The industry scheme known as the Quality Assured Racecourse scheme was established in 2013 with the aim to objectively assess raceday experience from the perspective of customers. Each racecourse in the UK is visited by a trained assessor from LiveTourism. The assessment analyses all touchpoints of the customer experience including pre-raceday information, the on-course experience and post-raceday communications.

Out of a total of 59 racecourses in the UK, from as south as Newton Abbot in Devon to as far north as Perth in Scotland. Beverley Racecourse, a small independent racecourse with a team of 9 permanent staff was independently selected as a top 10 winner along with the likes of (alphabetised) Aintree, Beverley, Chelmsford City, Chester, Haydock Park, Ludlow, Newbury, Newmarket (Rowley Mile), Salisbury and York.

The assessor highlighted the incredible customer care shown at all stages of the journey. From early enquiry through to post event contact, the team at Beverley Racecourse excelled. Beverley Racecourse is a regular amongst the top ten of British courses.

In addition, RCA Excellence Accolades were presented to racecourses that excelled in specific areas of the assessments. These accolades were available to all participating racecourses and were presented at the 2023 RCA Showcase & Awards Seminar at Aintree Racecourse in November: Beverley scooping the Warmest Welcome and Staff Customer Service awards.

Chief Executive at Beverley Racecourse – Sally Iggulden, said “As a small independent racecourse that returns all its profit to the business, ensuring our customers have the very best experience is absolutely central to everything that we do. We understand the value of our people, we listen to them intently and we are happy when they are happy. To once again be recognised for delivering an outstanding experience – one of the best in the country – is music to our ears. Without the big budget of the larger racecourses, we recognise the difference that a personal, welcoming environment can make, and add in more than a splash of lovely facilities, we are delighted that our efforts continue to be recognised.”

The industry scheme known as the Quality Assured Racecourse scheme was established in 2013 with the aim to objectively assess raceday experience from the perspective of customers. Each racecourse in the UK is visited by a trained assessor from LiveTourisim. The assessment analyses all touchpoints of the customer experience including pre-raceday information, the on-course experience and post-raceday communications.

Out of a total of 59 racecourses in the UK, from as south as Newton Abbot in Devon to as far north as Perth in Scotland. Beverley Racecourse, a small independent racecourse with a team of 8 permanent staff was independently selected as a top 10 winner along with the likes of (alphabetised) Aintree, Ascot, Cheltenham, Chester, Doncaster, Haydock Park, Newbury, Newmarket (July) and York.

The assessor highlighted the incredible customer care shown at all stages of the journey. From early enquiry through to post event contact, the team at Beverley Racecourse excelled. Beverley Racecourse is a regular amongst the top ten of British courses, but this year shone the way for small tracks.

Chief Executive at Beverley Racecourse – Sally Iggulden, said “To be the only small racecourse within the top ten of this highly regarded, independent assessment, is fantastic news and testament to the culture that we have at Beverley – our customer is key! British racing is evolving and the role of small racecourses must never be underestimated. Our size allows us to extend a friendly, personal welcome and a submersive environment, and venues of our ilk nurture many new racegoers each year.

As one of the smallest racecourse teams in the country, we are rightfully proud at being recognised for going the extra mile and for our continual investment in facilities. If we are not on your 2023 “to do” list, I strongly advise you to add us!”

Clive Cox’s eight-year-old broke the five-furlong track record 12 months ago when the partnership streaked nearly four lengths clear in the coveted Listed contest on the Westwood.

Tis Marvellous, who has been installed by William Hill as the 9-2 ante-post favourite, has not been sighted since he finished down the field in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Despite that lengthy absence, his trainer reports Tis Marvellous firmly on track for his big day at Beverley.

The Lambourn handler said:

“The plan is very much to go for the Beverley Bullet on Saturday.

“He’s in really good form at home. There have been no holds-up since Ascot – we’ve just been saving him for the right races.

“We now know his requirements and realise that he’s at his best over a stiff five furlongs.

“Obviously last year’s performance was exceptional and we were very proud of him that he managed to break the course record – he clearly has a liking for the course.

“Paul Hanagan gave him a super ride last year and it’s great that we’ve been able to get him riding for us again.

“Because of his rating, he is not the easiest to place these days, but this is certainly the right race for him.

“He will go to Beverley a fresh and well horse. The fact he will be so fresh is not a negative.”

Tis Marvellous is amongst 22 confirmations for the William Hill Beverley Bullet, with Judicial also in the shake-up.

Julie Camacho’s popular 10-year-old won the race in 2019 and could be joined in the line-up by stablemate, the 104-rated Ainsdale.

Manaccan defeated Judicial by three-quarters of a length in the Shergar Cup Dash at Ascot and is also prominent in the betting with William Hill.

Robert Cowell could be double-handed with Arecibo and the Middleham Park-owned Clarendon House, who won so well over course and distance in June.

Last-time-out scorers Tees Spirit (Adrian Nicholls), Alligator Alley (David O’Meara) and Alia Choice (Kevin Ryan) are also in contention – as is Mick Appleby’s durable veteran Danzeno, whose last win came at Beverley in September 2021.

One of Beverley’s biggest fixtures of the season also features the William Hill Silver Cup over a mile and a quarter.

Last season’s renewal was won by the Roger Charlton-trained Barn Owl and is this year worth £30,000 in prize-money.

Post-racing entertainment is provided by 90s icon Pat Sharp, the charismatic former host of popular kids’ gameshow Fun House and now a renowned DJ with Greatest Hits Radio.

The gelded son of Frankel was sent off a 50-1 chance for a mile-and-a-half handicap at the track on June 21, having shown very little promise in five previous starts for trainer Sara Ender.

But once jockey Kieran Schofield allowed the free-running Calculas to move into the lead, the horse suddenly became revitalised.

Schofield’s mount was a staggering 18 lengths clear at one stage, and seemed destined to get swamped by the onrushing field on the dash to the line.

Ender’s inmate, however, somehow kept going and held on by three-quarters of a length for a memorable success.

Calculas will now attempt to complete a Beverley double in the Happy 40^th Birthday Harry Handicap (8.23), in which he takes on eight rivals – including fellow course-and-distance scorers Let Her Loose and Violette Szabo

Sara Ender said:

“I’m still watching the replay of the race – it’s been essential evening viewing every night!

“When he pulled that far clear I thought that it was a complete waste of a run and that we were obviously going to get caught.

“But once they straightened for home, I started to think, ‘Actually, they’re going to have to sprout wings to catch him’, and, of course, they never did.

“That was going to be his last run on the Flat. We were going to school him and give him one run over hurdles. And if he showed nothing after that we’d retire him.

“Thankfully it all worked out well on the day – it was just unbelievable, to be honest.”

The Malton-based handler hopes Schofield will once again be in a position to adopt similar tactics – though not by quite such an exaggerated distance.

Sara Ender said:

“We know the talent is in there. It’s not that he flies up the gallops, but we never wanted to give up on him from what we’ve seen of him at home. 

“He’s been so frustrating on the track, though, and we’d never been able to get him to perform until then.

“He’s quirky and does what he wants, but he’s full of it now – bucking and squealing and definitely knowing that he’s won a race.

“Obviously we can’t tell Kieran what to do as it just depends what sort of mood the horse is in, but we’d like to make the running again if we can, but not by quite as far.

“It’s a slightly higher grade of race, but, to be honest, there are similar horses in there as last time so it will be interesting to see how he goes.

“The plan is to make it (the running), but who knows – it’s completely dependent on what the horse wants to do.

“Put it this way, I wouldn’t miss him running for the world.”

Beverley’s six-race meeting – the first leg of a double-header on the Westwood  – begins at 6.23pm and also features the hugely popular 70s Bus Stop party troop following the conclusion of the action at 8.55pm.

Tickets are still available online or at the door, but the premier enclosure is already sold out ahead of one of the busiest fixtures of the Beverley season.

Middleham savoured an evening to remember last week when their distinctive blue and orange silks returned to the Beverley winner’s enclosure three times.

They are again well represented on Tuesday’s card, with the George Boughey-trained Absolute Queen first up in the Here Come The Girls EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (2.15).

Fairmac, trained by Mark and Charlie Johnston, later goes to post in the feature race, the John Cleverly Memorial Handicap (3.15).

Mike Prince, Middleham Park partner and racing manager, said of Absolute Queen: “She ran a belter when second on debut at Nottingham and was doing her best work at the end – even though she was green.

“She might have won if the race was 20 yards further so this step up in trip should suit her.

“It’s quite a strong race, but we’re the best on Timeform ratings so you’d hope she’ll go well.

“We’ve half an eye on the Goffs Millions sales race at the Curragh in September if she progresses like we hope we think she will.”

Fairmac also finished runner-up on his last start, with Prince expecting the four-year-old grey to be in his element at Beverley.

He said: “Fairmac was a bit below-par at Redcar but we took the blinkers off last time and he ran really well at Ripon.

“He was in the Cumberland Plate but we just felt this was a better option for him.

“He’s dropping back in trip, but he’s versatile in that respect and the stiff finish at Beverley should suit him nicely.”

Beverley’s seven-race card begins at 1.45pm with the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap and concludes at 4.45pm with the Racing TV-sponsored maiden over eight and a half furlongs.

The forecast on the Westwood is for a dry, warm day with plenty of sunshine and a high of 23C.

David Loughnane’s young daughter of Ribchester is unbeaten in two starts and showcased her credentials for Royal Ascot with a sleek success in the Lily Agnes at Chester last time.

Absolutelyflawless, who will be ridden by champion-chasing jockey William Buick, now takes aim at a significant hat-trick in the historic £40,000 dash for juvenile fillies.

Shropshire-based Loughnane said:

“She’s been very consistent so far this year and she’s two from two.

“She was very good in the Lily Agnes. She has to handle the track. She’s been on Southwell and Chester – two very flat tracks. It requires a little bit more of them, Beverley, with the undulations.

“I’d like to hope her class will see her through and if she were to go and win she’d certainly put herself in line for something at Royal Ascot.

“I think she’ll be versatile enough in terms of ground – a good horse will go on any ground.”

Absolutelyflawless – the 9/4 favourite with sponsors bet265 – takes on eight rivals in the five-furlong Hilary Needler Trophy, which has consistently been used as a springboard towards races like the Queen Mary and Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Owners Amo Racing are double-handed with the Richard Hannon-trained Distinguished Lady and Darryll Holland’s Primrose Ridge, who won a maiden at Beverley in April by seven lengths.Fragrance won a Catterick maiden for Mark and Charlie Johnston last time out and run for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, while two-time scorer Star Of Lady M and the unraced Your Spirit represent David O’Meara.

Parr Fire (Nigel Tinkler) made a striking winning debut earlier this month and also takes her chance, with Breath Catcher (Brian Ellison) and Miss Mai Tai (Robert Cowell) completing a strong line-up.

ON-SONG FLUTE READY FOR TROPHY TEST

Eve Johnson Houghton has challenged Whistle And Flute to “step up” with a big run in the bet365 Two-Year-OId Trophy on the same card.

The young son of Dandy Man won on debut at Bath is likely to be sent on his way a warm favourite with the sponsors after finishing second in a similar Royal trial at Ascot in April.

Blewbury-based Johnson Houghton said:

“He’s been in very good form, he’s run two very nice races so far and we’re hoping he can step up.

“He’s been in very good form. He’s run two very nice races so far and we’re hoping he can step up.”

Whistle And Flute features in a compelling field for the £40,000 Two-Year-Old Trophy, in which Rogue Spirit defends his unbeaten record for Tom Clover.

Chateau caught the eye on debut at Salisbury and flies the flag for Andrew Balding, while Jm Jungle (John Quinn) and The Ridler (Richard Fahey) both won last time out.

Chattel Village (Brian Ellison), Corporate Raider (Robert Cowell) and Honour Your Dreams (Adrian Keatley) complete the line-up.

SET FAIR FOR A VERY BRITISH RACEDAY

Following the mid-card abandonment of Wednesday’s meeting due to safety issues, no problems are anticipated ahead of the bet365 Very British Raceday.

The rail at the bottom bend has now been moved, with aeration and irrigation work carried out to ensure safe ground.

Commenting on one of Beverley’s biggest days of the season, marketing and partnerships manager Joe Pollak said

“We are very much looking forward to a great day of racing and cannot wait to see the action unfold in our two feature races, which have both been cemented as trials for Royal Ascot.

“We also look forward to welcoming racegoers back to the Westwood for our first Saturday meeting of the season.

“There will be something for everyone to enjoy during the afternoon, with selected fairground rides for the kids in the course enclosure and a good old-fashioned sing-song after racing with the AFO Choir.”

 

 

The three-year-old son of Frankel looked destined to win the seven-and-a-half-furlong handicap at the first meeting of the season, but was collared late on by Foden.

Evocative Spark now bids for redemption in the feature race on the card, the £14,000 Alan McGuiness And Robin Lunness Memorial Handicap (2.30).

Newmarket-based Boughey said:

“It was always going to be quite hard to win from where he was last week, but he did it well.

“Had he been a bit closer (to the rail), I imagine he would have run out quite a ready winner.

“He’s backing up relatively quickly, but we can at least run him with a bit more restraint this time.

“The times were quite fast last week at Beverley and I imagine it will be quite quick again, so conditions should be in his favour.

“He’s in good nick and goes to Beverley with a favourite’s chance.”

Likely favourite Evocative Spark is one of five runners in the big seven-and-a-half-furlong handicap and will again be ridden by Ben Curtis.

I’m A Gambler, trained by Charlie and Mark Johnston, heads the weights, while Animato (David O’Meara) sports the famous red-and-white silks of Cheveley Park Stud.

Ana Gold (Richard Fahey) and the Tim Easterby-trained Matty Two, owned by Beverley resident Brian Valentine, complete the line-up.

Boughey, one of the rising young stars within the training ranks, also saddles Coraje in the opening race for juvenile fillies over five furlongs at 1.20.

The daughter of Expert Eye looked raw on her debut at Kempton in March but she stayed on nicely to finish third behind Ocean Cloud.

Boughey said:

“She’s come on from Kempton as she was quite backward in her coat that day.

“This is going to be a big test for her, from where she’ll be starting in the race, but she’s well enough to go forward from Kempton and hopefully she’ll go well.

“She’s going to want six furlongs in time, but it’s quite a stiff test over five furlongs at Beverley so the track might play to her strengths.”

Coraje takes on 13 rivals that includes the Darryll Holland-trained Primrose Ridge, who has finished second on both of her visits to a racecourse this season.

Commenting upon Thursday’s second meeting of the season, Joe Pollak, Beverley marketing and partnerships manager, said:

“We were delighted to get the 2022 season under way at Beverley Racecourse.

“There were some great finishes last week, with the dead-heat between Strangerontheshore and Holy Endeavour the obvious highlight.

“We are really looking forward to Thursday’s meeting, with seven competitive races on what is a really interesting card. 

“The weather is set fair with sunny spells and highs of 14C. Tickets are still available to book in advance and will also be available on the gate. It should be a great day.”

 

But with Covid restrictions having now been lifted across the United Kingdom, Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden and her team have injected significant funds back into prize-money throughout the 19-fixture campaign.

Sally Iggulden said:

“It was really important to us to boost pre-Covid prize-money levels so far as we are able – with the intention of encouraging really competitive racing on the Westwood.

“This season, all races will be worth at least £1,000 more than the minimum level that was expressed by the British Horse Racing Authority.

“It will also be reassuring to owners and trainers that our two flagship meetings of the racing season, the bet365 Two-Year-Old Trophy Day on May 28 and the William Hill Bullet Day on August 27, will each offer £130,000 in prize-money.

“We are delighted to be able to offer £1.2m in prize-money across the course of the season and are confident this level of commitment will be reflected by the calibre of thoroughbred we see at Beverley.”

Investment over the winter has also included a major revamp of the Premier Enclosure terrace to provide a more panoramic viewing experience, while planning permission has been submitted to rebuild the stable yard and ancillary buildings.

Beverley’s ambitious project – due to commence in September 2022 before being completed the following spring – will cost in excess of £1million and will ensure horses receive an even higher standard of care when they are at the track.

The East Yorkshire venue’s most popular meeting of the year, Ladies’ Day on August 10, will this season see Porsche Centre Hull as its new title sponsor – with the course offering a 20% discount to racegoers that book online tickets in advance.

Feature race on Wednesday’s first fixture of the season is the £14,000 Beverley Beaker Handicap (2.50).

The five-furlong dash has attracted a full field of 16 sprinters, including five-time Westwood winner Ginger Jam and six other course-and-distance scorers, and was won 12 months ago by Victory Angel.

Gates open at 11am, with the first of seven races due off at 1pm.

Trained in Norton, North Yorkshire, by Julie Camacho, the Elite Racing Club-owned nine-year-old claimed glory in the prestigious sprint two years ago.

Judicial, who holds the five-furlong course record at Beverley, might be the oldest horse in a strong 12-runner field, but he looked as good as ever winning a Listed race at Chester on his last start.

Steve Brown, Camacho’s husband and assistant trainer, reports the gelded son of Iffraaj in top trim for the big Listed race – broadcast live on ITV Racing.

Brown said of the three-time Beverley winner:

“We’re really pleased with him, and it’s nice to be going back to Beverley after he won so well at Chester.

“This was always going to be a big month for him and this was always the plan if he came out of Chester OK.

“He’s in great form and is working away at home as well as ever, so hopefully he should go really well.

“He’s a bit of a creature of habit – Beverley and Chester are his favourite tracks – but he seemed to really come into himself before his win last time out.

“There’s loads of pace in the race, which will suit him. He’s got a small penalty (for his Chester victory), but hopefully that won’t be an issue.

“The Beverley Bullet is a lovely race for the track and I’m sure there’ll be another good winner of it.

“Obviously we’re hoping it will be Judicial.”

Judicial is sponsor William Hill’s 4-1 favourite for the Beverley Bullet, for which the roll of honour includes top-class sprinters like Hellvelyn, Tangerine Trees, Borderlescott and Take Cover.

Camacho’s inmate will be joined in the line-up by last year’s scorer Dakota Gold, trained in Co Durham by Michael Dods.

Hambleton handler Kevin Ryan is represented by Justanotherbottle, who won the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon two weeks ago.

Tis Marvellous was sent off favourite for the 2019 William Hill Beverley Bullet and bids to improve upon his fifth-place finish for Lambourn trainer Clive Cox.

William Haggas sends Hurricane Ivor up from Newmarket – as does James Tate, who saddles three-time Beverley scorer Show Yourself and Wise Words.

Karl Burke is also double-handed with Significantly and Group Two winner Dandalla, while Ostilio and the locally-owned Tarboosh run for fellow Yorkshire trainer Paul Midgley.

Beaten Great St Wilfrid favourite Lampang (Tim Easterby) completes the field on a card which also features the curtain-raising £30,000 William Hill Silver Cup – the first of seven races – at 2.05pm.

Joe Pollak, Beverley marketing and partnerships manager, said:

“The team at Beverley Racecourse can’t wait to have racegoers back for the 2021 William Hill Beverley Bullet.

“It’s been great to look back at the past winners of this race and we know from speaking to customers they, like us, can’t wait to see the horses sprinting up the famous five furlongs on the Westwood.

“The race is always held in high regard by trainers and owners and we are delighted to have once again attracted a solid field of top-class horses.

“Ticket sales have been great for Saturday. There are currently still tickets available, but we advise racegoers to book in advance by visiting our website – www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk.”

Photo credit: Hannah Ali

 

Julie Camacho will this Thursday try to win the William Hill Beverley Bullet for a second consecutive year when Makanah goes for gold in the £30,000 Listed sprint.

The North Yorkshire trainer claimed the five-furlong dash 12 months ago with the 111-rated Judicial.

But Camacho has this year declared the progressive Makanah, who was just denied in a strong handicap at Haydock on his most recent outing on August 3.

Steve Brown, the Norton handler’s husband and assistant, said: “He’s a grand horse and we’ve been very pleased with him this season.

“He’s a progressive sprinter, but we got to the point with him in handicaps where he was carrying top weight all the time.

“With that in mind, we thought it was now the right time to dip our toe into a Listed race with him and the Bullet looked ideal.

“We were happy with him at Haydock and he came out of the race really well.

“He’s won before with cut in the ground, so the recent rain we’ve had won’t bother him one bit.

“He’s also won before over six furlongs when he was a younger horse so you’d expect him to handle the track.

“We always thought he’d be the one who could push Judicial on a bit. I’m not saying he’s as good as him at this stage of his career, but he’s got a similar sort of profile.

“It’s going to be a fascinating race and it will be really interesting to see how he gets on.

“We’re very much looking forward to it.”

Judicial had featured amongst the Beverley Bullet confirmations, but Brown added: “Once the rain came, that made up our minds not to run him.

“He’ll probably go to the Garrowby Stakes at York a week on Sunday.”

Makanah takes on nine rivals in the Beverley Bullet, including Group One-winning sprinter Alpha Delphini.

Bred and owned by Beverley resident Marie Matthews, Bryan Smart’s inmate claimed the Bullet in 2016.

Course-and-distance winners Tarboosh and Caspian Prince also line up, while Kevin Ryan is double-handed with Major Jumbo and Last Emperor.

Michael Dods also fires two shots at the Bullet with Dakota Gold and Queens Gift, with Fool For You and Keep Busy having been declared by Richard Fahey and John Quinn respectively.

Beverley’s nine-race card begins at 1pm and also features the class two William Hill Silver Cup Handicap, which is worth £15,000 in prize-money.

Long-standing Beverley racecourse stalwart John Cleverly died on Thursday, July 2nd, at the age of 86.

Cleverly was synonymous with the East Yorkshire circuit and served at the track as racecourse manager and clerk of the course between 1973-2000.

He remained a director at the course until 2014 – Cleverly was succeeded on the board by his daughter, Bridget Guerin – and was then made Beverley racecourse patron.

John also served as a Beverley steward, and assisted on panels at other tracks as a chalk steward.

In addition to his many roles at Beverley, Cleverly acted as clerk of the course at Sedgefield and Redcar, while he also clerked at the Middleton Hunt Point-to-Point.

A chartered surveyor by trade – he looked after several estates in East Yorkshire – Cleverly served on the board of the Racecourse Association, amongst others, and was secretary for the RCA Northern Area.

A keen point-to-point jockey in his youth, he also enjoyed considerable success in ownership, having taken out shares with his friends and family in horses with Tim Easterby.

A bar at Beverley racecourse, Cleverly’s Bar & Bistro, was named in his honour in 2016.

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said:

 “Everyone at Beverley are deeply saddened by the news of John’s passing. 

“He was an incredibly kind mind – he found it tough, for instance, handing out punishments to the young jockeys in his time as a steward – and always acted in the selfless best interests of the racecourse. 

“His long-standing influence at the track will never be forgotten, nor, too, will his love of horse racing and the precise logistics of the sport – with race-planning a personal favourite of his.

“John relished his position as Beverley patron, but as a self-effacing gentleman, he was at first sceptical about having a racecourse bar named in his honour. 

“Happily, though, he soon took deep pride in Cleverly’s Bar & Bistro and kept the management on their toes if ever anything was not quite as it should be. 

“In his chartered surveyor role, his long-standing secretary Carole Southwick juggled rent reviews and prize-money allocations from their small office by North Bar in Beverley, where he was always surrounded by his adored Labradors. 

