Racing Centre

NEWMARKET SET FOR BUMPER START TO RITZ CLUB JULY FESTIVAL

Eight thoroughbred races, including a Group One and two Group Two contests and another three races with maximum fields of twenty, plus a Group One Arab race and a sensational line-up of classical music performances, will provide the best possible opening to the Ritz Club July Festival on Wednesday, July 11.

That's without mentioning a very special start to the afternoon at 12 noon when Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori, the two best known names in Flat racing, will officially open the redeveloped July Course.

Advance ticket sales for the three days are currently running more than 20% ahead of last year's level and, while the strong trend has been for increased advance bookings for all Newmarket race meetings with a decrease in the number of people buying their badges and tickets on the day, it is highly likely that the three-day record attendance set in 2005 of 34,089 will be broken this year. Thanks to the increased capacity on the racecourse as a result of the redevelopment, there will be availability in both Enclosures on all three days for those wanting to pay at the turnstiles.

"To have 123 runners on the first day is amazing, with the addition of the Lancashire Oaks to the card a real bonus," said Newmarket's Managing Director, Lisa Hancock.

"I can't wait for Wednesday because I think that a combination of the new facilities, the great racing and an amazing array of musical talent will create a sensational atmosphere on the course. I am confident that even those who aren't classical music fans will be wowed by what they see and hear on the stage on Classic FM Day and I think it will work so much better having musical interludes between races, rather than waiting for one concert after the last as was the case in the previous two years.

"With Ladies' Day to follow on Thursday and probably the most intriguing Darley July Cup that I can remember in store for us on Friday, plus a weather forecast which currently predicts three dry afternoons, we are all set for a fantastic three days on the July Course."

The first race on Wednesday, the Group One for race for purebred Arabians, which has attracted an international field of 8 runners, is at 1.00pm.

GOING GOOD - WEATHER FORECAST PROMISING

The going is currently GOOD on the July Course ahead of the start of the Ritz Club July Festival, but with the possibility of up to 8mm of rain this afternoon and evening, that could change by tomorrow.

"From the point of view of our three afternoons of racing, the weather forecast is excellent, but with regard to the going it all really hinges on what happens later today," said Newmarket's Director of Racing, Michael Prosser, at lunchtime today (Monday).

"We've had a warm and sunny morning and the ground is continuing to dry out nicely, but we could get some heavy showers later on. If we were to get the maximum prediction of around 8 millimetres, that would put us back to Good-to-Soft for sure.

"The showers are set to clear overnight and tomorrow is forecast to be dry and sunny, as is Wednesday during daylight hours. We could get some more showers overnight on Wednesday and through Thursday morning, but these are due to clear by lunchtime and we are then set to be sunny and warm through to the end of the meeting. Temperatures could reach 24 degrees by Friday afternoon."

CLASSIC FM DAY MUSIC SCHEDULE

Classical music with a modern twist will be a strong opening theme for the Ritz Club July Festival on Wednesday as five different classical performers take to the stage to entertain racegoers during the afternoon.

Exceptional young violinist Ching, charismatic electric string quartet Eclipse, accomplished pianist and flautist Soraya Mafi, stunning all-girl opera group Apassionata and internationally renowned Icelandic tenor Gardar Thor Cortes will all play sets on the July Course stage.

12.30pm – 1pm Ching

1.45pm – 1.50pm Eclipse

2.15pm – 2.30pm Soraya Mafi

2.50pm – 3.05pm Appassionata

3.25pm – 3.35pm Eclipse

4.00pm – 4.15pm Soraya Mafi

4.35pm – 4.50pm Appassionata

5.10pm – 5.40pm Gardar Thor Cortes

RITZ CLUB JULY FESTIVAL ADMISSION DETAILS

Tickets for all enclosures can be purchased in advance with a 20% discount for booking on-line (note: no discounts for the three-day badge/ticket):

Premier Enclosure - £32 each day or £69 for a three day badge

Grandstand & Paddock - £20 each day or £45 for a three-day ticket

Garden Enclosure - Closed

Children aged under 16 accompanied by an adult will be admitted FREE to both enclosures every day.

For advance bookings or more information: Call 01638 675 500 or visit www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

For advance bookings or more information: Call 01638 675 500 or visit www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

Distributed by Racenews