/racegoersclub @racegoersclub his issue’s Racegoers Club memory comes from Michael Watters, reminiscing about the Pisa trip in 1996. Here is his first hand account:

“Nowadays the All-Weather Championships and Dubai Festival Bold Patriot on show at the John Hills Stables in Pisa keep flat enthusiasts interest alive during the winter. In earlier days Bold Patriot was of interest to me confusing bookmakers and betting in with no winter races to aim for, due to being sired by thousands for the first and only time. some trainers prepared for the winner, Polish Patriot. As a two As the Hills horses were in Pisa to traditional start to the flat by year old he ran twice, first over 6f, gain an advantage over those back in wintering their Guineas hopefuls and then over 7f with a three month wintry Britain, it was ironic that and early types in warmer climes. gap in between. central Italy had its coldest winter Or at least Barry Hills did. For a The form was modest but the for many years. It might have been while he used a training yard in Pisa, choice of Bold Patriot to go to Pisa milder in Lambourn. Nevertheless Italy to give his horses a head start. was probably based more on his Bold Patriot came back in good In early 1996 his son and fellow usefulness as a lead horse. Either shape and ready to show improved Lambourn trainer John Hills shared way it gave the opportunity to lead form. On 8th May he earnt a win the Pisa facility and one of the a Racegoers Club group on a short over a mile at Ayr. George Duffield horses that wintered there was a racing break. gave him a good front running ride. Racegoers Club horse, Bold Patriot. After the flight and settling into the Unfortunately his intermittent leg As a two-year-old Bold Patriot ran hotel, the first morning was spent problems then started to get the twice. Each time he finished in mid- on a stable visit. There we were better of Bold Patriot and he finished division showing some ability and shown the facilities and all of the down the field rated 76 on 8th June. giving encouragement that he would horses. The one that made the most be capable of winning in time. impression on me was a three-year- For me there are the cherished old filly, My Branch. In 1996 she memories of that first win, maybe went on to finish 4th in the 1,000 helped in a small way by a winter in Guineas and then 3rd in the Irish Pisa.” 1,000 Guineas. If you would like to share any of Scheduled for the final day was your Racegoers Club memories attendance at a Pisa race meeting for the 50th year celebrations please do not hesitate to contact with lunch at the racetrack racegoersclub@racecourseassociat beforehand. For me Pisa races were ion.co.uk or write to us at the most memorable for the lively and Bold Patriot Winning at Ayr address on the booking form. lacier Point recorded her first victory for the Racegoers Club as she got her head in front at Chepstow on Friday 14 July. To celebrate the first Flat winner of the season we asked all the owners to give their view on the day. This is what Stuart & Judi Young and The Glacier Point Owners celebrating the win at Chepstow Doreen Pallier had to say: the Weighing Room after the race.

Doreen: I didn’t go to the pre- Stuart & Judi: The reception staff parade ring but did go to the Doreen: It was my first visit to were efficient, very friendly and paddock which was well situated welcoming. They made you feel and even close to the finish. We got to meet though it meant a six hour round trip that you were special to them. David Probert and have a pre-race train journey for me to see Glacier, it chat with him. was very worthwhile. Not just winning the race but the excellent hospitality and viewing facilities Stuart & Judi: Yes. We had rushed afforded to Owners by Chepstow Racecourse made for a very pleasant down the M4, in traffic, and were in Stuart and Judi: Excellent. evening. need of a sanctuary to recover our Exclusively on the rail by the "composure ". winning post meant we could cheer on Glacier Point from the closest place without having to compete with other racegoers. I could swear she winked at us as Doreen: I was made very welcome she went past in the lead. by the duty host – a mini tour in Buy your share at fact! The O&T facility was very www.racegoersclub.co.uk/ well appointed with a good bar and ownership food and the viewing terrace was a racegoersclub@racecourseassociatio definite bonus. This O&T lounge Doreen: We were treated very n.co.uk was superior to many others I have generously and enjoyed or fill out the form on the back page experienced. champagne and viewing of the of the magazine. race DVD in the room adjoining After reaching mainstream news and social media fame with his calling of the Ascot Gold Cup as well as standing in last minute for the John Smith’s Cup and mixing it with hip- hop stars Reggie and Bollie, Richard Hoiles took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about the art of commentary.

