It's Open - Officially
Wednesday 11th July, 2007
Frankie and Lester Piggott cut the ribbon. Picture by Steve Cargill
The first-phase of the redevelopment of the July Course was officially opened today by two of the greatest jockeys to have graced the turf at Newmarket - Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori. (pictured above)
In a ceremony at 12 noon on the new walkway, the famous duo cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the £10 million redevelopment behind the stands and were joined by Ric Hambro, Chairman of Newmarket Racecourses as well as Managing Director Lisa Hancock.
Lisa Hancock said: "The July Course is very, very special and has a unique atmosphere. We have retained the atmosphere and everything people love about it.
"We consulted focus groups during the design period and this included talking to racegeors.
"The semi-mature beech trees we sourced from Belgium and Holland have settled in really well and look as if they have been here for years.
"Phase two should hopefully take place in around four to five years time and will see the redevelopment of the head-on stand and the weighing room. "
Ric Hambro added: "This is a wonderful occasion. "So much time and money has gone into this project and there has been lots
of co-operation between everyone involved. "I would like to thank the architects and the racegoers for their patience during the redevelopment.
"At Newmarket, I would like to extend my thanks to Christian Mitchell and Lisa Hancock. "Lisa dreamt up the whole project.
"Frankie Dettori said to me yesterday that Lisa has turned Newmarket upside down. Thankfully, she has also put it back on its feet again! We will all be very sad to see her go later this year."
On opening the new July Course, Lester Piggott commented: "I think the whole place looks really good and has improved - you can see a big difference.
"It's one of the great racecourses."
Frankie Dettori added: "I have been in the Newmarket area for over 20 years and have witnessed the development of the July Course from a small racecourse to the fantastic place it is today with the Newmarket Nights and the Ritz Club July Festival.
"My thanks go to Lisa Hancock and the team at Newmarket for this great redvelopment.
"My highlight at the July Course would be winning the 2000 Guineas on Island Sands in 1999 when the race was transferred from the Rowley Mile."