On Sunday 1st April 2018, 200 yellow parking tickets were placed on the cars of unsuspecting residents around Newmarket town centre, but they concealed a surprise. The tickets weren’t in fact parking tickets: instead, they were free tickets to attend the bet365 Craven Meeting, and had been distributed by Newmarket Racecourses to surprise residents and let them know about the start of the season.
Did you get a ticket? If not, fear not! To celebrate the first day of the new racing season at Newmarket Racecourses, once again the Tuesday of the bet365 Craven Meeting is Community Day and as in 2016 and 2017, entry will be FREE to all local residents with a CB8 postcode. In addition, the first 100 people to redeem their ticket will be offered a free behind-the-scenes guided tour with Discover Newmarket, where they will have the exclusive opportunity to see the horses at work, visit the renowned National Stud and learn about the fascinating history, heritage and culture of the town.
Taking place from 17th - 19th April, The bet365 Craven Meeting is where the story begins at Newmarket Racecourses each year, offering racegoers the first glimpse of some of the best horses in training being put through their paces. With top racing during all three days, the bet365 Craven Meeting really sets the scene for the Flat racing season ahead.
CB8 residents, Newmarket Racecourses WANTS YOU to hear the thunder of hooves, feel the excitement and revel in the energy of Newmarket’s traditional curtain raiser. Whether you’re the most seasoned of racegoers or have never been racing before, there is something for everyone on this first day of the season!
Andy Drummond, Mayor of Newmarket, said:
“I’m so glad to see this community initiative returning for the third year running. It really does offer up a sense of celebration for the town and local residents.
“The new twist on inviting residents this year, by turning something that would instil anger, into something that delights, was a fun way to spread the word by the Racecourses.
“With the whole town brimming with excitement, for both the sales and the racing season in the Home of Horseracing beginning, April is a busy month for Newmarket.”
Amy Starkey, Regional Director, Jockey Club Racecourses East Region, said:
“With this initiative again proving popular in 2017 with over 5,500 local residents attending the first day of the re-established three day Craven Meeting, we are pleased to offer this again to all bookers with a CB8 postcode, with the support of our sponsors, bet365.
“We look forward to welcoming racegoers on course for another fantastic season and I hope to see lots of the local community at the first day of the bet365 Craven Meeting to launch racing at Newmarket Racecourses for 2018.”
How to redeem your ticket
Free admission to The bet365 Craven Meeting Community Day on Tuesday 17th April 2018 for residents with a CB8 postcode*.
*Offer valid for Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure tickets only. Maximum of two FOC tickets per household (KIDS GO FREE), advance offer only – ends midnight the night before the event.
Remember, if you have a CB8 postcode you are entitled to FREE entry for racing on Tuesday, 18th April, the first day of the bet365 Craven Meeting.* The first 100 bookers will also be offered a free Discover Newmarket tour too – so book quickly to avoid disappointment! To redeem your free ticket, you must book in advance of the event using the promotional code of CRAVENCB8 via www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk. Remember children under 18 go FREE.
