The QIPCO Guineas Festival is all about enthralling racing, with the first two Classics of the year taking place across the weekend.
Away from the track, however, guests can find a feast of entertainment to enjoy. There is something to suit all ages across the weekend – below is a snapshot of what you can look forward to…
Lester – Behind the Legend – The Paddock Lawn
Lester Piggott is one of the greatest jockeys in history, and his distinguished career is interwoven in the story of the Home of Horseracing.
We are delighted to be hosting an exhibition which celebrates the career of this Champion Jockey across the weekend. It comprises of a collection of photographs, some not seen before, that depict Lester’s life and career. From highlighting his wins at Newmarket and Epsom, to his early years and intimate family memories, through to photos of owners, trainers and famous friends, the collection of images will be accompanied by a display from the National Horse Racing Museum (do we say ‘at Palace House’?) of items from Lester’s racing days including racecards, newspaper articles and Nijinsky’s saddle. This wonderful exhibition is free to all our Grandstand & Paddock and Premier Enclosure ticket holders.
The BCS & Jockey Club Fan Zone – Boulevard Lawn (G&P)
Learn all about the horseracing industry in our interactive Fan Zone area, in collaboration with the British Champion Series. This area is aimed specifically towards our younger racegoer. There is the Jockey School, with silks, tack and saddles, Horse simulators and Equicisers. Children can get up close to retired racehorse ‘Cesare’ and then learn all about the breeding side of the industry in the Tweenhills Breeding Shed. As well as a facepainter, they can get competitive with inflatable pony hopper races too! This area is sure to keep your little ones happy throughout the day.
Race A Champion! – The Paddock Lawn
Race a Champion allows the fastest of our racegoers to put their speed to the test and take on the legendary Saxon Warrior in a 10m sprint! Every entrant will receive a QIPCO BCS scarf and the fastest competitor from each day will win a pair of tickets to QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot and the chance to compete in the final to be held on that day (taking on the fastest from each of the other participating racecourses). The winner of the final will win two ‘season tickets’ for QIPCO British Champions Series 2020 and a share in a racehorse for a year!
ROAMING MUSIC
Over the two days we will have two acoustic music acts; The Talent Duo and The PoP’s, who will be in various locations across the site entertaining the crowd and adding a bit of musical cheer to the Festival.
THE PREMIER ENCLOSURE TRACKSIDE FOOD & DRINK COURT
A new addition to the 2019 Guineas Experience, this wonderful Food & Drink Court has the Chelsea Thoroughbred and the Coates & Sealey Bus Bars, a host of food outlets, live music, a tote betting facility and trackside viewing. This definitely promises to be one of the places to be at the Guineas! Please note, this area is accessible to Premier Enclosure customers only.
APRES RACING AFTER PARTY – on the Hyperion Lawn
Our legendary Apres Racing after parties return at the QIPCO Guineas Festival!
On Saturday we will finish the day’s racing with a live DJ set from BBC Radio 1 Breakfast host Greg James and on Sunday live band Massaoke will end the Festival in style when they encourage everyone to sing along to party anthems,
IN THE GARDEN ENCLOSURE - Rowley’s Kids Club Activity Zone
The Garden Enclosure is the perfect place for families, and will have available the following: Children’s Playground / Face Painting / Crafts / Colouring / Puzzles / Bouncy Castle / Inflatable Slide / Soft Play, Ball Pool & Bouncer
If you haven’t got your tickets for the QIPCO Guineas Festival yet, time is running out! Book now