Welcome to the first edition of Sponsorship News, the e-zine from the Sponsorship Department at London's Racecourses. We do hope you will find this newsletter interesting and informative. Our Sponsors have already received this edition and have found the links on the right hand side to their websites beneficial as this email is sent to over 300 companies. We would love to hear your feedback - please click here
Kempton gets Green Light
The Board of Kempton Park Racecourse have announced that Monday, May 2 will be the last race meeting before closing to create Europe's Premier All Weather Floodlit Track.
With enabling works already underway on site, construction will begin in earnest following the Jubilee Stakes Day on Bank Holiday Monday, with racing planned to commence on the new high-tech ten furlong, floodlit track in early 2006.
As a result of Kempton's temporary closure the remaining fixtures in 2005 have been transferred elsewhere within RHT's portfolio of 13 courses.
Notable fixture moves include two Group 3 races the September Stakes and Sirenia Stakes which will be run at Newmarket on Saturday 3 September. The flagship Stan James Christmas Festival, featuring the Stan James King George VI Chase, will be condensed to one day and held at Sandown Park on Monday, December 26.
Julian Thick, Managing Director of Kempton Park said: "We are delighted to be moving ahead with this project. It is the beginning of a new era for Kempton Park, with huge benefits for the racecourse, RHT and the wider industry as we become Europe's premier All Weather Track.
Although the opportunity of additional evening fixtures in 2006 may be limited, in the medium term we are keen to introduce year round evening racing under floodlights to racegoers in London and elsewhere."
Jumping fans will be pleased that Kempton's schedule of high quality National Hunt fixtures will return in October 2006 on an improved jump track.
Andrew Coppel, Chief Executive of RHT, added: "This is excellent news all-round. An All Weather Track was the missing jewel in our crown, and today's announcement firmly establishes RHT as the premier racecourse operator in the country, offering flat, National Hunt and now All Weather Track racing. It will enable the group to maximise opportunities offered by an expanding fixture list to the benefit of racegoers and the wider betting community."
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the two additional racedays at Sandown Park and three at Epsom Downs as a result of the Kempton Park closure. Please call 01372 461252 or click here.
Betfred Bonus up for Grabs!
 Sandown Park host the Betfred Gold Cup next weekend (23rd April) with Kelami aiming for the £250,000 Betfred bonus. Kelami, who ran to victory in the William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month is expected to line up against the likes of Hedgehunter and Royal Auclair, who finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the Grand National last week, in his bid to scoop the prize.
Betfred are sponsoring the entire card on the Saturday which also features three other graded races and will be televised live on Channel 4. Click for more information To book tickets for the 22nd or 23rd April click here.
Flat Racing Starts at Epsom Downs
Epsom kicked off their season of flat racing on Wednesday 20th April with the Blue Square raceday featuring The  "bet@bluesq.com Great Metropolitan Stakes" and the "Weatherbys Blue Riband Trial Stakes". This was the first fixture at Epsom before the world famous Vodafone Derby festival at the beginning of June. This year sees the return of Ladies' Day on Friday 3rd June with the fantastic prize of a Jeep Cherokee for the most stylish lady! For your chance to dress up and enjoy 'Style on the Downs' you can book tickets here. |