“Indeed, it was until very recent times that John would commonly be seen on the racecourse with his dogs, checking that his hallowed turf passed muster. 

“He was a truly inspirational man and will be much missed by everyone at Beverley racecourse. 

“Our thoughts at this time go out to his beloved family.”

John Cleverly is survived by his wife, Ann, and his three children, Bridget, David and Simon.

 

John Cleverly (December 16, 1933 – July 2, 2020)

In-form filly Colony Queen goes for a third consecutive victory when she runs at Beverley on Tuesday.

Trained in Lincolnshire by Steve Gollings, the four-year-old daughter of Gregorian has been a revelation since her transfer from James Tate’s yard last May.

Colony Queen has won four times from just seven starts for her new connections and is now on a hat-trick following victories at Newbury and at Newcastle earlier this month.

Gollings is once again optimistic that the filly can add further gloss to the statistics by winning the £7,250 mile-and-a-quarter handicap (3.45) at Beverley.

The Louth handler said: “She’s just a very, very genuine filly.

“Every time she runs, Colony Queen continues to surprise us.

“She’s just a proper racehorse. She loves racing and she wants to win so much. You just can’t knock her resolution.

“She was plenty fit enough at Newcastle when she won, but, at the same time, you’d like to think she’ll come on for that run.

“I honestly thought she’d win a bit easier at Newcastle, but you couldn’t fault her attitude.

“She’s just a cracking filly and one day I’d love to get placed in a Listed race and get her a bit of black type as she’d deserve that.”

Of her chances at Beverley, Gollings added: “I’ve had a good look at the card and it’s by no means a walk in the park.

“But the fact she’s already run at Beverley – she finished second in a lady amateurs’ race there last summer – will stand her in good stead.

“The stiff mile and a quarter will suit her nicely and she’ll enjoy running up that long home straight there.

“Fingers crossed everything’s set for another good run.

“It’s not going to be easy, but I wouldn’t swop her for anything else in the field.”

Colony Queen takes on 13 rivals at Beverley, with the Brian Ellison-trained Tim Rocco set to carry top weight.

Previous Beverley winners Delph Crescent and Northern Lyte have also been declared, while Knowing and Power Of States run for Newmarket trainers James Fanshawe and Hugo Palmer respectively.

Beverley’s nine-race card begins at 12.45pm, with the official going currently good, good to firm in places.

A warm, dry afternoon with a high of 23C has been forecast ahead of Beverley’s third behind-closed-doors fixture of the season.

 

Trainer Rebecca Menzies bids for a first Beverley winner when Cool Possibility runs in the finale on the Westwood this afternoon.

The four-year-old grey has thrived since having undergone a wind operation in January, since when he has gone unbeaten in three starts.

Cool Possibility’s hot streak began at Newcastle in February when he won a National Hunt bumper by a length.

The former Charlie Hills stayer then secured back-to-back Flat wins on the Southwell all-weather.

Cool Possibility is one of nine runners for the two-mile handicap at 4.50pm, with his trainer confident of another strong display from the gelded son of Dark Angel.

The Co Durham handler said: “His optimum trip is two miles, so we think this race will be good for him.

“We actually bought him as a hurdler, but we gave him a few runs (over hurdles) and it was clear that he wasn’t quite seeing out his races.

“We weren’t expecting him to win at Newcastle, so that was a pleasant surprise.

“It was then that we said, ‘Why not give him a few runs on the Flat?’, and it was clearly the right decision.

“He’s a big horse and has taken him a lot of time to mature, so hopefully we’ve got him for his better years.

“He’s done very well during the break – he’s filled out even more – but whether or not he’ll need the run, I’m not quite sure.

“We’re looking forward to it and, from what he’s shown us at home, I suspect he’s probably just as good on the grass as he is the all-weather.”

Beverley’s second meeting of a protracted campaign is once again behind closed doors, with the first of nine races due off at 12.20pm.

The going is currently good, with the forecast suggesting a largely dry day and a high of 18C.

Popular mare Kylie Rules makes a welcome comeback at her spiritual home when Beverley emerges from lockdown on Thursday.

Trained in North Yorkshire by Ruth Carr, the five-year-old daughter of Aussie Rules enjoyed a golden spring in 2019 with four consecutive victories on the Westwood.

The assessor has since intervened – Kylie Rules is now 25lb higher than when she began her winning spree last April – but Carr is optimistic of a bold bid in the Follow Us On Twitter for Raceday Updates Handicap (3.50).

Stillington-based Carr said: “She’s in good form, and she’s looking forward to getting back to what she does best.

“She’s as enthusiastic as ever and she’s ready to run. The problem is, though, that she’s now so high up in the handicap compared to last April.

“Things are probably going to be difficult for her this year, but she’s in great order and we’re looking forward to seeing her back racing.

“She doesn’t mind a bit of juice in the ground – she wouldn’t want it bottomless – but she never lets us down.

“I don’t imagine it will be any different this time.”

Kylie Rules is top weight for the extended one-mile race at Beverley and takes on 10 rivals, including course-and-distance winners Dawaaleeb and Poet’s Dawn.

She will once again be ridden by Jimmy Sullivan, who created a small piece of history when he won the first UK race since the sport returned from a 76-day hiatus at Newcastle on June 1.

Carr is also represented at Beverley by Athmad, who runs in the Visit tote.co.uk Handicap (3.20) over seven and a half furlongs.

The four-year-old gelding will be having just his second start for new connections following his switch from Brian Meehan’s yard in March.

Carr said: “We’re still learning about him as he’s only had the one run for us at Newcastle.

“That said, a turning and slightly more interesting track might see him improve.

“We’re quietly pleased with him. He’s more enthusiastic than when he first arrived and is well handicapped on his best form.”

Commenting upon the well-being of her yard – Athmad and Kylie Rules will be her first runners since racing returned from lockdown – the trainer added: “I’d say our horses are a bit behind than this time last year.

“But, at the same time, they’re probably where they would be at the start of a normal season.

“Our horses genuinely improve for a run, and I think that would be the case at Beverley, but we’re starting to get busy again.

“It might be starting late, but it’s still a long season.”

Beverley’s behind-closed-doors fixture features nine races, the first of which due off at 12.45pm.

 

Trainer Scott Dixon expects a big show from Dark Shot when he takes aim at the feature race at Beverley’s final meeting of the season on Tuesday.

The six-year-old gelding is one of seven declared runners for the £20,000 Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes – a race won by estimable sprinters like Tangerine Trees, Kingsgate Native and Alpha Delphini.

Dixon has this season set the son of Acclamation some stiff challenges, with Dark Shot last in action in a Listed race at Doncaster – a grade at which he claimed second spot at York in July.

Dark Shot has also this campaign filled the same position in both the Epsom Dash and a class two sprint handicap at York, when Duke Of Firenze, who renews rivalry on the Westwood, had his number by a neck.

Nottinghamshire-based Dixon said: “He’s tricky to win with, but we’ve always liked him and this looks a good opportunity for him.

“We’re pretty closely matched at the weights with Duke Of Firenze and if he can show his best form, you’d give him a good chance.

“The tactics were all wrong at Doncaster – he was too far back at the start and couldn’t get involved – so that run is probably best forgotten.

“It seems that the better company he’s in, the better he runs.

“He’s been in good form since Doncaster and we go there hopeful.”

Dark Of Shot’s cause is also aided by Dixon’s appointment of Ben Curtis, who is a maestro around the tricky Beverley sprint circuit.

The James Tate-trained Kyllang Rock, who won so well at Nottingham last month, is likely to be sent off favourite for the valuable five-furlong sprint.

Manton trainer Brian Meehan also saddles a rare Beverley runner in the shape of Amplify, who has already won three times this campaign.

The line-up is completed by a trio of course-and-distance winners in Fendale, Rapid Applause and Tarboosh.

Beverley’s going on Monday morning was reported as being good, good to soft in places following 10 millimetres of rainfall on Sunday night.

A cloudy afternoon with outbreaks of rain has been forecast for raceday.

Popular sprinter Danzeno is reported in rude health for a possible tilt at the £65,000 William Hill Beverley Bullet on Saturday.

The Group Three-winning eight-year-old, trained in Rutland by Mick Appleby, is one of 18 possible runners for Beverley’s most prestigious race of the season.

Danzeno would arrive at Beverley in good nick, too, having won twice already this season.

He also finished third in both the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash at the same track on August 10.

Appleby said: “He’s in great form and has done really well since the Shergar Cup Day, when he was a bit unlucky, really.

“He’s never run at Beverley before, but I’m sure he’ll handle the track nicely if he does run in the Beverley Bullet.

“He’s been in great form this season, and this looks a good race for him with great prize-money on offer. It’s all ground dependent at the minute, though.

“Hopefully they get some rain before the weekend. There are some thunderstorms forecast at the end of the week and that will help him no end.

“If they do get the rain, he’ll go to Beverley with a very good chance of winning.”

Danzeno is William Hill’s 7-2 second favourite, behind the Clive Cox-trained Tis Marvellous (9-4f).

Others prominent in the market include Paul Midgley’s Tarboosh (6-1), the Charlie Hills-trained Equilateral (8-1) and Beverley course-record holder Judicial (9-1), trained by Julie Camacho.

The now-retired Take Cover has won the Listed Beverley Bullet for the last two years, but his former trained David Griffiths could still be represented on Saturday with Ornate (12-1).

The big race at the weekend is the centrepiece for Beverley’s richest ever raceday that will also feature the £52,000 William Hill Silver Cup Handicap over a mile and a quarter.

Ante-post favourite is the William Haggas-trained Country, who has won his last three races and is a 2-1 chance with William Hill.

Stablemate Desert Icon is also short in the betting at odds of 9-2, while Sir Michael Stoute could saddle the unexposed Solid Stone (4-1) in a maximum field of 12 runners.

Harry Love attempts to maintain his hot run of form when he goes for gold in the feature race at Beverley on Sunday.

Trained in Norton, North Yorkshire, by Ollie Pears, the two-year-old son of Lawman bids for a hat-trick in the five-furlong Covers33 For All Your Vinyl Needs Nursery Handicap (3.15).

Having got off the mark on just his second start at Thirsk in early July, Harry Love then struck over this course and distance with a three-and-a-half-length triumph.

Yet Pears believes there is still a great deal more to come from the two-year-old gelding – starting with a big show in the £10,000 dash.

The trainer, who also jointly owns Harry Love with Ownaracehorse Ltd, said: “He’s a very nice horse and we’ve got high hopes for him.

“He’s definitely improved again since his last win at Beverley and took that race great.

“It was also good to see the runner-up that day (Vintage Times) win next time up at Ripon so the form looks to be working out really well.

“We were thinking of going to Redcar with him, but this race popped up and it’s worth good prize-money. We also know he likes Beverley so there’s a lot going for him.

“He’s drawn in stall one so Ben (Robinson) is likely to pop out and be as handy as he can.

“His work has been good. He’s a very straightforward horse, he has a good temperament and is very sound.

“I don’t just see him as a two-year-old, though – he’s definitely a horse with a big future.”

Harry Love takes on four rivals at Beverley, with the David O’Meara-trained Great Dame at the head of the weights.

Proper Beau (Bryan Smart), Tom Tulliver (Declan Carroll) and last-time-out Newbury winner Bushtucker Trial, trained by Michael Bell, complete the line-up.

Pears is triple-handed at Beverley on Sunday as he is also set to saddle Carry On Deryck in the John Jenkins Claiming Stakes (2.10) over seven and a half furlongs.

Stablemate Billyoaks later runs in the concluding five-furlong Pure Broadband Handicap at 6pm.

Pears said: “Billyoaks and Carry On Deryck have plenty on their plate, to be fair, so Harry Love is obviously our best chance of winner at Beverley on Sunday.”

The going at Beverley was on Friday morning described as good, though conditions are likely to dry out ahead of Circus Family Raceday, for which the forecast is for sunny spells and a high of 25C.

 

 

stylish fashion and summer cocktails will be the order of the day as racegoers up the glamour stakes for Flemingate Ladies Day.

The prestigious raceday, presented in partnership with Beverley’s Flemingate centre, returns on Wednesday, August 14, with superb racing, excellent entertainment, mouth-watering hospitality, wonderful prizes and a celebrity guest!

TV’s favourite barman Merlin Griffiths will be mixing up the perfect tipple in bars around the racecourse.

The celebrity bartender, who will be creating cocktails specially designed for a fabulous summer day out at the races, said: “I’m hugely excited to be shaking things up at Beverley Racecourse at their social highlight event of the year, Flemingate Ladies Day.

“We’ve got a couple of great cocktails and a non-alcoholic drink so there should be something for everyone to enjoy. And you never know, I might even have a flutter myself!”

Sophisticated vintage group The Candy Girls will transport racegoers back in time with wartime harmonies by stars of the 1940s, including Glen Miller, The Andrew Sisters and Vera Lynn. The six-piece variety act will entertain the crowds at various points around the racecourse.

Acoustic duo Maple North – Tom Gorringe and Lily Hope – will be performing popular numbers in the Pavilion marquee. The local singer-songwriters’ repertoire includes a foot-tapping mix of soul, Motown and swing.

Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “Flemingate Ladies Day is Beverley’s social highlight of the summer and we have a really lively, fun day lined up.

“We’re so excited to have celebrity bartender Merlin mixing up cocktails in the racecourse bars. We also have great live music by wartime harmony singers The Candy Girls and local duo Maple North.

“The prizes for our Most Stylish competition are fantastic and I’m sure racegoers will have a really exciting and enjoyable day out!”

Popular Viking FM presenters Alex and Ellie will play the biggest tunes of the summer throughout the day and will host the Flemingate Most Stylish competition, sponsored by Humberside Airport.

Winner of the coveted Most Stylish Lady title will enjoy a weekend for two to the Christmas Markets of Cologne. The prize will include a private flight experience from Humberside Airport and two nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

The winner of the Most Stylish Gent will claim a stylish watch donated by Beverley jeweller Guest & Philips, worth more than £500.

Attracting a bumper crowd of 12,000 visitors, Flemingate Ladies Day is the best-attended meeting in Beverley’s busy calendar and is a day not to be missed.

With racegoers making a big effort to look their very best for the occasion, Flemingate Ladies Day brings an added touch of glamour to the racecourse’s unbeatable combination of socialising, sport and first-class hospitality.

All tickets for the Premier Enclosure are sold out but there are still some tickets available for the Grandstand, Paddock and Course Enclosure, so racegoers are being urged to book to ensure they don’t miss out on a very special day on the Westwood.

 

Gates for Flemingate Ladies Day will open at 11am, with the first race at 2pm and last race at 5.05pm. For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/event/flemingate-ladies-day or call 01482 867488.

Trainer Liam Bailey insists How Bizarre has what it takes to once again trouble the judge at Beverley on Tuesday.

The rookie North Yorkshire handler is not yet a household name, but he made a grand entrance at the East Yorkshire circuit following How Bizarre’s impressive course-and-distance victory on July 16.

Leyburn-based Bailey spent his formative years with Gold Cup-winning handler Peter Beaumont before joining David O’Meara’s operation.

Based at Foulrice Park, in Middleham, he is in his first season with a licence and has claimed three winners under both codes.

And How Bizarre, a four-year-old son of Society Rock, looked so good at Beverley earlier in the month that his trainer wants another go in the Wilford Watts Memorial Handicap (4.20) over eight and a half furlongs.

Bailey said: “He loves racing – it’s as simple as that, really.

“We don’t do anything with him at home, other than put him in a field and take him out on a night, and he seems to really enjoy that routine.

“He was a really nice winner at Beverley and clearly he likes running at the course.

“Fingers crossed he’ll go well again as he might still be on the right side of the handicapper.”

How Bizarre won by a short head at Beverley, but the manner in which he battled back to deny Welcoming provided connections with plenty of optimism for the future.

He has since held his form with honour, having finished a close second to Northernpowerhouse in a seven-furlong handicap at Musselburgh a week ago.

How Bizarre faces seven rivals in the eight-and-a-half-furlong Wilford Watts Memorial Handicap, including the hat-trick-seeking Seductive Moment and enigmatic course winner Detachment.

But Bailey is confident that his inmate has plenty in his favour upon his return to Beverley.

He added: “He likes to get to the front in his race, so a place like Beverley seems to suit him.

“When we bought him from Kevin Ryan, Kevin told us exactly what to do with him – run him at right-handed tracks and let him stride along – and he was absolutely spot-on.

“I thought he even upped that Beverley win at Musselburgh, which was a really grand effort, and he seems to have come out of that really well.

“Seven (furlongs) at Musselburgh is probably his best trip, but we go up in trip every now and again and it seems to work.

“He’ll probably be the quickest horse in the field on Tuesday so hopefully he can to the front again.

“Jonathan (Fisher) rode a winner for me at York earlier in the season and he takes off 7lb again, so will be handy.

“He’s in great form and we’re expecting another big run.”

Beverley’s seven-race card starts at 2.05pm, with the going reported as good following weekend rain.

The forecast on Tuesday is for sunny spells, a chance of thunder, and a high of 22C.

Ginger Jam attempts to claim a fantastic Beverley hat-trick when he runs in the Jaimie Kerr Memorial Handicap (7.00) on Monday evening.

The four-year-old gelding, trained by red-hot North Yorkshire trainer Nigel Tinkler, has won on his last two visits to the East Yorkshire circuit.

He now goes for a third consecutive course success in a competitive five-furlong dash which has attracted 12 runners.

Tinkler said: “He’s very well in himself and is eating a lot better these days, which is always a good sign.

“He’s got bags of confidence at the moment and whenever a horse has lots of confidence anything can happen.

“It would be lovely to get three straight wins at Beverley with him, but I can’t help but feel this is quite a tall order for him.

“On his last two wins the horses in front grew tired and that’s why he was able to come off the pace and look so visually impressive.

“I can’t see that happening on Monday as there’s a lot of pace in the field and this is a different league.

“He’s at his best on fast ground, though, and clearly loves it at Beverley so you could never rule him out.”

The Malton-based handler has been in inspired form at Beverley this year, having already claimed seven victories.

And Tinkler also has another live chance of adding to his gains on Monday evening when he sends Allux Boy into battle in the George Kilburn Memorial Handicap.

The five-year-old son of Iffraaj has held his form well all year, most significantly at Wolverhampton on July 15.

Allux Boy won an eight-and-a-half-furlong handicap by six lengths and will carry a 5lb penalty for that facile all-weather triumph.

Tinkler said: “It looks like he’s going to go up 10lb for that Wolverhampton win, so he’s theoretically well treated at the weights.

“That’s one of the main reasons we are running him, but he’s another horse who is on very good terms with himself right now.

“He’s stepping up to just short of a mile and quarter which might be stretching his stamina a bit. Ideally, I’d love the race to be a furlong shorter, but it looks like he’s still improving.

“And when horses are in such good form, you’ve got to strike while the iron’s hot.”

Beverley’s seven-race evening card begins at 5.55pm and is part of the Sky Bet-sponsored Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.

The festival is a week-long celebration of Flat racing and sees action at eight of the nine courses across the county.

The Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival not only highlights the fabulous racing in Yorkshire, but also supports Racing Welfare.

Beverley’s going is currently good, good to firm in places, while the forecast for Monday evening is for glorious sunshine and a high of 26C.

Local owner Keith Brown on Tuesday throws two darts at the board in his quest to land a first Beverley winner of the season.

Brown, who resides in nearby Swanland, is best known in the racing game for his association with Top Notch Tonto, runner-up in the 2013 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

But he loves nothing more than a Beverley winner, and hopes Dream Walker and Moonlit Sands can do the business on Tuesday’s eight-race card.

Ten-year-old Dream Walker is a popular horse, having earned nearly £200,000 in prize-money – largely through his exploits in big races in Ireland.

Following a spell with Co Kildare trainer Jarlath Fahey, he is now back in the care of Brian Ellison ahead of the irishbigracetrends.com Handicap (4.15).

Brown said: “Jarlath is a brilliant guy – there was no falling-out, or anything like that – but we just couldn’t get the ground for him over there.

“Ireland had one of the driest summers in memory so we thought it would be a good idea to send him back to Brian’s.

“He’s in super form, but we’d be really hoping for a bit of rain before racing as he loves cut in the ground.

“He doesn’t owe us a penny as he’s been such a great horse over the years.

“But if we do get that bit of rain, he’d definitely take all the beating, I’d say.”

Dream Walker must shoulder top weight in the eight-and-a-half-furlong test, with perhaps recent Carlisle runner-up Ghayyar his biggest rival.

Ellison and Brown combine earlier on the card with Moonlit Sands, who runs in the five-furlong Malcolm Greenslade Doncaster LVA Stalwart Memorial Handicap (2.15).

The four-year-old daughter of Footstepsinthesand has not raced since September 2018, but her sole career victory came over this course and distance in May.

Brown said: “She’s in great order and loves Beverley, having won there before and finishing second a few times.

“She’ll go well, I hope, but it’s her first run of the season and she might need the outing.

“I love having Beverley winners as it’s my local track. We’ve had some bad luck in recent years, though, but hopefully that will change on Tuesday.”

Brown also had an update on the nine-year-old Top Notch Tonto, who is still game as ever – even if his recent performances have not reflected his enthusiasm.

He said: “I think this will be his last season, but he loves life and we love him.

“He’s been a major part of my life and there are no shortage of offers from people when we do call it a day.

“I imagine he’ll end up as a riding horse somewhere, but it would be lovely if we can get him another win on his way out.”

The first of eight races at Beverley starts at 1.45pm, with the feature event being the historic 133rd Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap (2.45) for stayers

The going is good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions, while the forecast on Tuesday is for sunny spells, the risk of a shower in the afternoon, and a high of 19C.

Master Beverley trainer Richard Fahey admitted the lure of big prize-money was too good to resist when he saddles Sootability in the feature race on Saturday.

Malton-based Fahey sends a strong team to the Westwood, and holds seven live chances of adding to his exemplary record at the East Yorkshire circuit.

One of which, Sootability, takes up the challenge in the D&P Palletways Delivery Fillies’ Handicap (3.45), which is worth £25,000.

Fahey said: “It’s a competitive race for Sootability, and she’ll need to up her game to win it, but it’s a decent amount of prize-money and we’re happy to have a go.”

Sootability faces five rivals in the eight-and-a-half-furlong test, including the mighty Kylie Rules, who has won four times from four starts at Beverley this year, and the hat-trick-seeking Big Hearted.

Fahey is hoping for a brisk start to the Big Saturday Raceday at Beverley when he goes into battle with Lion’s Vigil and Typsy Toad in the dandphaulage.co.uk Novice Auction Stakes (2.00).

He said: “Both Lion’s Vigil and Typsy Toad could be horses for handicaps a little further down the line.

“I’d be pleasantly surprised if either of them were able to win a novice, to be honest, but I’ve been surprised before.”

Fahey is perhaps sweeter on the claims of Istanbul, who runs in the D&P Pallet Distribution EBF Maiden Stakes (2.35).

He told www.sportinglife.com: “He’s a colt I really like. He just over-raced a little bit first time out when third at Ripon last month.

“I’d like to think he’ll go on to prove himself to be pretty smart.

“The form of his debut run isn’t bad and it’ll be good to see if he can settle better now.”

