy

The Ditcheat Jockey Academy was founded by How long does it take to complete the Harry Derham and Aodhagan Conlon. Harry is programme? now embarking on his second season as assistant trainer for Paul Nicholls. Formally a conditional “The programme will run until April with 20 jockey for Paul, he enjoyed extensive success for sessions of education.” the yard. Harry decided a role in the yard would be more to his liking and has not looked back What areas are covered in the training since. Although not riding competitively Harry programme? still loves riding out and being involved with the horses from day to day. He is often trying to find “There is a varied amount of sessions ranging ways to engage the work force, helping organise from psychology, cooking, fitness, yoga to owner schemes like employee of the month and the relationships. We are getting various outside Ditcheat jockeys academy. We asked Harry for speakers including the Director of Sport at UWE. some insight into the academy. They are clearly all talented riders but we want to create well rounded individuals that will succeed How long has the academy been running? How in any aspect of life – not just racing. Every other many jockeys are on the programme? sport has a great support structure for young people, whether it be football, rugby or cricket. “It was established in late August, the idea started These people leave school early for the love of with me and Aodhagan Conlon. We had both riding a horse and we need to help them to get been pro jockeys at the same time and had the into the mindset of a professional athlete.” same length of career. He now does a psychology degree at the University of the West of England What is the recruitment process for the academy? and rides out when he can whereas I have taken up a role as Paul’s Assistant. “There isn’t a specific process, anyone can join that works at Paul’s yard. I always say the same There are 11 jockeys on the programme that thing to any young rider, anyone can ride but it are all attached to Paul’s yard and we are trying takes much more than that to be a professional to teach them the life of a jockey but more jockey. If you work hard, be smart, punctual and importantly about life in general outside of the loyal, you will get the rewards at Paul’s.” saddle.” What role does pony racing play in the selection What were your motivations for setting up the and training process? academy? “Only a very small part – obviously pony racing “I read Alex Ferguson’s book over the summer is a great start and they have a bigger advantage and the main thing emphasised was always because of the experience but we give all riders investing in the future. There is a lot of young an equal chance.” talent in the yard who are worth investing in.”

8 Ditcheat

Anything else you would like to say about the do a lot to get that chance. To be honest we've academy? been kept slightly in the dark about what all the sessions involve exactly. All we know is that we “I want to emphasise that this is not being done will have some great chances to learn from some for personal gain, we were both jockeys for a inspirational people. If we approach each session short-time and it’s a tough career. I truly believe in the right mind set they can only improve us.” these people are worth investing in and hopefully we don’t just make them better jockeys but better Who needs the cooking class most desperately? humans in the process.” “Sean Bowen. He can just about cook chicken We also asked conditional jockey Stan nuggets and chips and that is if he can't be Sheppard about the academy and how it is bothered to drive to the chip shop to get them.” helping him to develop. Should the industry be encouraged to increase the support network for conditional/apprentice jockeys over and above that already provided?

“I feel that the industry does a lot, but with all things in life there is always room for improvement no matter how good things seem. There is already a lot of help out there for young jockeys, such as jockey coaches and plenty of time spent at the British Racing School. As Harry told me when I joined Paul’s, you get out what you put in so it's up to the young jockeys to try harder than the person next to them.”

What are the main benefits of the programme? How has pony racing made it easier to develop as a jockey? “It is more individual and specific to certain scenarios. You have plenty of practise at all of the “Pony racing is a great introduction to the sport, different aspects of being a jockey, from talking to especially in the later years when it becomes owners to knowing how to eat healthily.” more competitive. It is less about going flat out from A to B and more about riding a race and What education sessions are you most forward to? everyone is a lot more switched on. The best thing about pony racing is how it prepares you for other “I am mostly looking forward spending two hours races in the future, from getting a good start to with A.P McCoy in a few weeks. Being able to weighing in and the different situations that arise, pick the brains of the greatest jockey of all time, not just in the race but around the build up to it isn't a chance to be sniffed at. Many people would as well.”