Mine was a rather unusual start in box on a windswept roof and be as if you tried to learn them all in that I just applied for a job via an heard all over the country that I had advance and one owner had several advert in the Sporting Life despite to go into my local shop the runners on the card your brain would having no previous broadcast following day to listen to the replay associate more than one name with experience. I was so naïve I didn’t to believe it had actually happened! the same colours which would be even realise you needed to send in a dangerous. demo tape which then crossed with a rejection letter in the post. Thankfully SIS liked what they heard and invited me in for a trial and it all started from there. I know where I’m going to be quite Height is key as you get a far better I was a qualified accountant at the a long way in advance. For my ITV perspective of both the distance time and having got my exams quite work we actually sort out the whole between runners and a clear sight of young decided to try and see if I year in advance, as I used to with a greater number of horses. Round could break into racing. I had Simon Holt when I was with courses are easier than straight followed it madly since I was young Channel 4. As regards the courses and the colours are far easier and was a member of the Racegoers racecourse we tend to know on to learn where you also have a good Club. I’ve found the key to average about three months clear sight of the paddock. Since the commentating on the sport is really beforehand. new stand opened Doncaster has to have followed racing from as always been a favourite whilst in The background prep – printing of early an age as possible. terms of beauty Goodwood on a colour sheets, making notes, sunny day is just superb though the overnight prices and writing out the races can be messy. draw on the Flat will all be done the night before. As regards learning During my Hong Kong stint I the colours, other than particularly always had to pinch myself every My first calling day was at Bath on tricky races then I will only do that time I called a night meeting at Cup Final day in 1992. In those days when the jockeys come into the Happy Valley – a must visit if you there were separate racecourse and paddock or the runners are on their get the chance. The least favourite betting shop commentaries with way down to the start. are where commentary boxes are mine going into the shops. It seemed low or any day in fog or mist which The key is just short term retention so bizarre that you could stand in a really are the worst conditions to call and vision mixer will get to know Goldrun and Ouija Board was also in. from the tone of my voice when I fantastic as I had called them both so am struggling with shots and not many times during their careers in stay on those for too long. I am many different countries. extremely lucky to have worked with many good ones throughout my career and never fail to Slightly, mainly in terms of tempo appreciate the great lengths good but the fundamental mechanics are cameramen go to in all weathers to very much the same. Getting provide such creative pictures. Racing is quite a specialist sport and through the entire field as quickly as very few commentators have moved possible is important in giving you comfort that you know everything into it from other sports whereas and that would be the same for both there are a few race callers, notably codes. the superb John Hunt on swimming There are many but top of the list is for 5 Live, who can make a good fist I would write out the draw on the probably Denman’s Gold Cup for of other sports. Flat and draw a course map with which I did the on course numbered fences and hurdles for the commentary. The reaction of the Cricket is the only other mainstream Jumps so the preparation is a little crowd to every twist and turn of sport that I would be entirely different. These days with no clearly that race was just incredible and it comfortable commentating on but defined seasons you can be was a real privilege to be able to the slower speed of the game switching between codes on a describe it. I think he would have compared to a horse race makes it weekly basis so we all get used to it. beaten just about any horse that day the domain of ex -players. I am and it will always be one of my hoping during my time with ITV to favourites. get the chance to get to meet other commentators and observe the way Pilsudski’s Japan Cup win, when I other sports work especially the had been flown out at short notice Tour De France. Calling a sprint from Hong Kong where I was finish up the Champs Elysees makes It is mainly just to practise focusing working at the time was another the Wokingham look a piece of on accuracy and rhythm and making memorable experience whilst the cake! every word count. A wide Nassau between Alexander vocabulary as opposed to stock repetitive phrases is also good to try and develop. Be aware of the key stories but don’t pre-prepare lines which often seem manufactured, keep relaxed and trust yourself to find the right words to fit the situation. Whilst commentating itself can be a solitary business in fact you are very much part of a team in terms of those behind the scenes providing camera shots and the directors choosing which to take. As such I will always prefer having open talkback (where you can hear the director the whole time) as it gives me the clues as to what is about to happen. A good director Denman and Kauto Star locking horns at Cheltenham For just £29 our marquee is the The marquee is limited to 100 ideal place to keep warm and dry people so book early to secure your whilst enjoying some top class place. . BetVictor Gold Cup Day has seven top We also have an exciting quality races and is one of the most opportunity to visit Jamie popular days outside of the festival. Snowden’s Yard in Lambourn the morning of the BetVictor Gold Cup. he Racegoers Club This bespoke package includes: You can purchase a combined Marquee is always a package including access to our popular event. Our  A seat in our private exclusive marquee for just £36, marquee is situated in marquee making it a perfect Saturday of the tented village, with quick and National Hunt action. easy access to all facilities and just a  Guest speaker running short walk from the paddock and through the card Access to the marquee requires a course viewing areas. Club Enclosure ticket which must be  Private cash bar also serving purchased directly from During this years November hot and cold food . If you Meeting we have secured a private would like to book, please visit  Private Tote kiosk marquee for our members on the www.racegoersclub.co.uk/events or highlight of the first half of the jump  Screens showing all the fill out the form on page 16. racing season, BetVictor Gold Cup action from Cheltenham Day.