The Group One-winning handler is then responsible for Requinto Dawn in the five-furlong D&P Warehousing Handicap (3.10), and expects the four-year-old gelding to enjoy running at Beverley.

He said: “Slowly but surely the handicapper has given him a chance and dropping back to five furlongs I don’t think will bother him.

“I think the track will suit and I’ve been quite happy with him lately in his home-work.

“He looks like he’s coming back to a bit of form and runs from a career-low mark of 68.“

Later on the card, Fahey saddles Indomeneo in the D&P UK And European Distribution Handicap (4.20).

The trainer said: “He’s creeping down the weights now having been a very good two-year-old.

“He’s got a chance from his current mark and as long as the ground is not too quick I could see him showing up quite well.”

Fahey’s seventh runner at Beverley on Saturday is the John Dance-owned Ivory Charm, who picks up the gauntlet in the D&P Haulage Contract Distribution Fillies’ Handicap (4.55).

The North Yorkshire handler added: “She ran OK at Chester when we stepped her up in trip and it seemed to suit.

“She’s in the sales next week, but she’s honest and she tries.”

Gates open at 11.30am for East Yorkshire’s biggest racing weekend of the year, with the going good to firm and a Saturday forecast of sunny intervals and a high of 18C.

 

Brazilian-born trainer Ivan Furtado challenged Hector’s Here to a continue his fine run of form when he reports for duty at the first leg of Beverley’s big double-header on Friday evening.

The three-year-old colt has been in solid nick all year, and neatly illustrated the point at Hamilton on June 19.

Sent off a 5-1 chance for a nine-furlong handicap at the Scottish circuit, the son of Cityscape made absolutely no mistake under Trevor Whelan.

That two-and-a-quarter triumph, which was achieved on fast ground, has seen Hector’s Here rise 6lb in the ratings.

But Furtado is convinced his inmate is still progressing ahead of the Gemma Platten Memorial Handicap (7.45) over eight and a half furlongs.

The Nottinghamshire-based handler said: “He won well at Hamilton last time and is ready to run again.

“I thought the trip might have been too far for him that day, but he got away with and hopefully it will be the same at Beverley.

“Ideally, we’d like to see a bit of cut in the ground, though. He can handle it fast but when there’s a bit of rain around you will see more improvement from him as he has the right action for that sort ground.

“He’s done well all year and deserved to win at Hamilton, but we’ve decided to put the cheekpieces on for the first time to help him concentrate a bit better.

“I’d be disappointed if he didn’t run well again.”

Hector’s Here faces five rivals on the Westwood, including Hunterwali, who won by seven lengths at Beverley last time out.

The race is named in loving memory of Gemma Platten, who tragically died last year at the age of 41. Gemma was a keen racing fan and used to work in the industry for a long time.

Furtado will have added interest on the card as he saddles Diamond Pursuit in the Pure Broadband Selling Stakes (6.10) over seven and a half furlongs.

The trainer, who has secured three winners from 37 runners at Beverley, added: “She’s a limited horse, to be honest, and it’s debatable whether this trip will suit her.

“We’ll give it a go from a tricky draw, though, and this is at least a drop in grade.

“She’ll win one day when things drop her way, but I’d be more hopeful than confident.”

Gates open for 70s Racenight, featuring legendary dance troupe Bus Stop, at 4pm, with the first of six races due off at 6.10pm.

The going is reported as being good to firm, with a high of 20C forecast for Friday evening.

Ornate bids to claim a significant double when he lines up in the £14,000 Tecknodev British EBF Conditions Stakes at Beverley on Tuesday evening.

Trained in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, by David Griffiths, the six-year-old gelding was sent off a largely unconsidered 33-1 chance for the Investec Dash on Derby Day at Epsom.

Yet despite his inflated odds, Ornate blitzed out of stall five and never saw another rival en route to a neck defeat of Dark Shot.

The classy sprinter has recovered well from those exertions and is now ready for his next big test in the valuable five-furlong sprint at Beverley.

Griffiths said: “He won well at Epsom and has come out of the race in great order.

“He wasn’t right all last year. He was wrong in his coat and if you looked a picture of him last season you wouldn’t think it was the same horse.

“He’s grown and filled out and is a lot stronger horse. I think he’s finally showing his true ability for me.

“He’s about where he should be at the weights and he should go really go well on Tuesday.

“Potentially, he’s still a Group horse. I’m really happy with where Ornate is and I’d be quietly confident of a big run.”

Crack sprinter Judicial has won the Tecknodev British EBF Conditions Stakes for the last two seasons, with 2017 Beverley Bullet runner-up Final Venture the highest-rated horse in this year’s renewal.

Lightly-raced filly Fairy Falcon has also been given the chance to shine by North Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart.

She is a half-sister to Beverley heroes Tangerine Trees and Alpha Delphini and was, like her esteemed siblings, bred locally by Marie Matthews.

Gates open for the Great Big Beverley Charity Racenight – the first evening meeting of the season – at 4pm.

The first of seven races starts at 6pm, with the official going reported as being good to soft, soft in places.

The forecast for Beverley on Tuesday evening is for warm, dry weather and a high of 20C.

It’s East Yorkshire’s hottest summer day out, but stylish racegoers at Flemingate Ladies Day will have one eye on Christmas this year.

Beverley Racecourse has teamed up with Humberside Airport to award the winner of the coveted Most Stylish Lady competition an unforgettable weekend at the Christmas Markets of Cologne, one of the world’s most magical festive experiences.

The prestigious raceday, presented in partnership with Beverley’s Flemingate centre, returns on August 14 with all the glitz, glamour and celebrity stardust that makes it the most anticipated event in the region’s social calendar.

Staff at the Westwood venue have revealed this year’s hosts, judges and prizes as they prepare for what is expected to be the most exciting Ladies Day yet.

Leading the way will be Alex and Ellie, the popular presenters of the morning show on Viking FM, the official media partner for Ladies Day. The DJ duo will be playing the biggest tunes of the summer throughout the day and will host the Flemingate Most Stylish competition, sponsored by Humberside Airport.

They will be joined in the beautiful English-rose themed marquee by the competition judges – Lee Wardell, founder of VERB fashion store, based at Flemingate; fashion expert Mandy Buchanan; and previous champion Julie Short – who will choose the winning lady and the best-dressed man.

A mystery celebrity will also be joining in the fun, although the racecourse team are keeping their name under wraps for now.

Chief Executive Sally Iggulden said: “We’re keeping the celebrity’s name close to our chests, but we know they’re really excited about meeting their many fans at this year’s Flemingate Ladies Day.

“We’re also delighted to welcome Alex and Ellie, from our media partner Viking FM. They will be bringing a fresh vibe to this year’s event and we can’t wait to hear their playlist for the big day.

“Humberside Airport has once again provided a fantastic prize for the Most Stylish Lady. We’re always impressed by how many wonderful outfits we see on Ladies Day, and we’re sure the prospect of winning a truly unforgettable Christmas trip to Cologne will spur on our racegoers to do their very best to be winners in the fashion stakes.

“We want this to be one of the best afternoons you’ll spend with your friends this year, whether that’s by enjoying a laid-back picnic in the Course Enclosure, or experiencing the glamour and vibrancy of the Premier Enclosure. It really is the social event of the summer.”

The winning lady in the Flemingate Most Stylish competition will enjoy a weekend for two to the Christmas Markets of Cologne, departing on December 6.

The prize will include a private flight experience from Humberside Airport, including complimentary parking and a luxury breakfast, refreshments onboard the flight and two nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

Last year’s best-dressed lady, Liz Hallett, a retired district nurse from Tickton, near Beverley, wore a dress from InWear and accessories from local independent traders, while the most stylish man, 22-year-old Sam Sharp, bought his suit from VERB at Flemingate and was surprised to win after being entered by his friends.

He was rewarded with a watch from jeweller Guest and Philips at Flemingate, worth £500. A similar prize is expected to be offered in the men’s category this year.

“It goes to show that it’s a very open competition and the judges may pick you out even if you’re not expecting to win,” said Ms Iggulden. “It’s great fun as well, so enjoy getting that outfit just right and don’t forget to enter!”

This is the third year of the racecourse’s partnership with Flemingate for the hugely-popular Ladies Day meeting.

Flemingate Centre Manager Graham Tait said: “We’ve very proud to once again support the Beverley Racecourse team in creating a day to remember.

“We’re now heading into the summer months when thoughts turn to the area’s social highlight of the season, which is undoubtedly Ladies Day.

“It promises to be an amazing occasion, with fantastic prizes as an added incentive for fashion-conscious racegoers to turn on the style.”

Beverley Racecourse is renowned for its award-winning raceday experience, which offers an unbeatable combination of socialising, sport and first-class hospitality.

Flemingate Ladies Day is the best-attended meeting in Beverley’s busy calendar and last year attracted a bumper crowd of 12,000. With a similar number expected this year, racegoers are being encouraged to book early.

Gates for Flemingate Ladies Day will open at 11.30am with the last race at 5.30pm (times to be confirmed). For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/event/flemingate-ladies-day or call 01482 867488.

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(For immediate release, Saturday, June 8)
(Please feel free to use attached image of Liberty Beach – credit Hannah Ali)

Liberty Beach will head to Royal Ascot on top of her game after she won the £40,000 Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.

Trained in Malton by John Quinn and ridden by David Allan, the two-year-old daughter of Cable Bay (11-2) claimed the historic five-furlong dash by two and a half lengths from Rose Of Kildare.

Liberty Beach had won on her debut at Redcar on May 27 and again showed impressive pace when it mattered in the silks of Peter Wilkins.

Quinn said: “She had to be pushed along the first two furlongs and it was almost like she’d had two races.

“But she’s a very nice filly and stayed on really nicely.

“Visually, she was very impressive so it was a lovely result.

“We’ll definitely think about Royal Ascot. There’s obviously the Queen Mary and she’ll also be put in the Windsor Castle.”

David Allan added: “She’s a brave ‘un, and I wouldn’t put them off from running at Royal Ascot.”

Scunthorpe Utd chairman Peter Swann is optimistic of another successful cross-Humber raid on Beverley in two of the biggest races of the season on Saturday.

Swann is an enthusiastic owner and, along with mother-in-law Barbara Wilkinson and other family members, has enjoyed great success at Beverley under the Cool Silk Partnership banner.

The Cool Silk Partnership have won the last two renewals of the historic Hilary Needler Trophy (2.00), courtesy of Chica La Habana and Kodyanna, and bid for a stunning hat-trick with Moon Of Love.

Significantly, the owners are also responsible for Summer Sands in the £40,000 Truckingby Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old-Trophy (3.15) – a race the Cool Silk Partnership won in 2016 with subsequent Royal Ascot hero Prince Of Lir.

Swann said: “We enjoy coming to Beverley and have been very lucky there over the years.

“We’ve two very good chances in the big races and hopefully the Hilary Needler and the Brian Yeardley will again end up being platforms for having runners at Royal Ascot.”

Moon Of Love, a £140,000 two-year-old daughter of Kodiac, has not yet raced competitively ahead of the Hilary Needler Trophy, which is this year worth £40,000 in prize-money.

But she is prominent in the ante-post betting and Swann, who also won the 2012 Hilary Needler with Jadanna, believes the positive market vibes for Richard Fahey’s filly could be on the money.

He said: “Moon Of Love is from a good staying family and we’d be hopeful she’d get a mile in time.

“We got her from the breeze-ups, which we’ve gone into a lot of depth with for the last five or six years. Everything has to be right – mentality, confirmation, looks – when we buy a horse, and she fit the bill.

“She’ll probably end up favourite on Saturday but she is a horse we are very excited about.

“It’s not going to be easy against horses that have already raced, but Richard likes her a lot.”

Summer Sands, also trained in Malton by Fahey, was well backed on his debut in a hot York novice stakes, in which he overcame early naivety to finish fast and strong for third place.

Swann expects the young son of Coach House to have improved immeasurably for that run in the five-furlong Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy.

He said: “We were delighted with York and he didn’t have a hard race. He’s a big, rangy sort and the form from York has picked up really well.

“Coach Houses have won on good to firm and good to soft, so if there is cut in the ground it wouldn’t bother him at all.

“We know that there’s a lot more to come from him.”

Cool Sphere, under the same ownership, is still engaged for the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy, but Robert Cowell’s inmate is scheduled to run at Bath on Friday evening.

Swann added: “Cool Sphere is another horse we really like, but, whatever happens, we’ve at least two very good horses heading to Beverley.

“If pressed, though, I’d say Moon Of Love has the better chance.”

The first of eight races – the Dadie Oughtred Memorial Handicap – on A Very British Raceday at Beverley on Saturday begins at 1.25pm and will, along with the Hilary Needler and Brian Yeardley trophies, be televised live on ITV Racing.

Glamour, sophistication and socialising are all synonymous with a day at the races, but it is ramped up when it comes to Ladies Day.

Each of the nine racecourses in Yorkshire will be offering superb prizes for their Best Dressed Lady. The first competition is at Wetherby on Thursday, May 30 and they continue across Yorkshire throughout the summer before the final Ladies Day at Doncaster on Friday, September 13.

These are exciting days when everyone gets the chance to dress to impress and, uniquely in Yorkshire, all nine winners are invited to attend a Grand Final at Doncaster on Saturday, October 26 where they and their guest will be wined and dined in a private box for the day as well as having the chance to be crowned Go Racing In Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady 2019.

In addition to the title, the winner will take home a diamond ring worth £2,000 from loveVintageDiamonds.com, a two-night spa break at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel and a £500 clothing voucher from new sponsor, Incognito.

So just what do you wear for Ladies Day? For Malton racehorse trainer Ruth Jefferson, choosing an outfit on a normal race day is fairly standard.

“I had 15 pairs of the same brand of black trousers at the last count,” said Ruth, when asked how she plans what to wear for the races. “Being practical is a must, there’s no point wearing a skirt that’s too tight for me to leg the jockey up!”

However, when it comes to special occasions like Ladies Day, Ruth who took over the training licence from her late father Malcolm, admits she needs a bit of help.

After an invite to Royal Ascot last year was followed up with a social media post along the lines of, “Can I wear trousers to Royal Ascot? Mum says no but I haven’t got a dress,” it was evident a spot of shopping was required!

Like all trainers, Ruth puts the needs of the horses and staff before herself and while she likes to keep an eye on the fashion scene, having the time to follow it up comes way down the ‘to do’ list.

“I need to be smart yet comfortable and able to work. It’s a balance between being able to be hands on with the horses but presentable to the owners and in the racecourse enclosures. I only wear white trousers if we’re running a grey!” Ruth added.

Just what to wear is an age-old problem for female racegoers, but fashion boutique, Incognito can certainly come up with the answer. The business which is now based in Bawtry has been in existence for over 30 years and has a keen racing clientele.

“Doncaster racecourse is just up the road and both my sister and I are regular attendees” said Jackie Reynolds, joint partner.

“We stock collections from very well-known designer brands, plus we are always careful to guide clients as we know that friends will be attending the same social events and don’t want to be wearing the same dress as someone else. Our personal service also helps to mitigate any fashion faux pas!” she added.

The boutique has a range of styles for all tastes and the sisters have an eye for knowing what will suit clients as soon as they walk through the door. With so much variety and expert guidance, finding the perfect outfit for Ladies Day will not be a problem.

Jackie and her sister Bernie took on the challenge of kitting out Ruth in garments that are both practical and stylish and did so with fantastic results.

“I live in jodhpurs and a fleece, so it’s really nice to be pushed out of my comfort zone. I’ve worn things at Incognito that I wouldn’t normally pick up in a shop and I’m pleasantly surprised by the outcome!” said Ruth, who also put herself in the hands of students from the White Rose College of Beauty for her hair and make-up.

“I definitely look younger and must try harder on a daily basis,” she joked when she saw the final result.

However, it wasn’t all about work as Jackie and Bernie prepared a glamorous look for Ruth and her mum Sue in readiness for their annual trip to York’s Ebor meeting in August, when Ladies Day is on Thursday, August 22.

“We’ve always loved going to York,” said Sue, “it’s a fantastic racecourse and it comes at a time when we are less busy at home so can relax and enjoy ourselves among colleagues and friends”.

While the outfits are the main focus of attention it is the accessories that enhance the detail. The winner of the Best Dressed Lady Final will have the perfect accompaniment as she sports a glistening 1920’s vintage ring made of 18 carat white gold from loveVintageDiamonds.com.

The two-stone twist crown is set with oval, cushion-shaped, rose-cut diamonds of the period and the total diamond weight is approximately 0.70 carats with a value of £2,000!

The winner will be able to tie in their trip to Incognito with a two night stay in a Spa Suite at the Best Western Mount Pleasant Hotel, a stay which includes champagne and home-made chocolates produced by the hotel’s own chocolatier on arrival, dinner with wine in the newly-refurbished Brassiere Artisan from the Table D’Hote menu, a full English breakfast on both days as well as a luxury fruit basket and Espa gift bag.

Helen McIlroy, of the Mount Pleasant Hotel said, “Given our proximity to Doncaster Racecourse we regularly have owners and trainers staying with us for the races or the sales and like to offer them some high-end luxury, whether their visit is for pleasure or for work purposes. It’s fitting that we should be able to offer something similar to Go Racing In Yorkshire’s Best Dressed Lady.”

Beverley Racecourse today announced it is staging a charity takeover race meeting to support the fantastic work of some of the region’s most worthy causes.

Beverley Racecourse has invited five local charities – Cash for Kids, the Daisy Appeal, Dove House Hospice, Hull Homeless Community Project and R-evolution – to take centre stage at The Great Big Beverley Charity Racenight on Tuesday, June 18.

The pioneering race meeting was revealed today on Racing Together Community Day, which showcases British racing’s extensive work supporting the community and good causes outside the industry.

Although Beverley Racecourse has supported many charitable causes in the past, it will be the first time it has organised a dedicated, charity-focused race meeting, with each organisation given a range of benefits to help them raise funds and awareness on the night.

The free assets include 100 Premier Tickets, worth £2,000, to sell and give away for the event; a race named after each charity on the night; the chance to go into the Parade Ring to choose the best turned out horse with their guests and present the trophy afterwards; a half page advert in the racecard; and banner space at the final furlong, Paddock Bar or Parade Ring.

They have also been given stand space to carry out fundraising activities, digital profile via social media and the racecourse website, and charity prizes for corporate hospitality guests, which they can add a percentage to and re-sell, raising additional funds.

Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome all five charities to the first of our three evening meetings of the 2019 season.

“This will be our first race meeting supporting multiple charities, all of which do amazing work in the region.

“Rather than focus on a single charity we’ve decided to support five very worthy causes. We’ve also decided to go all out by effectively devoting the evening to them – it really is their night!

“The assets and opportunities we are making available to the charities are worth thousands of pounds will enable them to turn that into vital funds, while also raising awareness of their good work.

“We hope as many people as possible will join us on the night and support these great causes.”

The charities involved in The Great Big Beverley Charity Racenight offer a range of services and support to vulnerable members of the community or people at some of the most difficult times of their lives.

• Cash for Kids supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children living in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.
• The Daisy Appeal aims to give local people faster, more accurate diagnosis to three of the region’s biggest killers – cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
• Dove House Hospice offers specialist palliative care to adults, which means the total care of patients whose illness is no longer curable and for whom the goal must be quality of life.
• Hull Homeless Community Project supports homeless people, believing that with the right approach, funding, government support and community education, homelessness can end and prevention is the answer.
• Cottingham-based R-evolution aims to develop the skills of disadvantaged people in the local community through accredited training and skills development.

R-evolution has recently joined forces with East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s road safety team, the Refugee Council and Safer Roads Humber on an award-winning refugee cycle project for Syrian refugees who have settled in the East Riding having escaped the civil war in their country.

The 30 refugees are the second group to have been given training in cycling skills and road safety to help them navigate the roads safely and enable them to travel to employment, or education, as they integrate into the community.

They were presented with reconditioned bikes and safety gear, including helmets and hi-visibility vests, last month and will take part in a the Refugee Cycle Challenge ride around Beverley on the day of the racenight, as part of Cycle4life Week, led by the council’s road safety team.

The ride route will finish at the racecourse, where the refugees will receive a welcome party with afternoon tea and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour.

John Marshall, Chief Executive of R-evolution, said: “We train people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who are homeless, have mental health problems, physical issues, are long-term unemployed, or are prisoners or ex-offenders.

“We offer a range of training opportunities, including three-month placements in our workshop, where our trainees repair and refurbish donated bikes which we then provide to groups such as local schoolchildren and, in this case, the refugees, through East Riding Council’s refugee cycle project.

“We’re very excited about the racenight and to have a race named after our charity is amazing. We really value Beverley Racecourse’s support, both with the refugee cycle project and the opportunity to raise funds for our charity.

“R-evolution wouldn’t be able to operate if it wasn’t for the strength of our partnerships. This partnership is a great example of organisations coming together to achieve something very special and make a real difference.”

The Great Big Beverley Charity Racenight is the latest example of Beverley Racecourse using innovative ways to support local good causes.

A previous charity event last year saw Beverley Racecourse become the first course in the country to stage a deaf-friendly raceday. The event was designed in partnership with the British Deaf Association (BDA) and earned Beverley the Outstanding Initiative Award at the Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase & Awards, the Oscars of the racing industry.

Last season Beverley Racecourse also joined forces with Contact the Elderly, a charity dedicated to combating loneliness among older people, to stage a raceday tea party for 80 local elderly people.

Gates open at 4.30pm for The Great Big Beverley Charity Racenight on Tuesday, June 18, with the first race at 6.30pm and the last race at 9pm. For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/event/evening-racing/ or call 01482 867488.

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Beverley Racecourse has teamed up with Michelin-starred chef James Mackenzie to bring a season of gastronomic delights to discerning racegoers.

The Chef and Proprietor of Michelin-starred gastropub The Pipe and Glass has created an array of mouthwatering dishes for the award-winning racecourse, reflecting his style of modern British cooking using seasonal produce from his own kitchen garden and herbarium.

Working closely with the racecourse team and catering partner, CGC Event Caterers, James has developed six signature dishes which will alternate through the season, along with a special menu for 2019’s final raceday.

The Beverley Races catering team spent an afternoon with James at The Pipe and Glass, at South Dalton, near Beverley, learning how to prepare the exciting new dishes, ahead of the menu’s launch at the racecourse’s second meeting of the season.

Diners had the chance to meet James and enjoy the delicious new menu in the racecourse’s premier restaurant, The Attraction, which boasts superb views of the track and the historic Westwood from its position on the first floor of the Premier Enclosure.
James said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing a taste of The Pipe and Glass to Beverley Racecourse this season. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the style of food we’re noted for.

“This is the first time we’ve partnered with a venue where our dishes are featured on the menu and it’s very exciting for us. It also gives us the chance to promote East Yorkshire and all its attractions as a great visitor destination.

“Our dishes will alternate so regular racegoers can experience something different during the season.

“A key part in developing the menu was listening to the CGC team to understand what best suited the racecourse environment. This worked well for us, as our style is uncomplicated – we use simple, seasonal ingredients to create tasty Yorkshire-influenced food.”

The partnership with The Pipe and Glass comes at a time when there are more reasons than ever to visit Beverley Racecourse, with a series of themed meetings offering an unbeatable combination of socialising, sport and first-class hospitality.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re really excited to be working with James and enabling our guests in The Attraction restaurant to enjoy the fantastic food for which The Pipe and Glass is so renowned.