9 OwnersGroups Encouraging comback for Club favourite Chilly Miss

Share price: only £475 The Racegoers Club offers a great opportunity to take your first steps into racehorse ownership. We aim to provide groups that are large enough to be affordable but small enough to feel friendly and personal with Chilly Miss racing at Southwell renowned trainers in the industry. Benefits include: • Owners badges when your Malcolm Jefferson ground, she’s likely to have a horse races (allocated by Malton couple more runs ahead of a ballot as available) winter break before we bring her • All costs for the 2017/18 Jumps in for the spring where a novice The jumps season is upon us and chasing campaign is on the cards. season with nothing else to pay the quality of action is improving • A share of any surplus at the on the track as the trainers take The second horse included end of the owners group will the wraps of some of their stable in the total cost of £475 for be distributed in line with the stars with plenty of eyes already the season is Sammamish - a owners group rules looking towards those four days in beautiful four year old Oscar filly • Meet the trainer and watch March at Cheltenham. out of a mare called Issaquah your horse on the gallops who finished second twice at • Regular training updates This season we have some the Aintree Festival and third in • Up to three private owners exciting Jumps Ownership Groups a Swinton hurdle. A stunning group stable visits to top to get involved in with two top looker, Sammamish will make her trainers. trainers per season debut in November and will run in bumpers this season. • Priority to renew for the 2018/19 In the north we have once again Jumps season teamed up with Malcolm Jefferson Assistant Trainer Ruth Jefferson in his Malton yard and we have said: “We’d like to start her off in two horses in our latest group that Buy your share at a Mares bumper as they tend to should offer plenty of excitement be run at a more sensible pace racegoersclub.co.uk/ownership throughout the year. fill out the form on the back and be a bit less competitive so it makes sense to do that. She page of the magazine, give Chilly Miss has already ran twice shows a bit at home without since coming back into training in us a call on 01344 625912 being the quickest and looks to July finishing fourth and then third or contact will.aitkenhead@ have a really good, competitive at Southwell both times over racecourseassociation.co.uk attitude, which is all you can ask hurdles. Ideally needing good at this stage.

10 OwnersGroups The Club reunites with Jonjo O’Neill

The Experience

The Racegoers Club has had 50 years of experience giving members the thrill of thoroughbred racehorse ownership. By leasing our horses we are able to offer well bred horses placed with top trainers, at a fraction of the cost normally associated with ownership.

The Owners Groups have a Marmalade Mist arrived at Jackdaws Castle in October dedicated Manager who will keep you updated with news of the Jonjo O’Neill Jonjo is really pleased with how horse via email, social media & she is coping with the experience. post. Regular updates on progress Gloucestershire of the horse, running plans and Jonjo O’Neill said, “She has plenty race entries mean you always have For the first time since the late of character but that’s what you the latest insight from the trainers 1980s we have joined forces with want and she’s a smashing filly. and jockeys. Jonjo O’Neill and his team at You’d be very hopeful the way she Jackdaws Castle. We’ve found a moves and she’s taken it all in Owners will be talked through the really exciting young horse to go well so far. horses training program and get a into training with Jonjo as well - behind-the-scenes look at some of Marmalade Mist. “You can’t ask them to do too the superb training facilities, seeing much when they’re at this stage A four-year-old filly by Stowaway as they’ll just back off so we’ll the care and attention that goes into and out of a mare called Shean have to be patient as with all preparing a thoroughbred for racing. Rose, she is a half sister to the the young horses. I know Martin Grade One winner Blow By Blow Jones thought a lot of her and she The Club has had excellent success and she is a big, striking chestnut looks like she’s got the physical over the years, with four Royal filly with plenty of potential. With ability it’s just whether she’ll Ascot runners and a 2000 Guineas lots to learn she will begin this have it mentally which can be the contender. Our strike rate for won season in bumpers. challenge.” or placed horses is 32%, with 15% winners. We will never ask our Our lovely filly is settling in really members for additional funds, all well at Jackdaws Castle having costs are covered by one initial fee arrived last month. She is working for a single season. on the five furlong gallop as the Share price: next stage of her education, being ridden by conditional jockey Jack Buy your share at Savage. £295 racegoersclub.co.uk/ownership

11 SilkSeries Megan Nicholls Wins The Silk Series

In this edition of The Racegoer, we’ve been really pleased to bring you news about initiatives that have been set up to support British jockeys. One really interesting initiative that was launched this summer was ’s Silk Series, which looked to promote the skills and achievements of female jockeys working in British racing.

Recent research has shown that whilst nearly seventy percent of the intake to the two jockey training centres (British Racing School in Newmarket and College in Doncaster) are women, very few go on to successful careers as professional jockeys.

This research from Oxford Brookes University suggested that reasons for this drop off included the lack of opportunities for young female jockeys alongside a misconception from some as to their relative talent in the saddle.