reat British Racing has The finals day culminates in the offered Racegoers £1.3 million British Champion Club members Stakes. Last year saw the French exclusive access to star Almanzor cement himself as one of the Racing Lounges during one of the best middle-distance British Champions Day on Saturday horses around and Minding 21 October. beating the boys to record a landmark fourth QIPCO British QIPCO British Champions day is Champion Series win. the exhilarating finale to the British Flat season during which Ascot Access to the Racing Lounge racecourse is taken over by the requires a Queen Anne Enclosure worlds equine stars in the nation’s ticket which must be purchased richest raceday. directly from . If you would like to book The best horses and jockeys are on complimentary access to the display to compete for a record- Racing Lounge, please fill out the breaking £4.26 million purse as they form on page 16 or email bid to follow in the hoof prints of racegoersclub@racecourseassocia former series stars. tion.co.uk.  Racehorse simulator in the King’s Yard Galleries.

 Family trail and interactive multimedia guide.

 Touch screen interactives in the National Horseracing Museum - see how your skeleton compares to a horses and see if you can create a champion racehorse.

 Meet the racehorses in the Rothschild Yard - get up close to the heroes of the sport

About Palace House n 3 November 2016 the last decade and is an important Her Majesty the example of partnership across the Newmarket Queen opened the public and private sectors. Opening Hours: 10am—5pm daily new National Heritage As a member of the Racegoers All tickets are valid for 12 months Centre for Club we are delighted to offer you from date of purchase* Horseracing & Sporting Art. 25% discount on annual

membership to the National The National Heritage Centre is General Admission: Heritage Centre in Newmarket. To situated in Charles II’s sporting £16.50 redeem this offer please enter the palace and stables and spans five Concessions: discount code RACEGOER1 when acres in the heart of Newmarket. It £15.50 you book online. comprises three complementary Children (5-16) attractions; a new National To make the most of your visit £9.50 Horseracing Museum, a National don’t miss: Children under 5: Art Gallery of British Sporting Art, Free  The Tack Room Restaurant and a chance to meet former Family (2 adults & 4 Children): and Bakery racehorses and learn what they do £40.00 after their racing career, in the flagship home of Retraining of  Daily demonstrations in the *Terms and Conditions apply Racehorses. In April 2017 it was Peter O’Sullevan Arena - announced that the National every day at 11am and Website: Heritage Centre has been shortlisted 2.30pm there are www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk as a finalist for the prestigious Art demonstrations from former

Fund Museum of the Year prize. racehorses that highlights how they are retrained. Telephone: The new venue is result of over ten 01638 667314 years planning, building and  The Palace House Shop fundraising to become the biggest Email: new attraction to open in in  Temporary Exhibitions [email protected]

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 renowned trainers in the industry.