“We believe it’s the perfect partnership, as we like to think we’re one of East Yorkshire’s leading venues and The Pipe and Glass is the highest-rated eatery in the area.

“So many of our regular racegoers love to make a great meal in The Attraction restaurant the centrepiece of their day out at the races and The Pipe and Glass is a much-loved venue for many of our discerning diners.

“It’s bringing two of their favourite experiences together in one place.”

The mouthwatering dishes created by James will alternate throughout the season and consist of two starters, two main courses and two desserts.

Starters to enjoy are Yorkshire cold smoked salmon, hot smoked salmon Scotch egg, with heritage potato and chive salad, nasturtiums, and a brown shrimp dressing; and potted Yorkshire coast crab with pickled cucumber, brown crab stick, sea buckthorn puree finished off with a drizzle of dill oil.

The delicious main courses are cider and grain mustard braised crispy shoulder of pork with Lockington honey-roasted peach, sprouting broccoli, sage and onion soubise, and a black pudding fritter; and confit duck leg, duck boulangere potato, buttered leeks, pickled brambles, celeriac puree and a parkin crumb.

The two delectable desserts are poached rhubarb and Lockington honey and ginger wine syllabub with cinder toffee; and lemon and thyme posset with marinated strawberries and black pepper meringue.

Tim Wray, Outside Catering Director of Yorkshire-based CGC Event Caterers, said: “We’re very proud to have been the catering partner at Beverley Racecourse for over 20 years now. During that time we have continually looked to improve and develop the offerings in keeping with the ambitions of the venue.

“We see the exciting new association with James Mackenzie and The Pipe and Glass as the start of another successful relationship.”

A former 17th century coaching inn, The Pipe and Glass has been run by James and his wife Kate since 2006, and is now a welcoming country pub where customers can drop in for a pint of “Two Chefs” ale, tuck into classic “pub grub” dishes or enjoy the highest standards of modern cuisine.

The acclaimed venue was awarded the highly-coveted Michelin Star in 2010 and has retained it ever since.

A former Michelin Pub of the Year, The Pipe and Glass’s other notable accolades include the Good Pub Guide’s National Dining Pub and Yorkshire Dining Pub of the Year, as well as consistently featuring in the Morning Advertiser Estrella Damn Top 50 Gastropubs.
James has several books under his belt, including his award winning “On the Menu” cookbook, and is also a familiar face on TV, with appearances on Saturday Kitchen and Kirstie’s Handmade Britain.

James said racegoers were in for a special treat at the 2019 season closing raceday, on September 24.

He added: “We’re also looking forward to our kitchen takeover of The Attraction restaurant on the final race of the season – we’ve planned some real showstoppers!

“We’ve created a special menu showcasing the very best The Pipe and Glass has to offer, with canapes on arrival; heritage tomato and North Sea lobster salad; braised ox cheeks; and topped off with a raspberry and pistachio delice.

“For later in the day, we’ve created an alternative to afternoon tea with The Pipe and Glass ‘proper’ ploughmans, with a selection of cold cuts, Yorkshire cheeses, pickles and homemade bread. It will be a very special occasion and a great afternoon for all.”

The link-up with The Pipe and Glass continues Beverley Racecourse’s tradition of working with elite eateries. It follows an award-winning, two-year partnership with Winteringham Fields in north Lincolnshire, which raised the profile of The Attraction following a £700,000 investment to extend and refurbish the restaurant.

The quality of dining and service offered at The Attraction contributed to Beverley being named as one of the top racecourses in England and Wales for customer experience in 2018, alongside venues such as Aintree and Ascot.

To book a table in The Attraction restaurant, call Sara Daniher of the racecourse catering team on 01482 867488. The restaurant is extremely popular, so racegoers are advised to book in advance and can reserve a table for the whole meeting for just £10 per head. A limited number of tables are available on the day, on a first-come-first-served basis.

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David Loughnane on Thursday attempts to improve upon his outstanding record at Beverley when he saddles two runners on the Westwood.

The Market Drayton-based handler has secured 11 winners from 43 runners at the well-attended East Yorkshire circuit and is operating at a most impressive £75.50 profit from a £1 stake.

And after having enjoyed a lucrative start to the Flat season, hopes are high that Seamster and Stringybark Creek – both of whom are owned by Sarah Hoyland – can do the business at Beverley’s second meeting of the campaign.

The former runs in the Beverley Annual Badgeholders Handicap at 2.50, while Stringybark Creek goes to post for the eight-and-a-half-furlong Westwood Handicap at 4.55.

Loughnane said: “Our horses are in great order and Beverley has always been a lucky track for us.

“We enjoy having runners there and hopefully we can strike it lucky again.”

Seamster is a stable favourite at Helshaw Grange as he will be having his 108^th career start.

The 12-year-old chestnut also won at Beverley two years ago but will be having a first outing for 169 days, when successful at Nottingham.

Loughnane added: “Seamster put us on the map when we first started and he means so much to us.

“When we went to Nottingham last year we said before the race that we’d retire him – win, lose or draw.

“But then after he won, Cameron Noble got off him and just said, ‘You can’t retire him. He’s as good as he ever was’.

“Since then we’ve given him a break and put him out in a field, but all he wanted to do was gallop and get back to work.

“He just loves the game and even though he is 12 years young, I’d say this is the best condition we’ve ever had him in.

“He will benefit from the run, I think, but we’re not there to make up the numbers.

“He goes well fresh, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he won.”

Stringybark Creek won twice at Beverley last year and is reported in rude health following a pleasing comeback at Nottingham a fortnight ago, when a short-head second behind Saisons D’Or.

“He needed the run at Nottingham, but he ran really, really well,” said Loughnane.

“We could do with a bit of rain, which is forecast, but saying that, he’s got a nice, low weight and likes it at Beverley.

“This is a step up in grade from Nottingham but you can ride him any way you want, really, and I’d say he’d take all the beating.”

Beverley’s eight-race card begins at 1.40, with the official going described as good to firm, good in places.

Award-winning Beverley Racecourse is launching an action-packed 2019 season with an Easter-themed raceday packed with family activities, including a “magical” Easter tree adorned with 500 chocolate eggs!

The family-friendly Westwood venue has teamed up with Pocklington-based chocolatier, Butterflies Chocolate, to host the Easter tree hung with real chocolate eggs, as well as egg-decorating workshops.

The first meeting of the season, on Wednesday, April 17, is a perfect family day out during the Easter holidays. Artistic youngsters will be able to learn how to decorate the eggs using white chocolate, sprinkles, stars and chocolate beans, as well as enjoying other activities such as mini funfair rides, trampolines and face painting.

Marketing Manager Kate McKee, said: “After a very successful 2018, we’re really looking forward to another exciting season with new initiatives lined up, as well as the return of popular racedays such as Bygone Beverley and A Very British Raceday.

“We’re continuing to make our racedays very family-orientated so it’s fitting that our first event of the season is during the Easter school holidays. It’s a perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some quality time together.”

Firmly established as one of East Yorkshire’s best days out, Beverley Racecourse offers an unbeatable blend of socialising and first-class hospitality plus, of course, exhilarating flat racing over one mile and three furlongs on the spectacular course.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re excited to be starting the season during the Easter holidays, with the perfect occasion for families looking for a fun and entertaining day out.

“The season ahead will deliver the ideal mix of exhilarating racing, popular theme days and family-friendly events giving our visitors a wonderful experience, whether they’re a seasoned racegoer or someone who has never experienced a day at the races.

“Last season was memorable in many ways and we’re looking to raise the bar yet again this year to make a day at Beverley Racecourse an even more enjoyable experience.”

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Beverley Racecourse is celebrating a memorable 2018 season, on and off the track.

The Westwood course enjoyed bumper attendances throughout the season as the Beverley Races team introduced a series of initiatives designed to provide an excellent raceday experience and improve inclusivity and accessibility for all.

The season also saw the announcement of plans for a new £4.8m grandstand featuring top-quality facilities for racegoers. The investment, the biggest in the history of the course, comes as Beverley continues to develop a reputation for being one of Britain’s most innovative and forward-thinking racecourses.

Average raceday attendances rose by almost six per cent year-on-year over the course of the season, despite a washout on opening day, as a total of 80,000 people flocked to the stunning venue. That meant the racecourse equalled last year’s total attendance, despite one fewer raceday.

Following a similar six per cent rise in attendances in 2017, Beverley is continuing to buck a national trend of decline in racecourse visitor numbers.

Among the highlights of the season was another hugely successful Flemingate Ladies Day in August, which attracted 12,000 people, up by 1,000 on 2017. This year, the glamorous event included an appearance by Love Island star Chris Hughes, who judged the ever-popular most stylish man and woman competitions.

Other memorable moments included a visit by Beverley-born A-list actress and Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson, who started the much-loved Donkey Derby during A Very British Raceday in June.

Meanwhile, the course witnessed an exhilarating first, in the shape of “horse-boarding”, which involves a horse rider tow a board rider at high speeds. September’s Beverley Bullet meeting saw the racecourse set a world speed record for the extreme sport.

Beverley Racecourse Chief Executive Sally Iggulden said: “It has been a memorable year at the racecourse and we’re absolutely delighted with another rise in average raceday attendances.

“This season we knew we would be competing with the football World Cup, so we decided to make the most of it, and our raceday on July 7, which coincided with England playing Sweden in the quarter final, turned out to be one of our busiest and best meetings. We showed the game on a big screen and there was a fantastic atmosphere.

“The feedback from other courses in Yorkshire is that attendances are generally down year on year, so we’re thrilled to be bucking the trend. I believe that’s due to our focus on the quality of the raceday experience and innovative thinking that is making this course more accessible, inclusive and popular than ever before.

“I must pay also tribute to the amazing efforts and incredible skill of our ground staff who, against the odds, were able to produce excellent and safe course conditions for horses and jockeys throughout the season, despite a very wet winter and an exceptionally dry summer.”

Innovative events during the season included the staging of Britain’s first deaf-friendly raceday, designed in partnership with the British Deaf Association.

The pioneering event included British Sign Language (BSL) interpretations of the build-up to races, displayed on a big screen, and extra training for staff to ensure that people with hearing impairments were able to enjoy fully a thrilling day at the races. It is hoped the initiative, which will be developed further throughout 2019, will be followed by other racecourses around the UK.

In July, the racecourse joined forces with Contact the Elderly, a charity dedicated to combating loneliness among older people, to stage a raceday tea party, when 80 local elderly people and volunteers enjoyed an afternoon of tea, cake and conversation, to a backdrop of top-quality horse racing and family entertainment.

And on May Day Bank Holiday, residents from three Beverley care homes were invited to the first Bygone Beverley event, when the course stepped back in time to recreate a raceday in 1960.

Meanwhile, Beverley continues to be a byword for excellence in raceday experience.

Throughout the season, celebrity chef Colin McGurran brought a cordon bleu dining experience to racegoers with a new “Signature” menu in The Attraction restaurant, thanks to a partnership involving his Winteringham Fields restaurant and the racecourse’s exclusive catering partner, CGC Event Caterers.

It’s a relationship the course will continue to promote in 2019, as it looks towards a bright future and its new grandstand, which will provide an enhanced customer experience and additional hospitality opportunities for racegoers.

Subject to planning permission, work on the new development is due to begin in September 2019, at the conclusion of next season’s racing, and will include demolition of the existing 1960s main stand.

Marketing Manager Kate McKee said she was proud of the innovative approach the course had taken to engage with members of the community who might not otherwise enjoy racing at Beverley.

She said: “It was a very rewarding experience to see our efforts to improve inclusivity and accessibility pay off by staging events such as Britain’s first deaf-friendly raceday and our tea party for isolated elderly people.

“We have been helped along the way by some wonderful community partners, such as the British Deaf Association and Contact the Elderly, and we look forward to harnessing their expertise again in 2019 as we continue to build on these successes.

“We’re excited to be pioneering such inclusivity initiatives for the racing industry and championing the cause of making racing accessible to all.”

Our Little Pony attempts to win the biggest prize of her career when she lines up in the £20,000 Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes at Beverley’s final meeting of the season on Tuesday.

The locally-owned filly is a regular on the Westwood, having won at the track three times from eight starts.

Two of those victories were achieved this summer, but she also showed her versatility with a convincing success at Thirsk on September 8.

Our Little Pony has gone up 5lb in the weights ahead of the five-furlong Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes (3.55), but trainer Lawrence Mullaney believes she will rise to the challenge for her Beverley owner Richard Swift.

The North Yorkshire-based handler said: “She’s been a great little filly for us.

“She’s improved with every run and hopefully she’s not done yet.

“For her to win at Thirsk last time, when we were worried about the ground, was an absolute delight.

“Richard lives within walking distance of the track and walks his dog on the Westwood every single day – he loves the place.

“For him to have winners at Beverley means so much to him.”

Mullaney is, however, realistic about the chances of Our Little Pony shaking up the big-hitters.

He said: “This is a very stiff assignment but we know she’ll try her best.

“She’s only small, so she’s better off running with a low weight in a race like this.

“There aren’t many options for horses like her at this time of the year, but it’s Richard’s track and I’m sure she’ll run well for him.

“It’s a shot to nothing, but we’ll roll the dice and see what we can do.

“Whatever happens, she owes us nothing.”

The Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes is always an informative encounter, and was last year won by none other than subsequent Nunthorpe hero Alpha Delphini.

Our Little Pony faces six rivals in this year’s renewal of the five-furlong dash, with Orvar set to carry top weight.

Perfect Pasture is the highest-rated horse in the field as he makes a brisk turnaround following a creditable effort in the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday.

Last-time-out scorer Merhoob makes the journey from Newmarket, with Tricksy Spirit also involved for the Mick Channon operation.

Savalas and Copper Knight complete the septet for the Beverley showpiece.

Earlier on the eight-race card, Mullaney saddles the appropriately named Beverley Bullet in the seven-and-a-half-furlong Colin McGurran @ Beverley Racecourse Handicap (3.20).

The five-year-old son of Makfi won nicely at Carlisle in August but had no luck at Pontefract last Thursday.

Mullaney said: “He had a very bad draw at Ponte, so that one can be forgotten and he didn’t have a hard race.

“He likes soft ground and if we get rain between now and Tuesday, that wouldn’t worry me one bit.

“He’ll be trying his best, and he certainly wouldn’t be out of it.”

Beverley’s final meeting of the season begins at 2.10pm, with the going currently soft, good to soft in places.

Winston C is ready for business ahead of his belated return in the Eppleworth Handicap at Beverley on Wednesday.

The four-year-old son of Rip Van Winkle was a solid performer for Newmarket trainer Michael Bell and was not beaten far in races like last year’s Melrose Handicap at York.

But Winston C has since been transferred to renowned jumps trainer Harry Fry and now competes in Charles Wentworth’s silks.

The two-time winner also underwent a gelding operation last October as he gears up for a first start for 341 days.

Dorset-based Fry, who will be saddling a first runner at Beverley, said: “He’s been with us a few months and he’s got some nice form in the book.

“He’s had a break, and now he’s ready to run. He’s done plenty of work at home and we’re very happy with him, but, like all of them, he’ll be better for the outing.

“We’re very relaxed about his future, and the plan is to take it one race at a time with him.

“The Beverley race looks the right race for him, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Winston C will carry top weight in the mile-and-a-half Eppleworth Handicap (3.25), in which he faces nine rivals.

Be Perfect, Sunglider, Vision Clear and Weather Front are all course-and-distance winners, with the latter on a hat-trick for in-form trainer Karen McLintock.

Northumberland-based McLintock said: “He’s been absolute star for us.

“He had a few issues – ulcers and things like that – but they’ve all been ironed out now and he’s well and truly turned the corner.

“He’s a much brighter, happier horse these days. That’s made all the difference on the track as he’s enjoying putting his best foot forward again.

“The handicapper is going to get him eventually, but Jamie (Gormley) gets on with him really well and we know he likes the track.

“He’s been so consistent all year, and he deserves to win another one.

“You’d like to think he’s still progressing and it would be lovely if he could bring up the hat-trick.”

Beverley’s penultimate meeting of the season is an eight-race programme which begins at 1.50pm. The going is good, with a high of 19C forecast for raceday.

Take Cover ensured his place in Beverley folklore by winning back-to-back renewals of the £60,000 William Hill Beverley Bullet.

The mighty 11-year-old, trained in South Yorkshire by David Griffiths, bounced out of stall nine under David Allan and never saw another rival.

Take Cover won the Beverley Bullet in similar circumstances 12 months ago and once again showed trademark pace and power to repel the persistent challenge of Mythmaker by a length and a quarter. Elnadim Star finished an honourable third, beaten another half a length.

Take Cover (3-1 joint-favourite) is owned and bred by Andrew Hollis, of Norcroft Park Stud, and expressed delight at the outcome.

Hollis said: “He’s one in a million.

“The Nunthorpe at York last week (in which he finished sixth) didn’t take much out of him so that was incredible.

“He didn’t start running until he’s four, which is why he’s been able to keep going for so long.

“We call him Take Cover because when he was younger we all had to take cover from him because he was very quirky.

“I’m always nervous to watch him as he means so much to us. He’ll be so difficult to replace.”

Hollis confirmed that Take Cover is likely to have raced at Beverley for the final time as he is set to be retired at the end of the season.

He said: “We’ll probably go to Newbury now for the race he won last year (Dubai International Airport World Trophy) and then we’ll probably retire him.

“I couldn’t bring him back at 12. He doesn’t deserve that as he’s done amazing for us.”

Take Cover is the second dual scorer of the William Hill Beverley Bullet, with Chookie Heaton having won the much-coveted Listed sprint in 2004-05.

 

Bawtry-based Griffiths said: “To keep going like he does, he’s absolutely unbelievable.

“I’m just so proud of him. To come back for a second time and do it is great.

“He’s taken us to another level. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse and has the heart of a lion.”

Allan added: “He’s just an absolute legend and has reflexes like a cat.”

Porth Swtan (9-1) later looked a horse set to take higher order after he won the £50,000 Beverley Silver Cup.

Talented William Cox gave Charlie Hills’ five-year-old a peach of a ride to take the big prize by a head from Glasses Up.

Cox, who was securing a 45^th career victory, said: “That’s my biggest winner so far so I’m delighted.

“When I got to the line I knew he had won. He’s a very tough horse and battles well.”

North Yorkshire trainer Paul Midgley will saddle three runners in his quest to win the William Hill Beverley Bullet for the first time.

Midgley will once again rely upon Line Of Reason, who finished runner-up in the Listed sprint in 2015 and will be competing in the Bullet on Saturday for a fifth time.

The Westow handler is also responsible for last year’s runner-up Final Venture andTanasoq, who won four races on the bounce earlier in the season.

Line Of Reason will be ridden by Joe Fanning, with Final Venture partnered by Luke Morris and James Sullivan called up for Tanasoq.

Midgley said: “All three of them are in very good form.

“Line Of Reason has run so many good races at Beverley, but he has, annoyingly, only won once at track. To be fair, he’s bumped into a few good ones over the years and, occasionally, the ground has gone against him. He loves it at Beverley and is as hard as nails.

“FInal Venture ran great at York last week when a neck second to El Astronaute, who has been terrific all year. It was annoying to get beat, but he’s come out of it really well and goes to Beverley with a big old shout. On the ratings, he’s not a million miles away.

“Tanasoq has been brilliant for us this year. It’s there in black and white what he’s done. He’s got a big engine and is a very fresh horse.

“It’s disappointing not to have won the Bullet before but hopefully our luck can change.”

Eleven horses have been declared for the William Hill Beverley Bullet, which this year is worth £60,000.

The sponsors have installed last year’s brilliant winner Take Cover as the 11-4  favourite, with Final Venture next in the market at odds of 3-1.

Others prominent in the betting include Mr Lupton (5-1), Elnadim Star (13-2) and Mythmaker (10-1).

The final field for the William Hill Beverley Bullet is completed by popular veteran Mirza, Foolaad ,Tricksy Spirit and Short Call.

Course maestro Judicial could try to claim one of the biggest victories of his career in the £60,000 William Hill Beverley Bullet on Saturday.

The six-year-old sprinter is unbeaten in two starts at the popular East Yorkshire circuit and, significantly, holds the five-furlong course record at the track.

Malton trainer Julie Camacho gave Judicial the chance to shine in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York last Friday, but he failed to fire and finished 13th behind Alpha Delphini, who won the Beverley Bullet in 2016.

But the gelded son of Iffraaj is reported in fine fettle following those exertions, and is now likely to make a swift turnaround in the much-coveted Listed race at Beverley.

Dan Downie, racing manager for owners Elite Racing, said: “We’ll see how he is for the rest of the week, but we are likely to look very closely at the Beverley Bullet.

“He didn’t have much of a race on Friday. He was quiet, for whatever reason, and Luke (Morris, jockey) said on the way down that he didn’t pull his arms out, like he tends to do.

“It was disappointing, but that wasn’t his running. He also missed the break at York, and that didn’t help, either.

“He seemed fine afterwards, though, and the Bullet looks a very good race for him.

“The ground is going to go at some point so we haven’t got many bullets left to fire, pardon the pun, and we are seriously looking at sending him to Beverley.

“He’s two from two at the track, the prize-money is very good, and he also holds the Beverley course record over five furlongs.”

Judicial is one of 21 possible runners in the William Hill Beverley Bullet, with last year’s hero, the David Griffiths-trained Take Cover, also in contention for the big race.

Elnadim Star (Kevin Ryan), Kimberella (Richard Fahey) and El Astronaute (John Quinn) have also been confirmed on a strong list of star speedsters.

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “The William Hill Beverley Bullet has once again captured the imagination, and we are thrilled with the cast of possible runners on Saturday.

“We were also delighted to see the locally-owned Alpha Delphini, the 2016 Bullet winner, claim Group One glory in the Nunthorpe at York on Friday.

“We’ve made no secret that we are continually striving for the Beverley Bullet to become a Group race and hopes are high that it will be another sprint to savour.”

Beverley Racecourse has revealed plans for a new grandstand – the largest single investment in the history of the venue.

The racecourse has submitted an application to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for full planning permission for the £4.8m development which will provide an enhanced customer experience and additional hospitality opportunities for racegoers.

The new grandstand will provide improved viewing for spectators, both inside and outside the building; expanded and enhanced catering and hospitality facilities; and fit-for-purpose kitchens, toilets and other amenities.

The grandstand would replace the existing 1960s main stand which has rudimentary facilities and no disabled access beyond the ground floor.

Terracing in the new, fully-accessible grandstand will have tiered viewing areas offering a more casual and social experience for racegoers and bar and dining areas will be glazed so customers can enjoy excellent views onto the course and also back across Beverley’s picturesque Westwood.

The ground floor will feature a new entrance, a large open bar and new gaming area while the first floor will feature a high-quality bistro, for casual dining overlooking the course.

The top floor will provide an extension for the racecourse’s exclusive Premier Enclosure, with semi al fresco dining on a balcony offering unrivalled views of the scenic course.

On non-racedays the grandstand will offer excellent facilities for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, dinners and other events.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive at Beverley Racecourse, said: “These plans will provide the racecourse with the modern, fit-for-purpose facilities we need to meet the expectations of racegoers today and into the future, as well as having a competitive offer for other events.

“The new grandstand will be built on the same footprint as the existing stand and be the same height as the current structure, to ensure there is no additional impact on our beautiful setting.