As such, The Silk Series was developed by ARC as a new series of races exclusively for female jockeys to take place across the group’s Ladies Days this MBE, the winner of the first race for female jockeys summer. The Silk Series consisted of nine races under Jockey Club rules, the Goya Stakes at in total each worth £10,000, with the £20,000 Kempton Park May 6, 1972. The Tufnell Trophy Final taking place at on is an original piece, in silver, kindly designed and DFS Ladies Day on Thursday 14 September 2017, donated by Inkerman. during the William Hill St Leger Festival. Meriel died from cancer in October 2002, having Jockeys were allocated points depending on their raised large sums of money for children’s cancer finishing position in each race with the overall charity Sparks. Her brother, Wynne Tufnell, was winner awarded the Tufnell Trophy at Doncaster. proud to present the overall winner of The Silk The trophy is named in memory of Meriel Tufnell Series with the Tufnell Trophy at Doncaster.

12 SilkSeries

Apprentice jockey, Hollie Doyle, has been the to an ARC Ladies Days was donated to Cancer official ambassador for The Silk Series over the Research UK. course of the summer. She has featured in the marketing and in media coverage of The Silk The Silk Series has been a fantastic success in its Series, as well as writing a blog on her life as first season and has been proud to help so many an apprentice jockey which you can still read on female jockeys with some fresh opportunities www.thesilkseries.com. over the summer. It has added some extra racing intrigue to Ladies’ Days and has raised significant Hollie has enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, funds for an excellent charity. Congratulations and really grasped the opportunities offered to her from everyone in the Racegoers Club to Megan by boss Richard Hannon throughout the summer. and all the ladies who took part, and we very Hollie has ridden just shy of fifty winners to date much look forward to seeing The Silk Series back this season, including her first win at Glorious in 2018! Goodwood on Billesdon Bess. Only a fortnight later, she rode her first Listed winner on the same horse at Salisbury.

On The Silk Series, Hollie said, “The Silk Series has been a wonderful opportunity for female jockeys to showcase their talents to a wide audience. In the long run, I think it will help to encourage owners and trainers to use female jockeys more often on their horses.”

The Silk Series races proved popular throughout the summer and offered a unique racing highlight to nine Ladies Days. Over 35 different jockeys; amateurs, apprentices and professionals took part in The Silk Series, which saw a first ever career winner for Izzie Francis at Lingfield Park, a winner at Newcastle twenty years to the day since her first (at the same venue) for Carol Bartley and the shock return from retirement for Hayley Turner who once again teamed up with Michael Bell to win at Great Yarmouth.

The inaugural winner of The Silk Series, however, was apprentice Megan Nicholls, who put in a string of top performances in the latter half of the competition to take the crown. These included winning rides on Honiara at Brighton for Paul Cole and Canberra Cliffs for Don Cantillon at Bath along with a strong third on the unfancied Paddy Power for Richard Fahey in the Doncaster Final, which clinched her the title.

Megan was complimentary about The Silk Series throughout the summer, commenting after her Brighton win, “It’s been fantastic to be able to get more opportunities to ride over the summer and has been really popular. The Silk Series has given us girls a chance to get together more, as well as riding for trainers who we might not usually get an opportunity to, which is really helpful professionally”.

As well as helping to raise the profile of female jockeys in Britain, The Silk Series has been helping to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK. 75 pence from every ticket sold

13 EventsUpdate Summer Events Round-up Whitsbury Stud

We kicked off the summer by taking a visit to Whitsbury Manor Stud. Over 30 members made the trip at the beginning of June to see star stallions including Adaay, Due Diligence, Showcasing and Swiss Spirit. Stud Director Ed Harper showed us around and introduced us to one very familiar face and some new ones.

The Racegoers Club has leased four fillies from Whitsbury and all have won in their 3-year-old racing career. Our first filly and old club favourite Clouds Rest had returned to Whitsbury Manor since running her last race in 2015 and become a mother to a filly by Swiss Spirit. Clouds Rest was a great horse to be involved with as she won three races and was placed twice for her owners, as well as running in the 2014 Queen Mary at Royal Ascot.

Royal Windsor

In the middle of summer there are not many better places to be than Royal . Surrounded by the beautiful woodland and river it is picturesque place to be. Windsor provided members with a box with a superb view of all the racecourse and overlooking the finish line during the middle leg of their Best of British Festival. Not only were members treated to a great days racing but after racing there was a live performance from Tony Hadley singing hits such as Gold, True and Be Free With Your Love.

