The start of the flat season in horse racing takes place each year at Doncaster Racecourse with the famous Betway Lincoln. This year it will be a particularly memorable occasion as a silversmith from Sheffield has designed and manufactured a stunning new perpetual trophy for the Lincoln Heritage Handicap.

Designed and commissioned by Silversmith Chris Perry the perpetual trophy and winner’s replica have brought together iconic images from Doncaster Racecourse along with the iconic Cathedral and Fleur de Lys from the flag of Lincoln, creating a truly memorable trophy.

“It is a tremendous honour to be asked to be part of this historic race and we are delighted with how our ideas and designs have come to life,” said Christopher Perry. “We hope our trophies give the participants an even greater sense of achievement by winning a trophy that has been designed and made by local crafts people and which encapsulates the spirit of the occasion.”

The trophy which forms part of  a series of commissions to create race day memorabilia for Doncaster Racecourse was designed by Chris Knight and Karen Perry and manufactured by Chris Perry.  It is formed from copper, silver plated and then oxidised to emphasise the visually intricate graphic design.  Elements from this design will also be featured in other trophies for the Lincoln Race Meeting to create a uniform collection.

“This perpetual trophy represents a new vigour for the Lincoln Handicap and meeting at Doncaster in 2017 as we work with our partners to elevate the status of the occasion in the racing calendar,” said Roderick Duncan Clerk of the Course Doncaster Racecourse. “I believe this is one of the strongest renewals for quite some years, 26 of the 108 horses currently standing their ground are over nine stone which clearly demonstrates the strength of this race.  And, because it is a hugely important heritage handicap in the flat season racing calendar the Lincoln certainly warrants a remarkable trophy that reflects its high standing and the quality of horses it attracts.  Chris and his team have epitomised the spirit of this legendary horse racing occasion and it will be a pleasure to present this trophy to our 2017 winner.”

The race meeting features the listed Betway Lincoln, a heritage Handicap worth £100,000 in prize money and run over 1 mile, and also the first two-year-old flat race of the turf season The Betway Brocklesby Conditions Stakes.  Currently, this year sees a particularly strong presence from the Yorkshire fraternity with two Yorkshire trained horses appearing in the top seven weights including Top Notch Tonto by Brian Ellison and Gabrial by Richard Fahey.

Gates for the 2017 Betway Lincoln open at 11.30am and the first race is scheduled for 1.50pm. The final race is at 5.20pm. All children under 18 receive free entry to the course when accompanied with a paying adult.

A number of special packages, including hospitality, are available if booked in advance.

For further information and to buy tickets visit http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/betway-lincoln-2/