“We’re very sensitive to our location. The existing stand is a bit of an eyesore – it’s a typically 1960s structure that doesn’t blend in particularly well with the surroundings. We’ve been very careful in the design of the new stand to ensure it will complement the Westwood.”

The grandstand project will be managed to ensure there is minimal disruption to racing and racegoers.

If planning permission is granted, demolition of the existing grandstand would begin in September 2019, following the end of next year’s racing season. Foundations and the concrete base for the new grandstand would be put in place during the off season and a new temporary “village” with viewing areas, bars and toilets put in place for the 2020 season.

Construction of the new grandstand would then begin in September 2020, with completion scheduled for April 2021 in time for the start of the next racing season.

Ms Iggulden added: “We’ve remodelled the existing grandstand over the years, but it simply can’t provide what we want and need.

“Instead of making the best of an old building that is no longer fit for purpose, we have decided to make this investment in a new stand which will see us into the future and enable us to retain Beverley’s position as a highly-respected racecourse and venue.

“We’re growing our attendances each year and we continue to be an industry innovator. To continue to do that, and compete in the leisure market, we need modern facilities that give customers what they expect from a day at the races.

“With interest rates at historically low levels there’s no better time to invest in a major capital project. It’s been on our wish list for a number of years and we feel now is the time to go ahead.”

The racecourse is run by the Beverley Race Company Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation managed by a Board of Directors dedicated to maintaining Beverley as one of the North’s longest-established and best-loved racecourses.

All profits from race meetings and other events are ploughed back into delivering an outstanding experience for racegoers and the racing community. Over the past 15 years £7m has been invested in new and improved facilities.

The new grandstand will be financed through a combination of the racecourse’s reserves and funds from lending institutions – the first time the racecourse will have gone out to the market to support investment at the course.

Charles Maxsted, Chairman of Beverley Race Company, said: “We have invested over many, many years in projects that ensure we provide a high-quality venue for racing, primarily, and for other events, and to ensure we have sustainable business.

“As directors we’re very conscious of our role as custodians of a racecourse that has a proud history going back well over 300 years. This development will play a key part in future-proofing the racecourse for generations to come.”

The plans have been welcomed within the racing industry and by partner organisations of the racecourse.

Maggie Carver, Chairman (CORRECT) of the Racecourse Association (RCA), which represents all 59 British racecourses, said: “News of this significant development in building a new grandstand is incredibly exciting for Beverley Racecourse and Yorkshire racing as a whole.

“It is testament to the management that they are committing such resource into developing the facilities, which will enhance the experience for all customers visiting the Westwood. I am confident it will be of great benefit to the local community and economy.”

Rick Bailey, Chief Executive of Daniel Thwaites, which has invested £6m in the much-loved Beverley Arms, which re-opened last month, said: “There is significant investment in a number of areas in Beverley, which is making the future of the town really exciting – it’s one of the things that attracted us to the area.

“Beverley Racecourse is hugely important to the town and wider area, especially the visitor economy, and we know it has a proud record of continually improving its facilities.

“It’s great to see one of the area’s best-loved venues joining with us in investing so significantly and making Beverley an even more attractive place for visitors.”

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Beverley Racecourse has been one of the region’s most treasured venues for over 300 years.

“The plans for the new grandstand are very exciting and I have no doubt it will greatly enhance the visitor experience and benefit the local community and economy. I wish the team great success with the development.”

Bit Of A Quirke attempts to extend his electric run of winning form when he returns to his beloved Beverley on Monday evening.

Trained by Mark Walford in Sherriff Hutton, North Yorkshire, the five-year-old chestnut is seeking a five-timer in the George Kilburn Memorial Handicap (7.30).

Bit Of A Quirke’s winning streak started on June 9 when he struck at Beverley over the same mile-and-a-quarter trip.

He then rattled off a Beverley treble before claiming a first career victory away from the East Yorkshire circuit at Chester on July 14.

The son of Monsieur Bond, who also won twice at Beverley last season, is reported in rude health for this latest assignment at his spiritual home.

Regular jockey Andrew Mullen said: “The winning run will have to end at some stage, but he’s in real good order.

“Mark has done a super job with him as I’m not sure he’s that straightforward a horse.

“But he’s obviously in great form now and is bubbling away nicely, which certainly makes my job a little easier.

“He’s got an awful lot of weight on Monday, but he loves it at Beverley and when horses keep winning like he does, they are in such a positive frame of mind that anything is possible.

“If he gets beat, he gets beat, but we’re expecting another big run.”

Beverley’s card also features the Jaimie Kerr Memorial Handicap (7.00), a five-furlong sprint run in memory of the partner and assistant of trainer Tony Coyle who was just 38 when she died three years ago.

Malton-based Coyle will try to win the race with Maureb and Newgate Sioux, while Musharrif was successful 12 months ago and again lines up for the Declan Carroll team.

Beverley’s Carnival Racenight, featuring samba dancers, the New York Band and Rio-inspired carnival floats with live drummers, is part of the Sky Bet-sponsored Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.

Now in its ninth year, the festival celebrates eight days of superb racing and entertainment at the county’s Flat racetracks.

Beverley’s seven-race card starts at 6pm. The going is good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions.

Monday’s forecast is a mix of cloud and sunny spells – with a chance of showers on the evening

David Menuisier has challenged Psychotic to go the distance at Beverley on Tuesday as the West Sussex trainer tries to win the Watt Memorial Handicap for a second consecutive year.

Menuisier claimed the big staying race – now in its 132^nd year – 12 months ago with Corpus Chorister, who, like Psychotic, is owned by Clive Washbourn.

And now the same combination bid for the double with the five-year-old son of Nayef, who was an encouraging fifth over a mile and a half at Beverley on June 26.

Menuisier said: “I thought he ran really well on his last start at Beverley last month.

“He stayed on well for fifth place over a mile and a half, and that is the reason we have gone back to Beverley as he obviously likes running up that hill.

“Whether or not he will get the two-mile trip, I’m not sure, but we think it is worth a chance.

“Last year he was a very difficult ride, but he has relaxed a lot more now and is learning to become a racehorse.

“We cannot be too bullish about his chances, but we will be absolutely delighted if he can keep on progressing.”

Despite being five years old, Psychotic has raced just seven times and only made his debut in August 2017.

Pulborough-based Menuisier said: “He’s a horse who has had many, many problems.

“He had quite a bad leg injury, and to save the horse’s racing career we needed to geld him because he was just too heavy.

“It’s a bit of a miracle that he’s even be able to run at all, to be honest.

“Because of his problems, he was like a two-year-old last year and it is still very early days for him – it’s trial and error, really.

“All we hope is that he keeps improving.”

 

Five horses have been declared for the Watt Memorial Handicap (3.30), including Altra Vita from Sir Mark Prescott’s yard.

The three-year-old daughter of Animal Kingdom is unbeaten in three outings this season and looks an improving horse.

Prescott also won this race two years ago with another three-year-old filly, St Michel, who is rated as highly as 108 and had been in contention for the 2017 Melbourne Cup.

Menuisier said: “We are under no illusions. The Prescott filly will be very hard to beat.

“That said, you should never be scared of one horse so hopefully he will run very well.

“Whatever happens, he will be an interesting horse for the second half of the season, so anything before that is a bonus.”

High On Light (David Barron), Stormin Tom (Tim Easterby) and Gabrial’s King (Richard Fahey) complete the quintet for the Watt Memorial Handicap.

Beverley’s meeting begins at 2pm and also showcases the RB Camel Derby, which is now in its third year.

jockey Paul Mulrennan believes talented juvenile Que Amoro has a fine opportunity in which to get off the mark at the third attempt when she runs at Beverley on Friday evening.

The two-year-old daughter of Es Que Love, trained in Co Durham by Michael Dods, is one of eight declared runners for the five-furlong William Jackson Food Group British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (6.35).

And she brings to Beverley some really good form, too, having finished an encouraging fifth on her debut at Thirsk in May.

Que Amoro then took another step in the right direction at Carlisle last month, when third in a strong five-furlong novice stakes for fillies.

The winner of that race, Little Kim, was subsequently not beaten far in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot and then won a Group Three in France on Tuesday.

Carlisle runner-up Stage Play has also franked the form by winning at Ripon in June.

And Mulrennan said: “She’s a very nice filly, and it’s good to see the form from Carlisle working out so well.

“We haven’t run that many two-year-olds because the ground has been so quick, but she’d be right up there with the ones that have had a run.

“Hopefully there’s plenty more to come, and this looks an ideal race for her.

“Beverley’s stiff five furlongs should suit her nicely and it would be disappointing if she was not there or thereabouts.”

Mulrennan also rides stablemate Proud Archi in the feature even on Beverley’s six-race card, the Jackson’s Yorkshire Champion Bread Handicap over seven and a half furlongs (7.15).

Proud Archi has not yet hit peak form this season, but he is a two-time course-and-distance winner for owners Eagle Racing.

Mulrennan said: “He’s on a good mark and he likes Beverley.

“My only hope is that there is a bit of pace for him as he likes a good end-to-end gallop.

“He doesn’t mind quick ground at all, and that trip is what he wants. Everything looks spot-on for him, to be honest, and hopefully we’ll have a good night.”

Six runners have been declared for the Jackson’s Yorkshire Champion Bread Handicap, with last-time-out winner Areen Heart set to carry top weight for the David O’Meara team.

Ruth Carr is responsible for Magical Effect and Katheefa, who both finished second a week ago, while the field is completed by Roaring Forties (Rebecca Bastiman) and Viscount Loftus, whose trainer Mark Johnston has won this race twice in the last four years.

The official going at Beverley is good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions.

Gates open at 4pm for Beverley’s 70s Racenight, featuring Bus Stop, with the first race due off at 6pm. Premier Enclosure tickets are sold out for the meeting, but tickets for other enclosures are still available.

Take Cover makes a welcome return to Beverley on Tuesday evening when he runs in the British EBF Conditions Stakes (7.30).

The popular 11-year-old sprinter has his first start at the East Yorkshire circuit since he brilliantly won the Listed Beverley Bullet last September.

David Griffiths’ dual Group Two winner takes on four rivals in a compelling renewal of the £14,000 five-furlong dash.

And though Take Cover must concede weight to the field, his trainer is expecting big things.

The South Yorkshire handler said: “We were thinking of going to Ireland with him (Midsummer Sprint Stakes at Naas), but this race fits in better.

“He’s got a lot of weight, but the ground will be ideal and it looks tailor-made for him.

“He’s the class horse in the race and shouldn’t really be getting beat.

“He ran well at Haydock, but his work after that has been really good.

“He’s getting back to where he was last year and he’s lost that bit of weight that he needed to.  “He’s totally where he needs to be.”

Takes on two former winners of the British EBF Conditions Stakes in Line Of Reason and Judicial.

Line Of Reason broke Beverley’s five-furlong course record when he claimed victory in 2016, but Judicial eclipsed that feat 12 months ago when he became the first horse to navigate the circuit in under a minute.

Judicial has been in good form this season, having finished a neck second to Mabs Cross in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket in May.

Julie Camacho’s six-year-old then had no luck whatsoever in a Listed race at Haydock on June 9.

Steve Brown, Camacho’s assistant trainer and husband, said: “The Palace House was a nice start, but it was disappointing he couldn’t back that up, through no fault of his own, at Haydock.

“We’ve always thought he could be a Group winner and hopefully he’ll get the chance to show that this season.

“He’s very quick and very progressive.”

El Astronaute, who is now rated 103 after a string of super performances this season, also lines up for the John Quinn team, while David Barron’s Robot Boy completes the Beverley quintet.

The going at Beverley is good following 12 millimetres of rain on Saturday, with the six-race card due to start at 6.30pm.

Jungle Inthebungle is likely to head to Royal Ascot after he upheld family honour by winning the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.

Mick Channon’s talented young colt (8-1) found daylight when it mattered under Charles Bishop and surged half a length clear of Tin Hat. Victory Command, the 9-4 favourite, finished third, another length and a half away.

There was a neat symmetry to Jungle Inthebungle’s victory in the £35,000 conditions stakes as his sire, Bungle Inthejungle, also claimed the five-furlong sprint in 2012. 

Jack Channon, the trainer’s son and assistant, said: “His old man won this a few years ago and it’s great that he’s followed up.

“We gave him a bit of a break after Kempton, when he didn’t quite run his race, but he’s trained great.

“He’s a lovely horse, with a great temperament. He’s just like his old man – tough and hardy – and a great advertisement for the stallion.

“We might have a look at the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot now. It’s on the Saturday this year so it might just fit perfectly.”

Bishop added: “He’s a tough, bonny horse and has won the pot he deserved.”

 

Connections of Kodyanna are keen to run the filly in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot after she dazzled in the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.

The two-year-old daughter of Kodiac stepped up from an encouraging debut at Nottingham last month to take the £35,000 fillies’ sprint by a head in a thrilling finish.

Deia Glory looked to have done enough from the front, but the Paul Hanagan-ridden Kodyanna (4-1) held sway at the death to fuel Royal Ascot ambitions.

Kodyanna’s mother, Jadanna, fittingly won the Hilary Needler Trophy in 2012 for owners the Cool Silk Partnership, who also claimed top honours with Chica La Habana in last year’s renewal.

Cool Silk partner Peter Swann, who is also chairman of Scunthorpe Utd, said: “She’s magnificent and will come on a lot for that.

“She was a bit unlucky on her first start as she got hampered, but we knew she was a very talented filly.

“We like to go to Ascot, so the plan is to hopefully to go to the Queen Mary. It’s a bit tight in terms of time, but if she comes out of it, that’s where we’ll go.”

“We think there’s a lot more to come from her.”

 

Hanagan added: “She worked really well the other day and is very, very tough.”

 

Mark Johnston saddles Victory Command and No Lippy in his quest to claim two of the biggest prizes of the season at Beverley on Saturday.
Victory Command lines up in renowned Royal Ascot trial, the £35,000 Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy (2.40).
Stablemate No Lippy then runs in a fine renewal of the historic Hilary Needler Trophy (3.15), which is also worth £35,000 in prize-money.

Johnston won the five-furlong Brian Yeardley 12 months ago with Cardsharp, who finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and continually held his own in top company as a juvenile.

Victory Command has already caught the eye on a racecourse. The son of War Command easily won a Doncaster novice auction stakes on May 19. He then finished second to the highly-rated Ninetythreetwenty in a six-furlong conditions stakes at Pontefract six days later.

Charlie Johnston, the trainer’s son and assistant, said: “He’s got a long way to go to reach the heights of Cardsharp, but he hasn’t done much wrong.

“He won very comfortably at Donny and then probably bumped into quite a nice horse at Ponte.

“He’s the highest-rated horse on Timeform figures and he’s got a leading chance.”

Stablemate No Lippy is prominent in the betting for the prestigious Hilary Needler Trophy, which will also provide significant clues for Royal Ascot and beyond.

The Oasis Dream filly, owned by Barbara and Allick Richmond, has won three times already this season.

No Lippy was only last in action a week ago when she drew a length and a half clear in the Edinburgh Castle Stakes at Musselburgh.

Charlie Johnston said: “She’s a fantastic advertisement for getting a horse out and running.

“I was quite impressed with her at Musselburgh. A few behind her met with trouble in running, but I thought she did well.

“She takes her races very well and when the entries came out for the Hilary Needler it was always the idea to go to Beverley.

“Royal Ascot is certainly on the agenda. She makes us very proud.”

Johnston last won the five-furlong Hilary Needler in 2003 with Attraction, the dual Guineas heroine who went on to achieve greatness on a racecourse.

Beverley’s eight-race card begins at 2.05pm and also features the £15,000 Nearly Graham Hallett Memorial Fillies’ Handicap over a mile and a quarter (3.50).

The going is good ahead of A Very British Raceday at Beverley, with sunny spells and a high of 16C forecast for Saturday.

Trucking By Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy (2.40)

1) Its the Only Way (Richard Hannon/Pat Dobbs)
2) Life Of Riley (Karl Burke/Clifford Lee)
3) Big Ace (Tim Easterby/Andrew Mullen)
4) Jungle Inthebungle (Mick Channon/Charles Bishop)
5) Tin Hat (Eve Johnson Houghton/Kieran O’Neill)
6) Victory Command (Mark Johnston/PJ McDonald)
7) Wasntexpectingthat (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan)
8) Adam Tiler (Robert Cowell/Gerald Mosse)
9) King Billy (Brian Ellison/Ben Robinson)
10) Midnight Sands (James Given/Barry McHugh)

Hilary Needler Trophy (3.15)

1) Alicia Darcy (James Given/Barry McHugh)
2) Antico Lady (Brian Ellison/Ben Robinson)
3) Dame Gladys (Kevin Ryan/Andrew Mullen)
4) Deia Glory (Scott Dixon/Kieran O’Neill)
5) Good Tyne Girl (Richard Fahey/Paddy Mathers)
6) Gypsy Spirit (Tom Clover/Gerald Mosse)
7) Josiebond (Rebecca Bastiman/Phil Dennis)
8) Kodyanna (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan)
9) Lady Prancealot (David Evans/Clifford Lee)
10) No Lippy (Mark Johnston/PJ McDonald)
11) Pearl Of Qatar (Brian Ellison/JP Guillambert)
12) Vikivaki (Robert Cowell/Charles Bishop)
13) Wedding Date (Richard Hannon/Pat Dobbs)

Young Newmarket trainer Tom Clover believes Gypsy Spirit has a lot going for her in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 9).

The two-year-old daughter of Gregorian features amongst 13 declarations for what looks a superb renewal of the £35,000 conditions stakes over five furlongs.

And Clover has gone out of his way to appoint star French jockey Gerald Mosse for the ride on Gypsy Spirit, who won well on her debut at Windsor before finishing third in a hot novice stakes over six furlongs at Lingfield.

Clover said: “It’s worth good money and the track will suit her well.

“I’d love a drop of rain for her, being by Gregorian, but that’s not to say she won’t run well if it doesn’t come.

“We’ve a nice rider and she runs off level weights compared to Lingfield, so they are both positives.

“I was surprised at Lingfield by how much she had sharpened up for her run at Windsor and hopefully she’s still progressing.

“We think she’ll enjoy running over five furlongs up the hill at Beverley and if she ran very well, you’d have to look at Royal Ascot – especially if there is some cut in the ground.”

The Hilary Needler Trophy was famously claimed in 2003 by the mighty Attraction, whose former trainer Mark Johnson this year saddles prolific winner No Lippy.

Last-time-out winners Dame Gladys (Kevin Ryan), Good Tyne Girl (Richard Fahey) and Pearl Of Qatar (Brian Ellison) have also been declared, while Lady Prancealot (David Evans) and Wedding Date (Richard Hannon) have winning form, too.

Robert Cowell won the Hilary Needler Trophy 12 months ago with Chica La Habana and this season saddles Vikivaki.

Chica La Habana carries the colours of the Cool Silk Partnership, who are doubly represented in the ultra-competitive dash by the James Given-trained Alicia Darcy and Fahey’s Kodyanna.

The Ellison-trained Antico Lady, Deia Glory (Scott Dixon) and Josiebond (Rebecca Bastiman) complete a top-notch line-up.

Life Of Riley will attempt to get on the Royal Ascot bandwagon by winning the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 9).

The £35,000 conditions stakes over five furlongs has a rich recent history of producing Royal runners, with last year’s winner, Cardsharp, subsequently finishing third in the Norfolk Stakes.

Life Of Riley will try to maintain that trend by producing the goods at Beverley for North Yorkshire trainer Karl Burke.

The Showcasing colt made an encouraging debut at Hamilton, but really came into his own when he stormed a length and a half clear in a five-furlong novice stakes at Ripon on May 30.

Niall O’Brien, racing director for Life Of Riley’s part-owners, the Ontoawinner syndicate, said: “We probably expected a little more from his debut, but he was a little bit green.

“He certainly made up for it at Ripon and we think he’ll step forward again.

“We don’t know quite how good he is yet, but we think he’s very smart.

“He was a bit babyish, green and coltish before his victory at Ripon, so you’d imagine he should be a good deal better for that run.

“The Brian Yeardley is a good race with good prize-money, and if were to win, we’ll go to Royal Ascot for the Windsor Castle Stakes.”

This year’s renewal of the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy has received 10 declarations, with Cardsharp’s trainer Mark Johnston hoping Victory Command can complete a significant double.

Richard Hannon saddles two-time winner Its the Only Way, while Big Ace (Tim Easterby), Jungle Inthebungle (Mick Channon), Wasntexpectingthat (Richard Fahey) and Tin Hat (Eve Johnson Houghton) have also been victorious in their short careers.

Adam Tiler (Robert Cowell), King Billy (Brian Ellison) and the unraced Midnight Sands (James Given) have also been declared in the big race.

Jungle Inthebungle will attempt to uphold family honour by winning the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.

The talented juvenile’s sire, Bungle Inthejungle, won the £35,000 conditions stakes in 2012 before going on to claim two Group races in a fine career.

Jungle Inthebungle won on his debut at Lingfield in April and then finished second in a strong sprint at Kempton.

He will be having a first start on turf in the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy, a renowned final staging post before Royal Ascot.

Trainer Mick Channon said: “Obviously his father won the race, so it’s a good one for him to go for.

“We’ve been pleased with him at home and we think he’s quite a nice horse.

“Bungle Inthejungles go on all ground, so we have no problems about what it’s going to be like at Beverley.

“We’d have to see, but if he won the Brian Yeardley we’d have to have a think about Royal Ascot.”

West Ilsley-based Channon could also saddle Big Boots in the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley.

The young son of Society Rock won on debut at Bath in early May and has since held his form admirably.

Channon said: “It’s not 100 per cent certain that he’ll run yet, but he’s been running well in good races.

“We might well head to Beverley with him if I’m happy with him. If he settles, he’ll be a good horse.”

Stablemate Cotubanama is also squarely in the firing line for the historic Hilary Needler Trophy on the same card at Beverley on Saturday.

The daughter of Heeraat has been campaigned at a high level since she won a heavy-ground conditions stakes at Salisbury in April.

Cotubanama was last seen finishing fourth in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom last Friday.

Channon expects big things from her in the much-sought-after £35,000 conditions stakes over Beverley’s five furlongs.

He said: “She was unlucky last week. She just got carried wide and would probably have finished second if that hadn’t have happened.

“It was heavy at Salisbury, but she’s another that goes on any ground.

“It’s a nice race for her. She’s got a great chance.”

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien could have a first runner at Beverley on Saturday (June 9) as Staycation is in the frame for the Trucking by Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy.

The son of Acclamation is well regarded by connections, though fortune has not been on his side in three starts to date.

But a big run from Staycation in the £35,000 conditions stakes over five furlongs could convince Co Kilkenny-based O’Brien and owners Nick Bradley Racing to spin the wheel at Royal Ascot.

Nick Bradley said: “He has plenty of ability, but he’s a bit of a character.

“On his last start at Catterick he barged past two of them, and then he just stopped. He just put the brakes on. It wasn’t like he was out of energy or anything like that.

“Whether it was immaturity or quirkiness, I don’t know, but I’m hoping it’s the former.

“He’s got multiple entries, but the Brian Yeardley is always a good race and there’s a fair chance he’ll go, as there’s not a lot in Ireland for him for a while.