Benefits include: Chilly Miss and Sammamish working on the gallops at Malcolm’s  Owners badges when your horse races (allocated by ballot as Malcolm is looking at a couple of available) options for Chilly, Market Rasen on Saturday 19 August and also at  All costs for the 2017/18 Jumps Southwell on Sunday 20 season with nothing else to pay Having the thrill of one of your August looking good starting points.  A share of any surplus at the end horses working up the gallops is enough for many people to go into New star Sammamish ahead of of the owners group will be ownership but the prospect of two schedule distributed in line with the of your horses working together Although originally planning to start owners group rules really is exciting and that's exactly her off in September, Malcolm has what our owners had at Malcolm been really pleased with the progress  Meet the trainer and watch your Jefferson's Newstead Stables at the Sammamish is making and has horse on the gallops end of July. pencilled in the Mares' National  Regular training updates Chilly back in full work and Hunt Flat Race at Perth on Saturday nearing comeback 19 August. Last year the race was  Up to three private owners group won by Irish Roe who went on to stable visits to top trainers per Chilly Miss looks very happy to win a bumper at Cheltenham and season be back in full work and Malcolm then ran at both the Cheltenham and has been happy with her work. Aintree Festivals. We are already  Priority to renew for the 2018/19 He said: "I've been really pleased dreaming of something similar from Jumps season with Chilly, she's showed all of Sammamish! Buy your share at her old energy and she wouldn't Malcolm said: "She wouldn't be www.racegoersclub.co.uk/ be far off a run now. Brian the biggest but she's a real trier (Hughes) schooled her over some and I like what I've seen so far. ownership, fill out the form on the hurdles last Thursday and she I'm hopeful she'll be very good back page of the magazine, give us a jumped really well and has and the Perth race looks a nice call on 01344 625912 or contact retained all of her love for the place to start out." game." will.aitkenhead@racecourseassociati on.co.uk

