Thursday, 13th October 2016 – Racing returns to Wincanton tomorrow (Friday, 14th October), when top sports presenter John Inverdale is the special guest for the unveiling of a newly commissioned sculpture.
Off the back of broadcast duties at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the subsequent Ryder Cup for Radio 5Live, John Inverdale will officially unveiled The Last Fence – a breathtaking bespoke sculpture created by local artist Clare Tupman - marking the start of the 2016 / 2017 season in which the course will celebrate 150 years of racing at Wincanton.
The sculpture made of stainless steel, will stand about three metres high – similar to the height of a 16.2 thoroughbred when jumping.
Huw Williams, General Manager for Wincanton Racecourse, explains: “Wincanton has much to celebrate and enjoy over the coming year, and this commission is a wonderful launch to an exciting season ahead.”
Also, for the first time ever on a Jockey Club Racecourse, Wincanton will operate a one enclosure admission for all midweek fixtures. Starting tomorrow, the £14 per person entry price will give racegoers the chance to enjoy 11 midweek racedays where the Premier and Grandstand Enclosures become one throughout a season that hosts 18 meetings in total from October 2016 to May 2017.
Huw Williams, General Manager of Wincanton Racecourse, comments on the initiative: “I am delighted that The Jockey Club is supporting this initiative to drive mid-week attendance.
“Racing should be accessible to all and by operating with one enclosure for all midweek fixtures racegoers will have the chance to enjoy the widest choice of viewing and refreshment options on course.”
Gates open tomorrow at 11:30am for the six-race card in which 10 times Champion Trainer, sends xxxx
To book tickets visit wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk or call 0344 579 3014.
About Wincanton Racecourse:
Wincanton Racecourse is situated in the heart of Somerset – home to rural jump racing. Wincanton stages 18 meetings each season. Please find more details at wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk and through Twitter (@WincantonRaces) and Facebook facebook.com/WincantonRaces
Wincanton Racecourse is part of The Jockey Club, which has been at the heart of British racing for more than 260 years. Today the largest commercial group in the sport, The Jockey Club runs the largest racecourse group in the UK by turnover (2015: £174.2m), attendances (2015: 1.95m), total prize money (2015: £43.9m), contribution to prize money (2015: £19.9m) and quality racing (Group and Graded races); more than 3,000 acres of world-class training grounds in Newmarket, Lambourn and Epsom Downs; The National Stud breeding enterprise and education provider; and the charity for racing's people in need, Racing Welfare. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny The Jockey Club makes it puts back into British racing. More information is available at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
For further information please contact:
Hannah Walker, Wincanton Racecourse on 07971 598287 or hannahwalker@localdial.com