“Joseph likes him a lot and if he runs and wins at the weekend, we might think about Royal Ascot.”

The five-furlong Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy received 17 entries and was won last season by Cardsharp, who subsequently finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Cardsharp’s trainer Mark Johnston could this year saddle impressive Doncaster maiden winner Victory Command.

Well Done Fox (Richard Hannon), Yousini (Kevin Ryan), Wasntexpectingthat (Richard Fahey), Big Ace (Tim Easterby) and Life Of Riley (Karl Burke) were all last-time-out winners and could also line up.

As might the Mick Channon-trained Jungle Inthebungle, whose sire, Bungle Inthejungle, won the Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy in 2012.

Nick Bradley Racing could also be represented by unraced filly Little Kim in the prestigious Hilary Needler Trophy on the same Beverley card.

Bradley said: “She cost 45,000 guineas and is a half-sister to Out Of The Flames, who ran in the Breeders’ Cup.

“Karl Burke likes her a lot and says that she goes nicely at home, so we’re pretty confident she’ll turn into a nice filly.

“She’s been suffering from sore shins, which is why she’s not had a run yet, but she’s getting there now.”

Brian Ellison could saddle highly-rated juveniles Pearl Of Qatar and Antico Lady in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 9).

Pearl Of Qatar already has important Beverley experience, having won a five-furlong novice stakes by a length in May.

That was the daughter of Footstepsinthesand’s only career start and she is now set to step up in class for the £35,000 Hilary Needler Trophy, which is a renowned springboard towards Royal Ascot.

Ellison said: “She’s got a bit more work to do at home, but the plan at this stage is to run in the Hilary Needler.

“She’s a very nice filly. She was a big price on her debut at Beverley, but it didn’t surprise me that she won like that as she’d been going nicely at home.

“We also took her for a gallop at Pontefract, and that did her a lot of good.

“She’s very laid-back at home, but she’s got a lot of pace and is a horse we like a lot.”

Stablemate Antico Lady finished seventh of nine runners on her sole start at Thirsk on May 19, but Ellison is convinced she will not be out of place in the Hilary Needler.

The Malton-based handler said: “She ran a lot better than her finishing position might suggest at Thirsk.

“She’s a filly we think a lot of and hopefully she’ll get to show that at Beverley.”

Pearl Of Qatar and Antico Lady are amongst 21 entries for the Hilary Needler Trophy, which was famously won by the peerless Attraction in 2003.

Attraction’s former trainer Mark Johnston has this season entered Lingfield scorer Octave and No Lippy, who has won three of her four races to date.

Robert Cowell won the Hilary Needler last June with Chica La Habana and could this year saddle Bhangra and Vivivaki.

Dame Gladys (Kevin Ryan), Good Tyne Girl (Richard Fahey) and the Richard Hannon-trained duo of K Club and Wedding Date are already winners and could also run.

It could be an important afternoon for Ellison at Beverley on Saturday as he will also take the plunge with King Billy in the £35,000 Trucking by Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy.

Owned locally by Keith Brown, the Zoffany colt is expected to be a great deal sharper than on his debut at Catterick on June 1.

Ellison said: “He’s a nice horse and Keith loves having runners at Beverley so we’ll give it a go.

“He might need a longer trip in time, but he’s been working well at home and came out of Catterick grand.”

The five-furlong Brian Yeardley Two-Year-Old Trophy is also a significant pointer towards Royal Ascot, with last year’s winner, Cardsharp, finishing third in the Norfolk Stakes.

Nothing celebrates a typical English summer more than a sunny afternoon at the races, traditional fairground attractions and a refreshing glass of something bubbly – topped off with a rousing singalong!

And that’s what racegoers can expect next week as the hugely successful A Very British Raceday returns to picturesque Beverley Racecourse, celebrating all that makes this country great.

The quintessentially British afternoon of racing, on Saturday, June 9, will see Beverley-based Remarkable Rock Choir serenade patriotic racegoers with classic anthems by rock legends such as Queen, The Beatles, Oasis and Status Quo.

In their largest-ever singalong, the 70-strong company of singers will complete the day with a rip-roaring rendition of legendary Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody and a rocking finale of God Save the Queen.

Remarkable Rock Choir founder Mark Howley said: “We’re really looking forward to performing at A Very British Raceday.

“Our singers will lead the racegoers in a huge singalong – all accompanied by a live band of professional musicians – and we’ll be encouraging everyone to join us in belting out the British rock classics that we all know and love.

“Our fantastic singers will be wearing patriotic colours and really get into the spirit of the occasion. It promises to be a fantastic end to a perfect day’s racing. So drape yourself in red, white and blue, tune up your vocal chords and dust off your air guitar!”

As in previous years, racegoers and racecourse staff alike will join in with the patriotic spirit and don British-themed outfits and accessories.

Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “Everyone loves our Very British Raceday. It’s one of our most popular race meetings of the season and a lovely celebration of the great British summer.

“Many racegoers don their finest red, white and blue outfits and Union Jack accessories and it’s great to see and hear people join in with the singalong.

 

 

 

“Off the track we have a full-size carousel, traditional side stalls and our usual top-quality dining offerings.

“It’s also one of our biggest meetings of the season with lots of good sprinters running, so avid racegoers can expect some first-class horseracing.

“It will be an unmissable day with an amazing atmosphere, so start planning your outfit and book your tickets today!”

The meeting’s racing line-up features two of the season’s top races – the Hilary Needler and Brian Yeardley Trophies for two-year-old fillies and colts respectively.

The two flagship races set many young horses on the road to stardom at Royal Ascot on June 19, and throughout the rest of the season. Each carrying a purse of £25,000, the races are highly sought after by owners, trainers and jockeys.

The popular meeting will also see a return of the hilarious Beverley Donkey Derby, which sees professional jockeys compete to be first past the post on their stubborn and unruly steeds! The donkeys will then be on their very best behaviour as they take children on rides throughout the afternoon.

Racegoers are being advised to book in advance for one of Beverley’s most popular racedays, especially if they wish to dine in The Attraction restaurant, which offers superb views of the course and this year features a signature three-course menu created by celebrity chef Colin McGurran from the acclaimed Winteringham Fields restaurant in north Lincolnshire.

Tickets for all the fixtures are available to buy online at http://beverley-racecourse.co.uk/racing/season-calendar or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488. Racegoers are advised to book in advance, especially for the most popular meetings.

Keep up to date with Beverley Racecourse on Facebook @BeverleyRacecourse; on Twitter @Beverley_Races; and on Instagram Beverley_racecourse.

HARRY Angel, racing’s top six-furlong star, will make his annual bow in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes on Wednesday – the opening day of York’s 2018 season.

The Clive Cox-trained colt won the Darley July Cup at Newmarket and the Sprint Cup at Haydock in a glittering 2017 campaign that led to him being ranked as the leading sprinter in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.

Harry Angel also won the 2017 Cartier Sprinter award and will start his four-year-old season rated 125.

Jockey Adam Kirby resumes his partnership on the Godolphin-owned colt as part of a select field of seven for the six-furlong Group 2 on the Knavesmire worth £125,000.

Harry Angel will carry a 5lb penalty for his past success at Group 1 level.

Lambourn-based Cox said: “We are looking forward to bringing him to York.

“We had a tricky spring and I think it’s fair to say this is a starting point. So I’d be pleased when he has got his first run under his belt.

“But he is in good nick and the yard is going well at the moment.

“He has done very well over the winter. He is turning up with a penalty because of his Group 1 success last year but I am very happy with him.

“He is a once in a lifetime horse. He makes the heart race on every occasion you see him on the racetrack.

“It’s a dream to have a top-flight horse. On last year he was the highest-rated six-furlong horse in the world. That’s an amazing accolade and I’m very proud to be in charge of him.”

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York, gave the going as ‘good, good to firm in places, on Monday morning.

Cox added: “William does a wonderful job with the ground, so we are pretty relaxed in that respect. This horse has proven very versatile on all sorts of ground.”

The Dante Festival at York runs from Wednesday, May 16 to Friday 18 May inclusively.

Beverley Racecourse is searching for a camera-friendly couple to be the stars of its most glamorous event of the year, Flemingate Ladies’ Day!

In its most ambitious Ladies’ Day promotion yet, the award-winning racecourse is looking for a confident couple to take part in a filmed challenge based on a reality TV show format.

Beverley Races’ “Don’t Tell the Lady” mini-series will see a local couple take on a challenge in a bid to spend a lavish VIP day out at the hugely-popular Flemingate Ladies’ Day in August.

In true celebrity-style, the lucky couple will be whisked to the racecourse in a chauffeur-driven limousine and spend an all-expenses paid afternoon enjoying fine dining, champagne and spectacular views in the exclusive Directors Box.

Throughout the day the couple will be the stars of the day, with photographers capturing their every move in true paparazzi style!

After enjoying an exciting afternoon of racing, the glamorous couple will have exclusive access to the racecourse after-party before a comfortable chauffeur-driven journey home.

Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “At Beverley Racecourse we love to do things first and we’re pretty sure that no other British racecourse has ever had a ladies’ day challenge as unique as this!

“We’re looking for a couple with star-quality who will really get into the spirit of our Don’t Tell the Lady challenge. They will be chosen from a shortlist of contenders, following a series of filmed auditions and we’ll be involving the public in the process.

“Couples need to be confident and natural in front of a camera and are ready for lots of fun, fashion and fame!

“We’re not giving away too much just yet, but all I’ll say is a keen eye for fashion will come in very handy!”

2018 is the second year of the racecourse’s partnership with Beverley’s Flemingate retail and leisure destination for the hugely-popular Ladies’ Day race meeting.

Flemingate Ladies’ Day is the best attended meeting in Beverley’s busy calendar, with more than 11,000 racegoers enjoying last year’s afternoon of racing.

Graham Tait, Flemingate Centre Manager, said: “Last year’s first Flemingate Ladies’ Day was a great success and we’re looking to build on that this time around.

“Working with Beverley Racecourse is always very exciting and the plans for this year’s Flemingate Ladies’ Day are no exception – the team have really raised the bar!

“Don’t Tell the Lady will be great fun and a perfect opportunity for any couple seeking a taste of stardom.

“The team at Beverley Racecourse will reveal more over the coming weeks and months. Watch this space!”

Don’t Tell the Lady is open to couples of all ages, and same sex couples, living in Beverley, Hull and the surrounding villages.

Fame-seeking couples wanting to take part in the Don’t Tell the Lady challenge must showcase their star qualities in a short audition video and will need to be available for a day’s filming during week commencing June 11. Filming will take place out and about locally and also at the couples’ home or homes.

To apply, e-mail a short video (two minutes or less) or send a YouTube link, by June 1, to Kate McKee, Marketing Manager, at kate@beverley-racecourse.co.uk.

Archie Watson claimed a first juvenile winner of the season at Beverley last week and attempts to repeat the dose with Quiet Endeavour on Tuesday (May 15).

The talented Upper Lambourn handler saddles the unraced son of Society Rock in division one of the five-furlong Racing UK Now In HD Novice Stakes at 2.10pm.

And hopes are high of a strong show from the two-year-old, who fetched 37,000 euro at the sales and is owned by the influential Ontoawinner racing syndicates.

Watson said: “He’s got plenty of boot and he works with a couple of two-year-olds who have already run well.

“He’s fit and ready to go and his work has been good. He’s a nice horse, but we are hoping he’ll come on plenty for the run. 

“I also see him more of a six-furlong horse in time, but you’d like to think Beverley’s five furlongs will suit him.

“I’d be hopeful we see him put in a very professional display.”

Watson claimed a similar race at Beverley’s well-attended fixture on Bank Holiday Monday when Rockin Roy dazzled on his debut.

The two-year-old son of Fast Company, owned by Greenfield Racing, did really well to defeat The Great Heir by a nearly two lengths in a strong sprint.

He is now in contention to run at Royal Ascot.

Watson said: “I think he’s a very nice horse.

“We’ll see how he gets on under a penalty next time, but that felt like a good race at Beverley and he won really well.

“We’ll know more about him after his next run, but I see him as a Royal Ascot horse, where he could go for something like the Windsor Castle.”

The going at Beverley ahead of the eight-race card was described on Monday morning as being good after 11 millimetres of rainfall on Saturday night.

Sunny spells and a high of 18C have been forecast for Tuesday.

Feature race is the eight-and-a-half-furlong Westwood Handicap (4.10), for which 12 horses have been declared. 

Eternal won the race last year for Declan Carroll, who this season saddles God Willing.

Beverley racecourse will on Bank Holiday Monday (May 7) pay its respects to former leading jockey Mark Birch by staging a race named in his memory.
Birch, who died of lung cancer in October 2016 at the age of 67, enjoyed a 30-year association with Peter Easterby and twice won the Chester Cup aboard the legendary Sea Pigeon.
He retired from race-riding in 1998, having ridden 1,339 winners and having been crowned top northern jockey seven times. He then became assistant to Kevin Ryan and played a huge part in the Hambleton trainer’s rise to the top.
The Mark Birch Memorial Handicap over five furlongs (2.30) at Beverley will acknowledge his significant contribution towards racing in the north.
Beverley’s memorial race was the idea of Birch’s daughter, Jill Boak, who will also take part in the ‘Ride of their Lives’ charity race at York on June 16 in honour of her late father.
She said: “It’s all been part of the grieving journey, and it’s lovely to have a race at Beverley in Dad’s memory.
“Beverley was one of Dad’s favourite tracks so it seemed fitting to have a race there before we head to York.
“Beverley also means a lot to Mum, who will be giving out the award for best-turned-out horse.
“When we were collecting at Pontefract for Macmillan Cancer Support it was amazing all the people who donated who knew Mark and remembered him when he was a jockey.
“We’ll also be collecting at the gates at Beverley before racing, so hopefully people can once again come out to support us.”
Jill will ride at York in the ‘Ride of their Lives’ charity race, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, as she attempts to raise £10 for every race her father won – a target of £13,390.
Jill, who lives in Norton, added: “As kids, we very lucky as Mum and Dad both worked in racing. But I left home when I was 18 and didn’t ride a horse again until I was in my 30s.
“I dabbled a bit, but I’d never ridden a racehorse until last year, when I decided to apply for the York charity race.
“I had to do something in tribute to Dad and when I came across the charity race, I knew it was thing I had to do.”
Since February 2017, Jill has been working on her fitness at Jack Berry House, in Malton. She now rides out three mornings at Tim Easterby’s Great Habton stables and on one morning at Ryan’s yard.
Jill said: “I’m still not quite sure what I’ll be riding at York, but it will be one of Tim’s or Kevin’s horses.
“I’m just delighted to be involved. Dad’s ashes are scattered at York’s winning post, so to gallop past there, knowing he’s there, will mean the world to me.”
Beverley racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “Mark played such a pivotal role in northern racing and is truly a much-missed member of our community.
“We are deeply honoured to stage a race named in his memory and wish Jill and her family all the love in the world as she gears up for the charity race at York.”
Donations can be made on Jill’s JustGiving page – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jill-boak – or by post to 14 Park Grove, Norton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 9ED.

North Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart expects a strong display from Alfa McGuire when the talented colt attempts to preserve his unbeaten record at Beverley on Thursday (April 26).

The son of Lord Shanakill won twice at the East Yorkshire circuit as a juvenile and makes his seasonal reappearance in the £12,000 Alan McGuiness And Robin Lunness Memorial Handicap (2.35pm).

Alfa McGuire, who was considered good enough to run in the Grade One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last autumn, is one of six declared runners for the seven-and-a-half-furlong contest.

Smart said: “He’s a lovely horse and has done exceptionally well over the winter.

“Alfa McGuire has to give weight away, so it won’t be easy as there are some nice horses running.

“But he looks fabulous and this is a nice opportunity for him.”

Richard Fahey has won the race for the last two years and is responsible for Shazzab and potentially exciting filly Exhort, who carries the famous Cheveley Park Stud silks.

Faithful Promise (Mark Johnston), Mont Kinabalu (Kevin Ryan) and Placebo Effect (Ollie Pears) complete a fascinating line-up.

Smart could have a profitable afternoon at Beverley as he also sends three other Hambleton runners on to the Westwood.

He said: “Aerosphere is a first-time-out two-year-old filly, who has been going OK, and we also have Straightothepoint, who runs for the same owners (Crossfields Racing) in the five-furlong handicap.

“Trevithick won at Newcastle in November and is in good form, but he has to give a lot of weight away (in the Whistlejackets Craft Ale Bar Novice Auction Stakes).

“We’ve some nice chances at Beverley and I’d be perfectly happy to let the horses do the talking.”

The season might still be in its infancy, but Smart already has one eye on the £60,000 Beverley Bullet on September 1 with Alpha Delphini, who won the big Listed race in 2016.

Partly-owned and bred by Beverley resident Marie Matthews, the seven-year-old sprinter is a half-brother to Tangerine Trees, who won the Bullet in 2011.

Smart said: “Alpha was only just beaten first time out at Musselburgh last month, but he’s very well and will definitely be in the Bullet again.

“It would be fantastic if he could win that race again as it would mean so much to Marie after what ‘Tange’ did.

“Alpha Delphini is a bigger, stronger horse this year and hopefully he can have a great season.”

Beverley’s first meeting of the season last Wednesday (April 18) had to be abandoned as small areas of the course were waterlogged.

There are, though, no problems anticipated ahead of the track’s eagerly anticipated return to the Flat calendar.

Beverley head groundsman John Morley said: “The track is in great nick. We had 10 millimetres of rain on Tuesday night and the going is now good to soft, good in places.

“We might get a few more light showers, but Thursday looks a decent day with sunny spells and highs of 14C.

“The problem areas last week have now dried beautifully and it’s all systems go.”

Beverley’s eight-race card on Thursday starts at 1.30pm, and also features two divisions of the Rapid Lad Handicap over a mile and a quarter.

The two races again recognise the remarkable achievements of course maestro Rapid Lad, who won 12 races at Beverley between 1983-89.

Prominent owner Keith Brown is determined to help ease sad memories from last year by returning to the winner’s enclosure at Beverley this season.

Brown, who is based just nine miles away from Beverley in Swanland, has savoured numerous high-profile triumphs, most notably across the Irish Sea.

Top Notch Tonto won for the first time at Beverley and also famously finished second in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in 2013.

But last season Brown suffered heartache when one of his best horses, prolific Beverley winner Orewa, had to be put down.

Brown said: “Orewa picked up a nail on a back hoof and chipped a piece of the pedal bone.“We went to the end to the end of the earth to get him right, but we just couldn’t get him sound.”

Orewa, a four-year-old son of Helmet, won three times at Beverley. He also hit the jackpot at the Curragh two years ago when he earned connections 148,000 euro in the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes.

Brown added: “It’s been an awful time. He was such a high-class horse for us, but we’ve got to move on and look forward with lots of positive thoughts for the season ahead.”

For all the owner’s big-race success, nothing gives him as much pleasure than a winner at Beverley, which opens its gates for the first time this season next Wednesday (April 18).

Having a runner in two of the keynote races of the Beverley campaign – the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy and the Hilary Needler Hilary Trophy – is always a priority for Brown.

And this season he could have a perfect candidate for the Brian Yeardley, won last year by Cardsharp, who subsequently finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Brown said: “We’ve a lovely young horse called King Billy, who is a Zoffany colt.

“He’s a very precocious two-year-old and we are intending to run him at Beverley’s first meeting of the season next Wednesday.

“We think a lot of him and if he does what we think he’s capable of, we hope he can become a Royal Ascot horse.

“Beverley is my local track – I absolutely love the place – so it will mean a lot to me to get off to a flying start to the season with King Billy.”

Brown, surprisingly, did not have a domestic winner in 2018. But that disappointment was tempered by the exploits of Dream Walker, who won nearly 60,000 euro with victory in the “Ahonoora” Handicap at the Galway Festival last August.

Dream Walker is, though, set for a change of scenery as this season he will be trained in Ireland by Co Kildare handler Jarlath Fahey.

Fahey has also recruited Top Notch Tonto, who is now eight years old and has not won since June 2015.

Brown said: “Top Notch and Dream Walker both love it out in Ireland.“They’re not getting any younger so it makes sense to see how they get on over there.

“Jarlath is a very good trainer and I’m sure he’ll do a great job with them.”

Prize-money at Beverley has this season been raised to more than £1million, with the Beverley Bullet on September 1, won last year by the mighty Take Cover, now worth £60,000.

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden has also introduced a new mile-and-a-half handicap for three-year-old fillies on July 7, which will be contested for £25,000.

Beverley’s parade ring, meanwhile, has undergone a complete overhaul, with new safety rails and walkways in place to increase the welfare of the horse.

A new winner’s circle has been installed, too, with the intention to make even stronger memories for victorious owners.

 

 

Beverley Racecourse is stepping back in time to celebrate a distant era of racing on the Westwood.

The course is recreating a raceday in 1960, from a time when the country began to emerge from the post-war blues into a new era of optimism.

The Bygone Beverley raceday, on May 7, the May Day Bank Holiday, will feature retro attractions such as a full-size carousel, swingboats, traditional side stalls and fortune telling, while racegoers can also expect surprises on the day from a host of entertaining characters.

Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re very excited about our new themed raceday, Bygone Beverley.

“We’re recreating the 7^th May meeting from 1960 and celebrating racing as it used to be.

“There will be lots of free, traditional activities and entertainment for racegoers and families to enjoy and it will be a great way to spend the May Day Bank Holiday.”

Racegoers can try to outwit the street hustlers at a traditional Bunco Booth with fairground and racecourse scams, including Find the Lady, Prick the Garter and the Three Shell Game.

The Bunco Booth is being brought to the racecourse by Sideshow Illusions and Proprietor Jon Marshall said: “We’re challenging Beverley racegoers to roll up to the Bunco Booth and try to beat Sam the Scam, whose motto is ‘heads I win, tails you lose’.

“He’s a master of sleight of hand, so you’ll need to have your wits about you! It’s all for fun and you won’t lose any money, but we guarantee lots of laughs.”

Yorkshire-based performers Mad Dog Jones & his Swing Band will get toes tapping and fingers snapping with a rousing selection of swing and jazz classics throughout the day, while the meeting will feature a period bookmakers’ stand and demonstration of tic-tac – the secret sign language of the racetrack.

Revellers can also get hands-on and meet a range of animals such as meerkats, lizards and snakes, courtesy of exotic animal specialists Reptile Life – harking back to a time when such creatures were often among the raceday attractions.

The racecourse has invited residents from three Beverley care homes – Beverley Parklands, Claremont House and Beverley Grange – to attend with their families for a nostalgic day out. Racing Welfare, the charity supporting the British racing workforce, is also co-ordinating retired stable staff to join the day with relatives. All the guests will enjoy the day in a dedicated area, with tea, coffee and cake.

Racecourse staff have carried out meticulous research to make the day as authentic as possible and are encouraging people to help by sharing their memories and photographs of Beverley Races in that era by e-mailing kate@beverley-racecourse.co.uk

Kate added: “It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere on the day and all the staff are getting into the spirit and dressing up in the style of the times.

“We’re urging everyone to join us in wearing the fashions of the day. We’re posting style tips on our Facebook page and encouraging people to check out local charity shops for some vintage finds to wear.”

Bygone Beverley is one of the early fixtures of the season which Beverley Racecourse enters buoyed by being ranked among the best venues in the country for a day at the races.