Goodwood

Our flagship event of the summer is the Saturday of the Qatar Goodwood Festival in which RGC members can enjoy one of the seasons most prestigious racedays in style. Our private boxes had a balcony offering great views of the track and stunning views across the Downs. Thankfully the weather had relented and it turned out to be a fabulous day of racing. In the Sprint Cup punters were rewarded for taking a leap of faith with Scorching Heat as he blitzed the field in the first of the day. In the feature race, the Stewards Cup, Dean Ivory’s shrewd booking of Frankie Detorri payed off as Lancelot Du Lac came home a 25-1 winner.

14 EventsUpdate

It been a glorious summer of RGC events Beverley

A brand-new event to the RGC summer calendar was the Restaurant Package. Racegoers were treated to a Seafood and Deli platter in the Paddock Bar with great views of the Parade Ring.

As well as a highly competitive eight racecard, there was the RB Save the Children Camel Derby which was a great spectacle for all. Beverley delivered a wonderful day and looked after our members excellently. We will definitely be heading back there again soon.

Epsom Downs - August Bank Holiday

Over 120 members enjoyed a trip to Epsom Downs over the August Bank Holiday, which coincided with the Epsom trainers Open Day. The Racegoers Club where given a 25% discount on entry to the Epsom trainers Open Day which allowed them to go and visit stars such as St. Leger winner Harbour Law before a great days racing. During the day we held a tipping competition with some exclusive prizes. Due to the vast number of RGC visitors we were moved to the Lazarus Suite which gave members brilliant views of the racecourse as well as easy access to the betting and parade rings.

York

There was a special relaxed feel about York when we rounded off the summer with the only Sunday raceday in York’s calendar. Racegoers were treated to a delightful informal buffet with a complimentary welcome drink and racecard.

It was the perfect way to round off the Kids Go Free summer campaign on this brilliant family raceday. As well as some enthralling handicaps for members to get stuck into, there was the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series final, where members may have seen a future champion jockey.

15 BloodstockNews Clouds Rest Brother Creates Interest in the Sales Ring

by Showcasing and out of Ahwahnee (pictured below) looks capable of showing all the speed that Clouds Rest did as she won three times for us and also ran in the 2014 Queen Mary.

Sold for £85,000 to David O’Meara we will watch with interest on how his career shapes up.

Another interesting lot came in Book One where a colt by Kingman and out Shimmering Surf was sold by Hillwood Stud. The colt’s second second dam – Sun On The Sea – ran in the colours of the Racegoers Club, finishing fourth in the 2003 Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot trained by Brian Meehan. The colt went unsold in the ring at £140,000 and so we will keep an eye out on where he ends up.

The sales season is in full swing and has taken centre stage throughout the month of October with some big money changing hands. Whenever Godolphin and Coolmore go head to head in the sales ring there is likely to be fireworks and we saw that in Book One with the hammer coming down at more than £4m for the Galileo and Dank filly.

As well as the big money there has been plenty of interest for the Racegoers Club with progeny and closely related horses that have previously run in our colours going through the ring.

Most notably there was a full brother to Clouds Rest who appeared in Book Two on 10 October. Sold by Whitsbury Manor Stud, the bay colt

16 ClubUpdate Diaries & Calendars Get ready for 2018 with the Racegoers Club. The The A4 calendar features all of the equine stars Club’s personalised padded diaries, featuring our of the Flat and National Hunt sphere from 2017. logo on the front cover contain everything from The calendars have lots of space for planning road maps to all major sporting events. These your 2018 Racegoers Club events and will make pocket size diaries are great for the racegoer the perfect Christmas present. They are priced at constantly on the move – you will never miss £9.50 each including postage. a fixture again. They are priced at £7.50 each including postage. To order, please fill out the order form on the back page. Alternatively, you can purchase from our website at www.racegoersclub.co.uk/merchandise.

Diaries will be despatched at the beginning of December. Calendars will be despatched at the beginning of November.

Annual General Meeting Join us at the Racegoers Club AGM before racing at Cheltenham on Saturday 18 November 2017

The AGM will take place in Marquee 7 in the Please note: if you wish to enjoy the comfort Tented Village starting at 11.10am. We expect of the marquee after the AGM you will need to the meeting to finish no later than 12 midday, purchase a Racegoers Club marquee pass. There provided all business is concluded. are a limited number of passes remaining which can be purchased from our website or via the All members are welcome to attend. booking form on the back page. Any members We hope to see you there. without a pass after the AGM will be unable to remain.