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 dedicated Manager who will keep you updated with news of the horse via email, social media & post. Regular updates on progress of the Swiss Belle (nearside) looking in great shape horse, running plans and race entries mean you always have the latest ears either!" insight from the trainers and jockeys. Richard Fahey, having emerged from his office after finding enough jockeys to ride his 29 en- An excellent turn out of share own- Owners will be talked through the ers visited the famous Musley Bank tries for Saturday, was also pleased for an exciting morning of gallop and if all goes to plan we should horses training program and get a watching which included seeing see Swiss Belle make her race- behind-the-scenes look at some of Swiss Belle working with others, course debut very soon. the superb training facilities, seeing the biggest thrill she has given us Richard said, "She was good and the care and attention that goes into yet. as you can see she really tries preparing a thoroughbred for racing. Working with another unraced two- hard. I think she could be quite year-old filly by who is useful so fingers crossed we'll get her going soon. owned by Cheveley Park, she was The Club has had excellent success ridden by Connor Murtagh - one of "I'm afraid to say it as I don't over the years, with four Royal Richard Fahey's apprentice jockeys. want to tempt fate but we are nearly there. It's been a bit pain- Ascot runners and a 2000 Guineas Connor said: "I was very pleased contender. Our strike rate for won or with how she went this morning. ful because she was ready to go She did a good canter up the gal- but she's almost there again now placed horses is 32%, with 15% lop and then breezed up nicely which is great. We'll make some winners. We will never ask our alongside the other filly. She's entries for her in early August. members for additional funds, all Don't tell her that though!" been working well recently and costs are covered by one initial fee we're not far off getting her a run for a single season. now. "She's very sweet and she's done Buy your share at everything we've asked of her so www.racegoersclub.co.uk/ far which is very encouraging. ownership or fill out the form on the You can't miss her with those big back page of the magazine. hat a month July proved to be for Glacier Point who ran another cracker at Nottingham to finish second. She finished with form figures of 212 in July and promise of plenty more to come throughout the summer. The beginning of the month proved a turning point for Glacier Point when she provided members with a great Saturday evening at Lingfield. Despite being a little flighty before- hand and on ground that had dried significantly throughout the day, Glacier Point stayed on well to Glacier Point down at the start before her win at Chepstow get second behind a very well handi- help to us." Clive said, "I'm really happy capped Come On Dave. July was signed off with another again as she's run well once more. The drop down to 5f worked won- As Adam said, I think we just ran great performance as she bumped into one and with the 5lbs rise it ders and if there was more cut in the into an extremely well-handicapped was difficult. Adam's a sound ground she may have gone one bet- rival at Nottingham. judge and I'd say we'll probably ter. Trainer Clive Cox said, “I'm take his advice on the blinkers.” All seemed to be going to plan as very pleased with the result on Adam Kirby looked to be setting a Saturday. She’s definitely blos- "We'll also likely give her a bit nice pace before trying to kick on more time between her races after somed over the past few weeks. I’d just before the 2 furlong pole. Unfor- this run and we'll have to look for prefer to run her on a stiffer 5 fur- tunately the presence of Sitar loomed the ground again. But I'm very longs rather than step back up to large and under bottom weight she pleased again so well done every- 6 furlongs. We’ll cover entries just had too much. body!" when the ground is right.” Adam Kirby said: "She's very Just two weeks later the owners of gutsy and run another cracking Glacier Point were finally rewarded race. We just ran into one on the day sadly I think but she's run re- at Chepstow on Friday 14 July. De- ally well. I thought she was going spite concerns that the ground might to stick on and win but she got a have dried out a bit too much, the bit intimidated as the winner came first-time cheek pieces did the job as alongside her and just backed off a bit. She loved the ground though Buy your share at she recorded a neck victory. as we thought so no worries there www.racegoersclub.co.uk/ Clive Cox said: "Well done every- and there will be another day for ownership body - I'm delighted and it's great her I'm sure." will.aitkenhead@racecourseassociati to train a winner for you. It all Adam also suggested that putting on.co.uk went to plan really. The cheek blinkers on her next time might help pieces certainly brought some im- to bring out more improvement, or fill out the form on the back page provement and David rides the something that Clive Cox agreed. of the magazine. track so well which was a massive fter the success of the  Viewing experience Alternatively, write to us at: The 2016 Racecourse of the Racegoers Club, Winkfield Road, Year Award, we are  Facilities Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7HX, to delighted to announce  Food & Beverage request a voting form. that the new structure will be continuing into 2017 to reflect the  Atmosphere racing experience. This will give you  Value for Money the opportunity to vote continuously for the award, after you have visited Based on the scores, an overall each racecourse. Racegoers Club Champion will be announced and racecourses will be To vote, you need to login into the awarded ‘Accolades’ in each Members Area, where there is a link category. to the Racecourse of the Year Awards. Click on the link and you Please visit our website today to will be asked to give a score register your votes for your between one and five for each course favourite racecourses in 2017. in the following categories:

Not only will we be asking you for your opinion on the existing events, owners groups and members updates, we’d also like to hear about anything else you’d like to see from the Club. Since the internal changes at the If there is anything in particular Racegoers Club, there has been that you would like included in the much discussion between the new survey, please do not hesitate to team on how we can offer contact: Racegoers Club members an even racegoersclub@racecourseassociati better experience. on.co.uk or write to us at Racegoers We’re always keen to receive Club, Winkfield Road, Ascot, members feedback and suggestions Berkshire SL5 7HX. and so in the coming months we will We look forward to hearing your be issuing a survey to all Racegoers thoughts. Club members, asking for your views on every aspect of the Club. The flat season rolls on and it continues to throw up surprises. The feature meeting last month was July Festival in Newmarket which produced three days of enthralling action. Super Saturday proved a step too far for the mighty Carravaggio, as he lost his unbeaten record to Clive Cox's star sprinter in the July Cup.