Beverley was listed in the top 12 courses, out of 60 tracks across England and Wales, ranked alongside venues such as Ascot, Aintree and Cheltenham. Beverley was rated as “excellent” in the Racecourse Association’s annual assessment involving VisitEngland, which looks at all aspects of the visitor experience on raceday.

Tickets for Bygone Beverley, on Monday, May 7, and the rest of the fixtures are available to buy online at www.futureticketing.ie/client/beverley/nostalgia_raceday.html or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488. Racegoers are advised to book in advance, especially for the most popular meetings.

Details of the full Beverley Races 2018 fixtures can be found at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/racing/season-calendar

Return of the Donkey Derby, Camel Derby, Bark de Triomphe and so much more …
Press release
February 7, 2018
After a successful 2017 season of bumper attendances, new partnerships and exciting themed racedays, Beverley Racecourse is racing ahead with plans for a thrilling new season.
Racegoers can expect new themed race meetings, more family-friendly days, new and improved party nights, plus, of course, exhilarating flat racing over one mile and three furlongs on the spectacular Westwood course.
The full list of Beverley Races fixtures has been announced, with a total of 19 racedays, including established favourites and new attractions.
The Beverley Races season gallops out of the stalls with the season opener on April 18 and is quickly into its stride with one of this year’s new highlights – Bygone Beverley – a themed raceday taking us back in time to one of the most defining decades of the 20th century.
Bygone Beverley, on May 7, the May Day Bank Holiday, will take a nostalgic look at the swinging sixties, when post-war blues were swept away by optimism, iconic fashion, pop art and a revolutionary music scene.
The team at Beverley Racecourse will be inviting community groups to reminisce and share their memories of this iconic era ahead of the big day, to build the most accurate picture of racedays on the Westwood in times past.
Another new attraction is the Paw Patrol Family Raceday on Tuesday, July 31. This midsummer raceday at the start of the school summer holidays will feature characters from the hugely-popular animated series, Paw Patrol, and will also see the return of the hilarious Bark de Triomphe, a comedy race for jockeys’ dogs.
Never a racecourse to stand still, Beverley is also hosting an attempt to smash the Guinness World Record for Horseboarding, in a drag race taking place on the popular Beverley Bullet Raceday in September. Horseboarding brings together surfing, skateboarding and horse riding in an extreme sport that sees a rider on a horse tow a board rider at speeds of up to 35mph.
Kate McKee, Marketing Manager at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re working on some very exciting plans for this season.
“Bygone Beverley is the first new themed raceday and we’re inviting local community groups to share their memories of the 1960s with us to create an authentic experience.
“We’re also working hard on plans to make this year’s Flemingate Ladies’ Day an unforgettable experience and we’ll reveal more about that over the next few months.
“Some of our favourite events such as The Very British Raceday, Hull FC Family Day and the Beverley Bullet are returning, as they were hugely popular with racegoers last year. And we are, of course, looking forward to the famous Donkey Derby, Camel Derby and Bark de Triomphe!
“We’ve also listened to visitor feedback and moved our popular 70s Race Night featuring Bus Stop from a Tuesday to a Friday evening, so people can let their hair down and not worry about work the next day.
“Not only that, we’re trying to incorporate a beer and cheese festival into the season, so there’s a huge amount for racegoers to look forward to this year.”
Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse, said: “After such a successful year in 2017 we have our work cut out to make this season even better, but we’re determined to rise to the challenge.
“We’ve reviewed the full fixture list to give people even more reasons to come racing to Beverley this season.
“We’ve also been busy upgrading our facilities, including investing in improvements to the parade ring, and we’ve introduced e-ticketing technology so tickets can be emailed or downloaded to a smartphone, which will be more convenient for racegoers.”
Attendances at the popular course during 2017 were 6% up on 2016, bucking the trend for racecourses across the country, which showed a dip on the previous year.
The picturesque racecourse also claimed two prestigious awards – the esteemed Food and Beverage Award at the 2017 Racecourse Association (RCA) Showcase Awards, and Best Value Racecourse in the North, voted by members of the Racegoers Club, the official supporters club for British racing fans, as well as being shortlisted for several other accolades.
Beverley Races tickets for the season opener, on Wednesday, April 18, and the rest of the fixtures are available online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488. Racegoers are advised to book in advance, especially for the most popular meetings.
Details of the full 2018 fixtures can be found at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/racing/season-calendar
If you would like to share your memories or photographs of Beverley in the 1960s, or find out how you can contribute to Bygone Beverley Raceday, please email Kate at kate@beverley-racecourse.co.uk

Chief executive Sally Iggulden is keen to see the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet upgraded to a Group Three race.
The renowned five-furlong dash has been won by some exceptional sprinters in recent years, with the £50,000 Listed heat brilliantly claimed by Take Cover this season.
David Griffiths’ 113-rated 10-year-old subsequently advertised the Bullet form by a winning a Group Three race at Newbury on September 23.
Officials at Beverley are now hoping to convince the British Horseracing Authority that the Beverley Bullet is worthy of an even higher status.
Iggulden said: “We strive to update and to keep our races on a good level, and next year we are going to put a lot more funds into prize-money throughout the 2018 campaign.
“It’s always been my ambition to get the Beverley Bullet upgraded to a Group Three race and let’s hope Take Cover can take us there.
“It’s a long process as it does depend upon the winners you have had each season, but year on year we really have had some truly cracking winners of the Bullet.
“I do not think the Beverley Bullet would look out of place as a Group Three so hopefully we can make the dream a reality.”
Beverley chairman Charles Maxsted was able to reflect upon another fantastic year after the season came to an end on Tuesday.
In a report published last month, attendances at Beverley were found to have been six per cent higher than in 2016 – bucking the trend for racecourses across the country which are showing a six per cent decline on last year.
The 2017 campaign has also seen a series of new partnerships, a successful new format and partner for the season’s best-attended meeting, Flemingate Ladies’ Day, and Beverley being named as the north’s best value racecourse.
Maxsted said: “We’ve had a very fine season. We’ve had some very good innovations this year and Ladies’ Day with Flemingate was a great success.
“We’ve also had some very good racing and some very good winners, with Take Cover the star of the show.
“Attendances are up this year, which was very much against the nationwide trend, so that was ever so pleasing.
“I give credit to all the staff who have made this a season to remember and hopefully we can match, or even improve upon, the considerable gains made when we do it all again in 2018.”
Paul Hanagan was on Tuesday crowned leading Beverley jockey for the season with 10 winners, while Malton trainer Richard Fahey was the runaway top trainer on the Westwood with 16 victories to his name.

FIVE STARS OF THE BEVERLEY SEASON
STRADIVARIUS (John Gosden)
A carefree six-length winner of a mile-and-a-quarter handicap at Beverley’s first fixture of the season on April 19. The rest is history as he went on to claim top honours in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and the Goodwood Cup. Last seen finishing a close third behind Capri in the St Leger at Doncaster.
CARDSHARP (Mark Johnston)
Brilliant winner of the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy in June, after which he finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. A subsequent Group Two scorer at Newmarket and also placed in the Gimcrack at York and the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
JUDICIAL (Julie Camacho)
Became the first horse to navigate the Beverley circuit in under a minute when he scorched to glory in the valuable British Stallion Studs Weatherbys Hamilton EBF Conditions Stakes in June – his third triumph on the bounce. Since placed in Listed races at York and at Chester and now rated 105.
TAKE COVER (David Griffiths)
Stunning all-the-way winner of the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on September 2. The classy 10-year-old has looked as quick as ever this season and beautifully franked the Bullet form by securing Group Three glory in the Dubai International World Trophy at Newbury.
ALPHA DELPHINI (Bryan Smart)
Last season’s Beverley Bullet hero made a heartening return to winning ways in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes at the final meeting of the season on September 26. Poised to step back up class for a Listed race at Ascot next month and likely to be campaigned in top six-furlong races in 2018.

Edward Lewis takes aim at a big prize at Beverley’s final meeting of the season on Tuesday when the progressive sprinter runs in the £20,000 Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes.

The four-year-old gelding was a fine second to Desert Law in the 16-runner Symphony Group Handicap at York last month and now attempts to go one place better at the East Yorkshire circuit.

Edward Lewis had been declared for the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday, but he has been rerouted to Beverley following the abandonment of the three-day Western meeting in Scotland.

Trainer David O’Meara said: “He’s been in good heart all season and won at Beverley earlier in the year, so we know he acts on the course.

“He ran a really good race at York and came out of it well, so we’ll give it a go as it’s a nice prize to win.

“He is having to give a bit of weight away to Alpha Delphini, but he’s been a good horse throughout year and might just improve again.”

Alpha Delphini, last season’s Beverley Bullet hero for Bryan Smart, is a half-brother to Tangerine Trees, who won the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes in 2010.

Robert Cowell and owners Cheveley Park Stud claimed top honours in 2014 with Kingsgate Native and again team up with the 107-rated Ornate, who was runner-up to Caspian Prince 12 months ago.

Paul Midgley has declared Elysian Flyer and Line Of Reason, who finished seventh behind 2017 Beverley Bullet winner Take Cover in a Group Three at Newbury on Saturday.

Ziggy Lee will be having his first start for 361 days and completes the six-runner line-up for the Lawrence Mullaney team.

Beverley’s eight-race finale begins at 2.10pm, with the official going on Monday morning reported as soft ground.

 

Delighted South Yorkshire trainer David Griffiths was “chuffed to bits” after brilliant sprinter Take Cover won the Listed totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.

The popular 10-year-old made all the running in Beverley’s big race of the season to delight a huge crowd as the 3-1 favourite for the £50,000 dash.

Jockey Tom Queally was keen to enter the stalls as late as possible, but once the gates ripped open his willing partner scorched into an early lead.

Runner-up Final Venture flew home late on, but Griffiths’ speedball responded gamely to win by a length.

The Wagon Wheel was outpaced for much of the five-furlong journey but made up a lot of late ground to finish third, another head away from the winner.

Take Cover earned connections a cool £22,280 and, in doing so, banished memories of having finished last in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York last Friday.

The gelded son of Singspiel has now won 12 times from 39 starts but was, surprisingly, having his first outing at Beverley in a decorated career.

Griffiths, who is based in Bawtry, near Doncaster, said: “I said to Andrew Hollis (of owners Norcroft Park Stud) that I didn’t think we should run because of the rain they had on Friday night, so this is all down to him!

“I thought good ground and a stiff five furlongs might find him out, so I’m absolutely chuffed to bits.

“He was in (the stalls) too long at York so we waited and waited with him to go into the stalls and it worked out really well.

“He’s in the Flying Five at the Curragh next Sunday but we came here because the ground in Ireland looks soft at the minute.

“We haven’t got a Group Two penalty this year and there are a lot of Listed races and Group Threes for him later in the season.

“There’s a race at Doncaster and there’s a Group Three at Newbury, and then there’s the Mercury Stakes, which he won two years ago, back at Dundalk.

“To keep coming back like that, he’s unbelievable. Tom said, ‘I don’t think I’ve ridden anything as quick’.”

Trainer Paul Midgley was proud of runner-up of Final Venture, but was quick to salute the resilience of Take Cover.

The North Yorkshire trainer said: “For a 10-year-old to still keep doing what he’s doing, I take my hat off to him.

“I don’t think there’s a lot between the first two, but Take Cover got a better start than we did.

“That was probably the difference between winning and losing.”

Mirza will attempt to go one place better than three years ago when he shoots for glory in the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.
The Rae Guest-trained 10-year-old succumbed by a neck to Pearl Secret in the big Listed sprint at Beverley in 2014 and is back for another go in the hands of Joe Fanning.
Mirza has won 11 of his 60 career starts in a decorated career and this season chased home the high-class Battaash in the Coral Charge at Sandown in July.
The gelded son of Oasis Dream was then slightly disappointing at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot, but Guest is convinced he will be a different proposition in the £50,000 Beverley Bullet.
The Newmarket handler said: “He’s had a fantastic career, winning two Group Threes and three Listed races, and I’ve been very proud to have trained him.
“He’s still a very capable horse and he showed at Sandown that he can still perform at a good level.
“He did everything right in that Group Three, but he just bumped into a really good horse.
“At Ascot the ground wasn’t right for him, but we were desperate to get a run into him as he’d otherwise have been a fresh horse with nowhere to go.
“We needed to keep him ticking over, so that should have him right for Beverley, especially as it looks like he’ll get his ground.
“It’s a strong race, as you’d expect, but he wasn’t beaten far in it a few years ago and he’s in great form.
“Everything has to go right with these sprinters, but it looks a good opportunity for him.”
Mirza is one of 11 declarations for the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet, the feature race of the season at the well-attended East Yorkshire circuit.
Last season’s winner Alpha Delphini will run for the Bryan Smart team, while fellow North Yorkshire trainer Paul Midgley saddles Final Venture, Desert Law and Line Of Reason, who takes the Bullet plunge for a fourth consecutive year.
Popular sprinter Take Cover, trained by David Griffiths, takes his chance, while Richard Fahey is double-handed with ante-post favourite Kimberella and The Wagon Wheel.
Progressive five-year-old Judicial (Julie Camacho), Pipers Note (Ruth Carr) and Go On Go On Go On (Clive Cox) completes a strong line-up.

FINAL DECLARATIONS FOR THE TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET
Final Venture (Paul Midgley)
Kimberella (Richard Fahey)
Take Cover (David Griffiths)
Alpha Delphini (Bryan Smart)
Desert Law (Paul Midgley)
Judicial (Julie Camacho)
Line Of Reason (Paul Midgley)
Mirza (Rae Guest)
Pipers Note (Ruth Carr)
Go On Go On Go On (Clive Cox)
The Wagon Wheel (Richard Fahey)

Popular sprinter Take Cover will attempt to add further gloss on his exceptional CV by winning the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.
The 10-year-old gelding has been a wonderful servant for South Yorkshire trainer David Griffiths, for whom he has won 11 races and earned over £546,000 in prize-money.
Take Cover has surprisingly never raced at Beverley and also makes a swift return to action, having finished last in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.
Griffiths is unfazed by the quick turnaround, though, and cannot wait to see the dual Group Two winner test his powers in the £50,000 Beverley Bullet over five furlongs.
He said: “All being well, we’ll be going to Beverley for the Bullet.
“The Nunthorpe didn’t go to plan as he was in the stalls too long before the race and that was that, really.
“The ground wasn’t brilliant that day, either, so that didn’t help, but he hardly had a race at York and is fresh and well.
“He’s not run at Beverley before, but he’s worked there in the past so at least he has an idea about how to handle the track.
“We couldn’t go to Beverley for the Bullet last year as he won a Group Two, but he doesn’t have a penalty this season and we go there optimistic of a big run.”
The totescoop6 Beverley Bullet has become an established staging post towards the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye at Chantilly.
Tangerine Trees did the double in 2011 but Take Cover is unlikely to follow suit. He will, however, be campaigned at a very high level throughout the autumn.
Griffiths added: “After Beverley, we’ll probably look at going to the Flying Five at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend.
“There’s also a Group Three at Newbury (Dubai International Airport World Trophy) that he was placed in a few years ago and he could run there, too.
“We’ve still got plenty of options so hopefully he will have a good autumn.”
Take Cover won a Listed sprint at York in July, when potential Bullet rivals Final Venture, Judicial and Ornate finished upwards of half a length in arrears of the son of Singspiel.
He is as low as 5-1 in the betting for the Beverley Bullet, with the Richard Fahey-trained Kimberella the general ante-post favourite.
The going for Beverley Bullet day is currently good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions.
A mainly dry week with sunny spells has been forecast in the build-up to the most keenly anticipated raceday of the Beverley season.
TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – THE LAST 10 WINNERS
2007 Hellvelyn Ted Durcan/Bryan Smart
2008 Look Busy Slade O’Hara/Alan Berry
2009 Exceptional Art Franny Norton/David Nicholls
2010 Mister Hughie Sam Hitchcott/Mick Channon
2011 Tangerine Trees Tom Eaves/Bryan Smart
2012 Borderlescott Frederik Tylicki/Robin Bastiman
2013 Stepper Point Martin Dwyer/William Muir
2014 Pearl Secret Jamie Spencer/David Barron
2015 Maarek Jamie Spencer/Evanna McCutcheon
2016 Alpha Delphini Connor Beasley/Bryan Smart

Judicial will return to the scene of one of his finest moments on a racecourse when he goes for gold in the £50,000 totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.
The Julie Camacho-trained sprinter broke the five-furlong track record at Beverley in June when he became the first horse to navigate the East Yorkshire circuit in under a minute.
Judicial has since finished fourth in a Listed race at York and then got to within a length and three-quarters of Kimberella in the Queensferry Stakes at Chester on August 6.
Dan Downie, racing manager for his owners Elite Racing Club, said: “He’s been in very good form since Chester and the plan for Judicial is to run in the Beverley Bullet.
“He has won at Beverley before, breaking the course record in the process, so we know he goes well at the course – and that is very important.
“Julie has done really well with Judicial as he was a bit of a tearaway when he was younger and now he’s as quiet as a mouse.
“He’s now a very good horse and a very quick horse and the Bullet looks the right race for him.
“When he ran at York and at Chester he probably didn’t have everything in his favour as he needed the ground faster than it was to show his very best form.
“Hopefully conditions for him at Beverley will be ideal. We’re really excited to see what he can do.”
Twenty-three horses have been entered in the prestigious Listed race, including last year’s first two home – Alpha Delphini and Willytheconqueror.
Kimberella could renew rivalry with Judicial, with trainer Richard Fahey having also entered The Wagon Wheel.
Line Of Reason is in the frame to run in a fourth consecutive Beverley Bullet for the Paul Midgley team. The Westow handler also intends to saddle the hat-trick-seeking Desert Law and Final Venture.
Popular 10-year-old Take Cover has been given the option to run by David Griffiths, while Keith Dalgleish could be double-handed with Glenrowan Rose and Clem Fandango.
Clive Cox might also launch a dual raid on the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet with Go On Go On Go On and Lady Macapa.
Irish interests could even be catered for if Go Kart (Patrick Prendergast) and Gorane (Henry de Bromhead) receive the go-ahead to travel to England.
Ornate (Robert Cowell), Guishan (Mick Appleby), Pipers Note (Ruth Carr) and Orion’s Bow (Tim Easterby) also catch the eye on a strong list of sprinters.

Local hero Alpha Delphini is in the frame to defend his totescoo6 Beverley Bullet crown on Saturday, October 2.

The Bryan Smart-trained sprinter won the valuable Listed race 12 months ago when he came out on top by a neck in a thrilling finish.

Alpha Delphini’s half-brother Tangerine Trees landed Beverley’s coveted sprint in 2011 and subsequently claimed Group One glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp.

Like Tangerine Trees, Alpha Delphini was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.

The six-year-old son of Captain Gerrard would be making a swift return to action at the popular East Yorkshire circuit, having finished eighth in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.

Smart’s assistant trainer Kevin Edmunds said: “He came out of the Nunthorpe really well and is in good form.

“He’ll probably work on Tuesday and then we’ll see how he is, but the Beverley Bullet is likely to be the plan.

“The Nunthorpe was obviously a super race but the owners were keen to have a go at the big one at York.

“He was brilliant in the Bullet last year and hopefully he might still be progressing.

“He’s not quite at the level of Tangerine Trees just yet, but, like his half-brother, he’s only going to get better as he gets older.

“The Bullet is a great race and it will obviously mean a lot for his owners, who love having runners at Beverley.”

Alpha Delphini is one of 23 entries for the £50,000 totescoop6 Beverley Bullet, which has been won in the past by star sprinters like the Smart-trained Hellvelyn (2007), Borderlescott (2012) and Maarek (2015).

Elnadim Star and Gold Stone fly the flag for powerful owner Jaber Abdullah at Beverley on Thursday (August 17).

Kevin Ryan’s two juveniles both made their racecourse debut at the popular East Yorkshire circuit in July, with Elnadim Star down the field and Gold Stone runner-up.

They will now attempt to win at the second time of asking in the two divisions of the Nigel’s 60th Birthday EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes over five furlongs.

Elnadim Star lines up in division one at 2.10pm and will be ridden by Tom Eaves.

She was comprehensively defeated on her Beverley debut on July 7, but connections of the young daughter of Elnadim believe there could have been extenuating circumstances behind that eighth-place finish.

Jaber Abdullah’s racing manager Bruce Raymond said: “I felt she was very unbalanced on the track and it all felt a bit of a rush for her over that five furlongs.

“The bit went straight through her mouth that day, though, so you’d like to hope she has come on for her debut.

“She was very green first time out but she should know what it’s about now that she’s got that course experience.”

Gold Stone, who runs for Eaves in division two of the fillies’ novice stakes at 2.40pm, was a big eyecatcher on her racecourse bow at Beverley on July 24.

Despite having missed the break, the daughter of Havana Gold galloped strongly towards the line to finish second behind Special Purpose, who is highly rated by trainer William Haggas.

Raymond added: “She might well have bumped into a very good horse on her first start.

“She missed the break but stayed on really nicely for second place.

“Gold Stone beat the rest of them easily enough but I think she is a horse that should benefit going up in trip later.

“This is a good opportunity for her, though, and we think she’ll go well.”

Hot on the heels of Flemingate Ladies’ Day on Wednesday, the going ahead of Beverley’s eight-race card on Thursday is good, good to firm in places.

Before racing, the traps rip open once again for the Reckitt Benckiser Save the Children Camel Derby, which last year raised £9,000 for charity.

Bertie, a seven-year-old white Russian camel, will return to Beverley in his quest to claim glory for a second successive year.

Beverley Bullet would be one of the most appropriately-named winners on the Westwood for many years when he goes for gold on Flemingate Ladies’ Day on Wednesday, August 16.

Named in homage to the renowned Listed sprint, this year staged on September 2, the four-year-old gelding is trained in North Yorkshire by Lawrence Mullaney.

Mullaney feels he has Beverley Bullet in super order for the mile-and-a-quarter Flemingate Beverley Handicap (4.40pm) and is aware of the significance of the occasion ahead of the social event of the year in East Yorkshire.

The Great Habton-based handler said: “It’s a big day for Beverley Bullet – and also a big day for us.

“Ladies’ Day is the most important afternoon of the season at Beverley, and his owners (Jean Stapleton and Rob Wilson) love having runners there. I do, too, so we’re very much looking forward to it.

“Beverley Bullet is in great form and we are expecting a big run from him.”

The son of Makfi has been a revelation for Mullaney since his transfer from Les Eyre’s stables in April.

He has only once finished out of the frame in seven starts this season and has claimed two victories, at Carlisle in June and at Pontefract on his last outing on July 30.

Beverley Bullet faces seven rivals in the Flemingate Beverley Handicap and will be ridden by Daniel Tudhope, who was on board when the partnership struck by two and a quarter lengths at Carlisle.

Mullaney added: “He’s only four so he’s still improving, to be honest.

“We’ve got some even loftier plans with him, but he’ll need to win on Wednesday first and that’s all we are concentrating on for now.

“He’s won at Carlisle and Pontefract and they are sharp enough courses, so I don’t think the track is a problem. 

“It’s also great that we’ve got Danny Tudhope riding as he knows the horse really well.

“Everything is positive with him. He’s in a really happy place and has only gone up 3lb for his last win, and that is far from the end of the world.