17 ClubEvents

Doncaster Jamie Snowden & November Handicap Private Suite Cheltenham Saturday 11 November Stable Visit - Saturday 18 November

£40 guests welcome £36 guests welcome

The flat season draws to a close with the Betfred We have an exciting opportunity to visit Jamie’s training November Handicap. Come and join us for a fantastic yard in Lambourn. He bought his current yard in 2011. days racing from the comfort of our own private box Knighton Combe, the first runner from his new quarters, with a hot buffet lunch. The package includes: landed the Summer National, and Ixora was his first • Racecourse entry Cheltenham winner. Come join us afterwards at our • Hot buffet lunch private facility on BetVictor Gold Cup day, giving you a • Private cash bar base for the day to enjoy some top class National Hunt • Racecard racing.

Sandown Park Ascot Tingle Creek Private Suite Ladbroke Hurdle Loges Saturday 9 December Saturday 23 December

£50 guests welcome £37 guests welcome

Start the festive season in style in our private course Enjoy all the action of Ascot’s most valuable day of viewing box. A great place to warm up from the winter jumps racing from the loges, where you will be ideally cold with a comfy seat. This package includes: placed to enjoy the action. This package includes: • Premier Enclosure admission • Grandstand admission • Reserved seat for the day • Seat in private viewing ‘loges’ • Cash bar • Bandstand Restaurant voucher for a hot meal & • Racecard & Tote betting facility drink (beer/wine) • £2 betting voucher & racecard

18 ClubEvents

Neil Mulholland Newbury Stable Visit Game Spirit Restaurant Package Thursday 18 January Saturday 10 February

£10 guests welcome £70 guests welcome

Neil started out his racing career by spending six years Join us for one of Newbury’s Premier Jumps meeting at working for Aidan O’Brien. He started his riding career the racecourse for the Game Spirit Hurdle. As well as a there where he notched up 120 winners. In 2008 he high class card this package includes: gave up the saddle and became a trainer. Last year he • Grandstand admission & racecard trained 72 winners over both codes. Come join us a • Three course lunch Neil’s Conkwell Grange Racing Stables to see such stars • Tipster talk as Cheltenham Festival winner The Druids Nephew. • Reserved seat for the day

Gary Moore Fontwell Park Stable Visit National Spirit Hurdle Private Suite Sunday 25 February Sunday 25 February

£10 guests welcome £35 guests welcome

Gary Moore started as a National Hunt jockey with over Join us for the highlight of the season at Fontwell for the 200 career wins. He retired from the saddle in the early Game Spirit Hurdle. As well as a some top class racing 1990s and went on to train. His training career started this package includes: in Epsom where he trained for five years before taking • Grandstand admission over from his father, Charlie, in Brighton. Gary now • Hospitality Badge trains at Cisswood Racing Stables in Lower Beeding set • Racecard in 180 acres of beautiful countryside and woodland. • Reserved seat for the day

Please use back page booking form or go to www.racegoersclub.co.uk/events 19 BookingForms

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Price Quantity Total

Doncaster Private Suite £40 Name: Jamie Snowden Stable Visit £10 Contact Number: Cheltenham November £29 Marquee Email: Jamie Snowden & £36 Cheltenham Marquee Address: Sandown Park Private Suite £50

Ascot Private Loge £37

Neil Mulholland Stable Visit £10

Postcode: Newbury Restaurant Package £70

Total Amount: £ Gary Moore Stable Visit £10 Fontwell Park Private Suite £35 Card Number:

Cheltenham Festival Tuesday £39/£47 Cheltenham Festival £36/£43 Wednesday Security Code: Cheltenham Festival Thursday £36/£43 Expiry Date: / Cheltenham Festival Friday £39/£47 Cheltenham Festival 4 Day Send completed forms to: £135 Pass Racegoers Club, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire, Malcolm Jefferson Owners £475 SL5 7HX. Cheques made payable to The Racegoers Club. Group Jonjo O’Neill Owners Group £295 *Please confirm you accept the T&Cs of the owners groups, available online at www.racegoersclub.co.uk/racehorse- Diary £7.50 ownership/ownership-group-rules. Events Booking Form Calendar £9.50

Total £ 20