Adrian Judd has extended his lead at the top thanks to Harry Angel's heroics but John Williams is keeping within striking distance. There is a bunched field in behind with the rest of the top ten all on 330. It is still early in the season but is this becoming a two horse race?

The 2017 Jumps season is nearly and Saturday 28 April 2018. upon us and our winter competition Points are awarded as follows: is back. Enter before 1 November for a chance to win two tickets to our Private Marquee at the Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival.

Simply choose ten horses per team to win the big races this season. The more teams you enter, the better chance you have, and for The winners of the following races every five teams you select, we’ll will score 20 additional bonus give you a sixth team FREE. Each points: team of ten horses costs £5 (£25 for six teams). The scoring system now focuses on Closing date for entries is 5pm Graded races so only races of Wednesday 15 November. Listed status or above will count. Please complete the form on the Horses will score points for pullout and return to The Racegoers winning Jumps races under the Club, Winkfield Road, Ascot, rules of racing in Great Britain Berkshire, SL5 7HX. between Friday 17 November 2017 Please use the booking form on the back page or go to www.racegoersclub.co.uk/events to book.

Join us for an exciting afternoon of jump racing at the Relax and enjoy York’s only Sunday raceday, including picturesque . This package the finals of the Charles Owen pony racing series and includes: under 18s go free. This package includes:  County Enclosure admission  Exclusive use of our private facility  Three-course lunch  Grandstand admission & racecard  Reserved seat for the day  Informal buffet  Racecard  Welcome drink Join us at our Racegoers Club AGM before racing at Cheltenham on Saturday 18 November 2017. Join us on the last major flat meeting at Newbury The AGM will take place in our marquee Racecourse for the Dubai Duty Free Weekend. As well as a high class card this package includes: before racing. Full details will be confirmed  Grandstand admission & racecard in the next edition of The Racegoer. Please  Three course lunch note you will need to purchase a ticket for  Tipster talk racecourse entry.  Reserved seat for the day Please use the booking form on the back page or go to www.racegoersclub.co.uk/events to book.

A fantastic opportunity to experience Perth Racecourse This Package includes: at their season finale. The package will also include a  A visit to Lucinda Russell’s visit to Lucinda Russell’s in the morning for a tour of the yard and the chance to see Grand National hero One For  Entry to the racecourse & parking Arthur.  Private Parade Ring Suite The afternoon at the racecourse includes a buffet, racecard and the chance to enjoy the day from the luxury  Buffet & racecard of our Parade Ring suite.

Experience a quality day of racing from a private The flat season draws to a close with the Betfred viewing box. This event always proves popular with our November Handicap. Come and join us for a fantastic members so ensure you book early to avoid days racing from the comfort of our own private box disappointment. This package includes: with a hot buffet lunch. The package includes:  Admission ticket  Racecourse entry  Seat in the Queen Mother Grandstand  Hot buffet lunch  Cash bar  Private cash bar  Racecard  Racecard Please use the booking form on the back page or go to www.racegoersclub.co.uk/events to book.

After a season as pupil assistant for champion trainer Harry has been training since 2012, years after being Paul Nicholls, Jamie then worked for three seasons as Paul Nicholls' Assistant. In that time he has had 221 assistant trainer and amateur jockey for Nicky winners, 15 Graded wins and 4 Grade One wins. He has Henderson before branching out on his own in 2008. He increased his total of winners and prize money each bought his current yard in 2011 and Knighton Combe, year and broke through the £1 million barrier for the the first runner from his new quarters, landed the first time in 2016-2017. Come join us at Harry's Dorset Summer National, and Ixora became his first stables to see superstar hurdler Uknowhatimeanharry Cheltenham winner. and former Cheltenham hero Rock On Ruby who continues to enjoy his retirement at the yard.

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 & drink (beer/wine) Racecard & Tote betting facility £2 betting voucher & racecard □ □

Send completed forms to: Racegoers Club, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7HX.

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