“He hardly had a run at Pontefract as Joe Fanning gave him a beautiful, sympathetic ride.

“He’s fit, fresh and raring to go.”

Beverley’s eight-race card begins at 2.10pm, with the official going on Tuesday morning described as good. The forecast for Flemingate Ladies’ Day is for sunny spells and highs of 21C.

Tickets for Flemingate Ladies’ Day are selling fast, with the Premier Enclosure already sold out. 

Racegoers are urged to book in advance, either online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.

Beverley racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We’re very excited about our first Ladies’ Day in partnership with Flemingate.

“We’ve made some changes to the format this year which we believe will prove very popular with our racegoers.

“We’ve changed the criteria of the Most Stylish contest so this year it’s open to everyone to nominate themselves or be put forward by others.

“We’ve also added three themed marquees which will create a fabulous and very glamorous centrepiece for the day.

“To top it all off, the prizes provided by our wonderful partners are absolutely fantastic.

“Ladies’ Day is always Beverley’s social highlight of the summer and, with Flemingate on board and these changes to the format, the day promises to be even more dazzling.”

Beverley also stages a fine card on Thursday, August 17, and features the return of the RB Save the Children Camel Derby.

The Danielle Mooney-trained Beau scorched a trail to glory in the inaugural running of the Burgess Supadog Bark de Triomphe at Beverley on Tuesday afternoon.

After two trials featuring canine speedballs that are trained and owned by jockeys, Mooney’s Collie showed jawdropping pace to seize the day by half a dog’s length.

The class K9 affair for eight-month-olds and upwards was staged in aid of Antibiotic Research UK.

The first three dogs home in each Bark Trial heat then contested the grand final of the Bark de Triomphe – a race which unquestionably stopped a nation in its tracks.

But it was Mooney and Beau who landed the total prize fund of unbelievable kudos, a bag of Burgess Supadog and a cuddly toy with an ultra-game frontrunning performance.

A visibly emotional Mooney said: “She’s done her job. She’s won her maiden brilliantly and now she goes off to stud.

“This is probably one of my finest moments on a racecourse.

“It will take a while to sink in, but when I get back to Catterick I’m sure the magnitude of what Beau has achieved will hit home.

“She’s got a great pedigree and is one my best chums.”

There was also perfect symmetry to Beau’s victory as the Collie was named in homage to Sophie’s Beau, who provided Mooney with a first winner as a jockey at Beverley in June 2013.

Mooney added: “I didn’t have a ride on the Beverley card today, but for Beau to show the sporting world what she was capable of will make the long journey back north that much sweeter.”

Beverley’s Bark de Triomphe has already raised over £3,700 for Antibiotic Research.

Donations can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/antibiotic-researchuk/barkdetriomphe2017

East Yorkshire’s most glamorous event of the summer launched in spectacular style today with the unveiling of a promotional film capturing the grace and power of the equine stars of Ladies’ Day at Beverley Racecourse.
Ladies’ Day is the social highlight of the racing calendar at Beverley, giving style-conscious ladies and gentlemen the chance to dress to impress and stand out from the crowd.
With just three weeks to the big day on August 16, the racecourse today released an evocative video promoting a three-year partnership with Flemingate, East Yorkshire’s newest retail and leisure destination.
Filmed at dawn before the Flemingate centre becomes a bustling hub of activity, the video follows four magnificent horses as they canter through the centre’s main thoroughfare.
The four-legged stars of the film were under the expert guidance of horse trainer and stunt rider Ben Atkinson, of East Yorkshire-based Atkinson Action Horses. The family-run company supplies highly-trained horses and riders for film and television, including TV hits such as Poldark, Peaky Blinders and Jamaica Inn, and has worked with the racecourse on a number of projects.
Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Flemingate to bring the focus of Ladies’ Day back to Beverley and we thought this film would be a wonderful way to promote the partnership.
“You don’t expect to see horses running free in a shopping centre, which is why the film is so striking and different. The horses are always the centre of attention at Beverley – even on Flemingate Ladies’ Day, when they share the limelight with racegoers in all their finery – and the film reflects that.
“It’s an unusual way to promote Ladies’ Day, but perfect in view of our exciting partnership with Flemingate.”
Ben Atkinson, who is the riding double for Aiden Turner, who plays the title character in Poldark, alongside Beverley’s own glamorous rising star Eleanor Tomlinson, said: “Working with the team at Beverley Racecourse has enabled Atkinson Action Horses to be a part of some incredible projects, from tuxedo Cossacks to riding stallions through shopping centres.
“However, this latest challenge tops them all! We hope people enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed helping to make it!”
The film features Atkinson Action Horses trainer and stunt rider Katherine Pickering, who is seen leading the horses through Flemingate, exuding the beauty and glamour of Ladies’ Day.
The partnership with Flemingate will herald in a new feel for the hugely-popular annual event this year. Changes to the format include the addition of three large inter-connected marquees, with a seated garden area, in the centre of the picturesque course.
The central marquee is the venue for the Most Stylish contest which, in a change from previous years, is open to everyone to enter. The fantastic prizes include a seven-night holiday for two to the Costa Blanca, courtesy of Humberside Airport, and a spectacular Longines Conquest watch donated by Flemingate-based jeweller Guest & Philips.
There is also the Retreat pamper marquee, presented in partnership with Debenhams at Flemingate, where racegoers can enjoy some relaxation and pampering services, such as hair and make-up touch-ups. It’s an ideal place for ladies to take the weight off their high-heels and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the main event.
The third marquee is home to the Secret Garden gin bar. A new partner to the racecourse, North Yorkshire-based Sloemotion offers natural flavour combinations for gin based on ingredients foraged from hedgerows and woodland edges, such as sloe berries, damsons and cherries.
Sally Iggulden added: “Our partnership with Flemingate has helped to inspire a new approach for this year’s Ladies’ Day and we’re confident the changes we have made will be very successful and popular with racegoers.
“They will add even more glamour to the occasion and make the day even classier, more inclusive and a little calmer. In addition, thanks to our wonderful partners, the prizes for this year’s Most Stylish awards are absolutely fantastic!”
Graham Tait, Flemingate Centre Manager, said: “We’re delighted with the film, which is so creative and inspirational. It has really captured the essence of our partnership.
“We’re so proud to be supporting Beverley’s biggest social event for the next three years and excited to be working so closely with Sally and her team to make this year’s Ladies’ Day even more glamorous.”
Tickets for Flemingate Ladies’ Day are selling fast, with the Premier Enclosure already sold out, so racegoers are urged not to lose out by booking in advance, either online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.
Gates open at 11.30am on Wednesday, August 16. The first race is at 2.10pm and last race currently at 5.15pm.

CHORISTER ON SONG FOR BEVERLEY MISSION

David Menuisier is optimistic Corpus Chorister can give the West Sussex trainer a first winner of the year when she runs at Beverley on Tuesday.

Highly-rated Menuisier has endured a painful few months after a virus forced the temporary closure of his Pulborough yard.

But with his team now back on a racecourse, and seemingly in good spirits, John Dunlop’s former assistant believes Corpus Chorister can seize the initiative in the 132nd Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap (3.45).

Menuisier said: “We’ve had a very tough year so far.

“We were hit by a virus in the last couple of months and had to shut down the yard to give the horses a break.   “It’s been awfully frustrating and I’ve had quite a few sleepless nights.

But I’ve had a lot of horses running in the last fortnight or so and though I’ve not had a winner, they all have ran up to form. “There’s now a lot more positivity around the yard and it would be lovely to get back up and running with a winner at Beverley.”

Corpus Chorister looks a leading player in the £10,000 handicap over two miles.

The four-year-old daughter of Soldier Of Fortune won twice last year and has this season finished runner-up at Nottingham and at Chester.

“She is a very tough filly,” added Menuisier.

“She ran very well first time and then finished second at Nottingham in May when she was beaten by a better-handicapped horse.

“I wasn’t sure she ran up to her best, though, as that was also around the time our problems in the yard started.

“I was delighted with her on her return at Chester at the start of this month, but she grew a little tired towards the finish – probably because she needed the run after a few months out of action.

“She should be a bit fitter for that run and this looks a great opportunity for her.“She stays very well and is now starting to understand the rhythm of these longer races.“She now knows how to build speed, rather than simply just hitting her stride.“Hopefully she can run a big race at Beverley.”

Corpus Chorister is one of seven declared runners in the historic 132nd Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap – a race that was conceived when local dignitary William Watt bequeathed a fund to Beverley racecourse.

William Watt’s father, Squire Richard Watt, was based at nearby Bishop Burton and trained four St Leger winners in the early 19^th century.

The 112-rated St Michel, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, won the race last season and is now under consideration for the Melbourne Cup in November.

Highland Castle, trained by Lucinda Egerton, must carry top weight in this year’s renewal, while the Micky Hammond-trained Waterclock won the race in 2015 and once again tries his luck.

Alan King has also declared Grade One-winning hurdler Grumeti, who claimed victory in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket two years ago.

Angel Gabrial, La Fritillaire and The Blues Master complete the line-up in a fascinating race.

All eyes will be on Talent Scout in the Racing UK-sponsored handicap at 4.15pm.

Karen Tutty’s course maestro is on a hat-trick of Beverley victories after having won at the track on June 27 and July 8.

Lean On Pete is also a fine operator on the Westwood, and won at the East Yorkshire circuit three weeks ago.

Ollie Pears’ eight-year-old old is one of 13 declared runners for the Dorothy Laird Memorial Trophy Lady Riders’ Handicap (5.45) – a race held in memory of the former vice-president of the Amateur Jockeys’ Association

Beverley’s eight-race card starts at 2.15pm, with the official going good to firm.

 

Stable staff can stay safe in the sun at Beverley racecourse this summer thanks to an innovative campaign launched in association with Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Sun-cream dispensers have been installed around the popular East Yorkshire circuit to protect stable staff and racegoers throughout the season.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has also created wristbands that change colour to indicate when skin protection from ultraviolet rays is required.

The campaign will be launched on Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8 – Beverley’s biggest racing weekend of the 2017 campaign – and will continue on the Westwood during the summer.

Beverley officials will issue free wristbands, tubes of sunblock and sun-awareness information guides to all stable staff working over the weekend as part of its contribution to Racing Staff Week.

Racing Staff Week aims to bring the industry together to inform and engage about the passion, skill and dedication required to work with racehorses.

George McGrath, chief executive of the National Association of Stable Staff, said: “This is an initiative we very much support and is most appreciated.

“We welcome any initiative like this from any racecourse that acknowledges the hard work and professionalism of our stable staff.

“The sunblock is particularly appropriate for stable staff as it can be easy, when working under timescales and pressure, to forget to protect your skin during the summer.

“The recognition and respect given to our stable staff with this initiative is very important and very significant.”

Beverley staff will hand out wallet-sized information guides on sun safety as well as the wristbands, which will be on sale for £1 to racegoers, with proceeds going to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Sun cream will also be available, free of charge, in all bathrooms at the track.

Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow said: “It’s a lovely idea and something Racing Welfare very much welcomes.

“For busy racing staff who are working outside for a large part of their day, sun awareness is something that is probably down the list of priorities for many.

“The partnership with Beverley and Yorkshire Cancer Research will crucially help to spread sun awareness amongst stable staff – and that can only be a good thing.”

Beverley racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden added: “We take our duty of care to stable staff and other employees very seriously indeed, so it’s important to us that this campaign applies equally to people working at the racecourse.”

Adrienne Hodgson, relationship officer for Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “With cases of skin cancer on the rise in Yorkshire, we’re aiming to spread our sun awareness message as far and wide as possible among communities in the region.

“Our new partnership with Beverley racecourse will play a vital role in helping us reach people of all ages as they enjoy the outdoors this summer.”

Beverley Racecourse has announced a ground-breaking partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research to raise awareness of the dangers of sun damage and over-exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays.

The campaign aims to protect racegoers and racecourse staff during the rest of the season following the recent hot spell which saw the UK record its hottest June day for 41 years.

Such have been the unprecedented temperatures that race organisers at Royal Ascot relaxed the strict dress code, allowing gentlemen in the Royal Enclosure to remove their jackets for the first time in the meeting’s history.

The partnership between Beverley Racecourse and Yorkshire Cancer Research is the first of its kind involving a racecourse and spanning both spectators and staff.

It will launch on Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8, during East Yorkshire’s biggest racing weekend of the summer and continue through the season.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to team up with Yorkshire Cancer Research to raise awareness of the dangers of sun damage.

“Racegoers love nothing better than spending a day in the sun soaking up the wonderful atmosphere at courses like Beverley. But we’re very aware that it’s easy to forget to use sun cream and, as the recent heatwave demonstrates, we all need to protect our skin.

“We’re launching the partnership at our big summer racing weekend. Both the Friday night and Saturday have an amazing party atmosphere and people really make a weekend of it. It’s a fantastic way to spend a summer evening and the following day with friends or family.

“We’re installing sun cream dispensers around the course so racegoers can stay protected and enjoy thrilling racing, entertainment and live music without worrying about sunburn or, even worse, long-term skin damage.

“The dispensers will remain in place throughout the season, so racegoers and staff will always be able to apply sun cream to protect themselves from the sun’s rays while around the course.”

Adrienne Hodgson, Relationship Officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Staying safe in the sun is incredibly important. One blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting skin cancer later in life, and UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days.

 

“With cases of skin cancer on the rise in Yorkshire, we’re aiming to spread our Sun Awareness message as far and wide as possible among communities in the region. Our new partnership with Beverley Racecourse will play a vital role in helping us reach people of all ages as they enjoy the outdoors this summer.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research has created wrist bands that change colour to indicate that skin protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays is required, and sun cream provided by Beverley Racecourse will be available free of charge in all bathrooms at the racecourse.

Raceday staff will hand out wallet-sized information guides on sun safety as well as the wrist bands, which will be on sale for £1, with proceeds going to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

In addition, Beverley Racecourse will give wrist bands, tubes of sun block and the information guides to all stable staff working over the weekend as part of its contribution to the racing industry’s Racing Staff Week.

Sally Iggulden added: “We take our duty of care to stable staff and other employees very seriously indeed, so it’s important to us that this campaign applies equally to people working at the racecourse.”

The Party on the Pasture and Big Saturday Raceday are two of the most popular meetings in the Beverley racecourse calendar, featuring live entertainment, face art and neon performers, plus live music from racecourse regulars the New York Brass Band. Almost 15,000 racegoers attended the corresponding events last year.

Gates open at the Party on the Pasture Race Night at 4pm on Friday, July 7. The first race is at 6.40pm and last race at 8.40pm.

Gates open for the Big Saturday Raceday at 11.30am on Saturday, July 8. The first race is at 1.40pm and last race at 5.10pm.

Tickets can be booked online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488. Racegoers are urged to book in advance for these popular meetings.

More information can be found about Yorkshire Cancer Research at www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk.

Declan Carroll was narrowly denied a first Royal Ascot winner last Thursday but seeks a degree of solace with two “live chances” at Beverley on Tuesday.

The Malton-based handler was left with mixed emotions at the Royal meeting when talented two-year-old Santry could not quite claw back Sioux Nation in the Norfolk Stakes.

But Carroll is keen to get back to winning ways and now heads to Beverley with stable stalwarts Mysterial and Save The Bees.

The former won over 10 furlongs at the picturesque East Yorkshire circuit last June and carries top weight in the Racing UK-sponsored handicap over a mile and a half (3.00).

Nine-year-old Save The Bees will be having his 90th career start – 11 of which have ended in victory – in the feature race of the day, the £10,000 Skidby Handicap over a mile and a quarter (3.30).

Carroll said: “These two horses have been with me for a while now and I think a lot of them.

“Mysterial will like the ground and potentially has a nice draw. He might also find this a little bit easier than on recent runs.

“He also has winning form at Beverley – and that’s never a bad thing.

“Save The Bees has been running really well this year. He’s a grand old boy that’s getting older, but, if anything, he seems to be improving.

“He comes good at this time of year and always wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He’s on a nice mark and will also like the ground – he just needs that bit of luck. It’s a nice prize to win so hopefully he will go well.

“Both horses go to Beverley with live chances.”

Carroll has given Santry a clean bill of health after his brave effort in defeat in the Norfolk Stakes.

The young son of Harbour Watch has solely been campaigned over five furlongs, but his trainer cannot wait to step him up in trip.

Carroll, who used to train near Beverley at Sledmere House, added: “Santry is in fantastic form and came out of the race as sound as a pound.

“Ascot was bittersweet, really. To go so close and not win was disappointing, but I’m so proud of the horse.

“We’ll probably go to York now for the Gimcrack. I said about possibly running him in the Nunthorpe on the day, but he’s not just a five-furlong horse and I see him as a miler next year.

“There’s also the Middle Park at Newmarket to think about later in the season so there’s a lot to look forward to.

“There’s been good money turned down for him, but the owners aren’t too keen to sell as they think the world of this horse – just like I do.”

Beverley’s eight-race card on Tuesday starts at 2pm, with the official going described as good to firm – with watering taking place to maintain ground conditions.

Thesme attempts to claim a significant prize in her career when she lines up in the big race at Beverley on Tuesday evening (June 20).

The five-year-old mare has been solely campaigned in Group races this season and is one of five declared runners for the £14,000 British Stallion Studs Weatherbys Hamilton EBF Conditions Stakes (7.00).

Thesme has some fine form in the book, most significantly when she finished fifth in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York last August.

She has, though, not won since August 2015, with North Yorkshire trainer Nigel Tinkler keen to set the record straight at Beverley.

The Malton-based handler said: “She’s been a little bit disappointing this season, but she has worked very well since her last run at Haydock.

“Tom Eaves has ridden her at home and he’s been very happy with her, so that’s good to hear.

“She’s well in at the weights for the Beverley race, so that’s also a positive.

“The track might be a little bit stiff for her, but, on the other hand, fast horses do win at Beverley so we are pretty hopeful she’ll run well.

“This looks a really good opportunity for her and it will be a nice prize to win.”

The hat-trick-seeking Judicial (Julie Camacho) and popular veteran Hoof It (Mick Easterby) have also been declared for the British Stallion Studs Weatherbys Hamilton EBF Conditions Stakes.

Michael Herrington’s Doc Sportello and the Kristin Stubbs-trained Soie D’Leau complete the line-up in what should be a really informative renewal of the valuable Beverley sprint.

Last season’s race was won by Line Of Reason, who broke Beverley’s five-furlong course record when he defeated Red Pike by a length and a quarter.

Beverley’s six-race card begins at 6pm, with the going at the East Yorkshire circuit reported as good to firm – with watering taking place to maintain conditions.

The forecast for 70s Racenight Featuring Bus Stop at Beverley – the first evening meeting on the Westwood this year – is for sunny spells, cloud and highs of 17C.

Polish your platforms and fish out those flares – legendary 70s disco extravaganza Bus Stop is coming to Beverley for a fun-filled night at the races!

Racegoers can relive the disco night which filled the dancefloor every Tuesday at Hull’s Lexington Avenue (LAs) nightclub.

Bus Stop launched at LAs in 1995 and ran for seven years, with thousands of clubbers enjoying the very best of 70s disco hits and revelling in fashions that time tried to forget!

With the nightclub site now making way for a new DoubleTree By Hilton hotel, Beverley Racecourse is ensuring cheesy nights at LAs won’t be consigned to history.

Tony Loveshaft, Tricity Bendix and Crystal Maze are just some of the original show’s cast bringing the wildly popular retro disco to the Westwood course on Tuesday, June 20, after an exciting evening of racing.

At the height of its residency at LAs, Bus Stop performed to over 2,000 revellers and became a huge hit with clubbers clad in seventies-style fashion.

DJ Tony, aka Bus Stop creator Darren Smith, said: “The Bus Stop Show is a fantastic night reliving the cheesy disco days of the 1970s. It’s all about great fun, good memories and an excuse to wear big hair and even bigger flares.

“It will be a real blast from the past for all those people who remember going to LAs on Tuesday nights back in the nineties. All but two of the original cast are still in the show and the night promises to be an unforgettable experience.”

Kate McKee, Marketing Executive at Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re really excited about our 70s Racenight. I used to love going to LAs on Tuesdays for Bus Stop – it was always great fun and I have some amazing memories from that time.

“Now we’re getting the gang back together – on a Tuesday night, of course!

“The show starts after the last race and we want to see everyone letting their big hair down and reliving their disco days!”

DJ Tony and his glamorous dancers Tricity and Crystal hopped on the X46 bus from Beverley Bus Station to the racecourse to promote the return of Bus Stop.

Tony Loveshaft and his collection of 70s throwbacks will be spinning the decks behind the wheel of his trademark VW Beetle in the Premier Enclosure from 8.35pm – 15 years after their last show in Hull.

The evening will also feature fun challenges, a special 70s cocktail menu and bottles of Pina Colada for the best 70s outfits.

With the nostalgic night expected to be popular, racegoers are advised to book in advance. Doors open at 4pm with the first race at 6pm and last race at 8.30pm.

Tickets can be booked online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.

Cardsharp booked her place at Royal Ascot with a terrific performance in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

Trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Joe Fanning, the 6-4 favourite made most of the running to claim the £25,000 conditions stakes by two and a quarter lengths from stablemate Rufus King.

Prince Of Lir and The Last Lion, last year’s respective first two home in the Brian Yeardley, ended up finishing in that order in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Cardsharp, whose trainer was also responsible for subsequent Group One winner The Last Lion, could now attempt to follow in those esteemed hoofprints at the Berkshire track later this month.

Deirdre Johnston, assistant trainer and wife of the Middleham handler, said: “He’s a big, lovely horse and that was fantastic.

“He took a lot of pulling up and Joe said five (furlongs) or six would be fine.

“After that, he’ll probably be entered in the Norfolk, Windsor Castle and Coventry Stakes and we’ll see which race is the most suitable for him.

“The second horse probably wants another furlong and we’ll discuss it with the owner about Royal Ascot.”

Prince Of Lir was trained in Newmarket by Robert Cowell and owned by the Cool Silk Partnership, and the same combination struck again on the big stage with Hilary Needler Trophy heroine Chica La Habana.

Like last season’s Brian Yeardley winner, the daughter of Havana Gold (6-1) arrived at Beverley unraced yet belied her inexperience to take the prestigious five-furlong dash by three-quarters of a length from Maggies Angel.

The Cool Silk Partnership consists of Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann and his mother-in-law Barbara Wilkinson.

Chica La Habana could also be under consideration for the Royal fixture, with the Queen Mary Stakes a natural next port of call for any Hilary Needler winner.

Jockey Adam Beschizza said: “She’ll come on a stone for that run as the penny kept dropping during the race.

“She’s been working well at home but we hadn’t really given her a racecourse gallop or anything like that.

“I wouldn’t like to say if she was a Queen Mary horse – Royal Ascot would be a big step up – but she’ll improve a lot for that.”

 

 

 

 

Areen Faisal could emerge as a credible contender at Royal Ascot if he successfully takes the next step along the ladder in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy (2.40) at Beverley on Saturday.

The Bahamian Bounty colt, trained by Richard Fahey, is one of seven declarations for the £25,000 conditions stakes, won last season by subsequent Norfolk Stakes hero Prince Of Lir.

Areen Faisal caught the eye on his debut at Newmarket in April when he looked green yet still flashed home for third place behind the well-regarded Sound And Silence.

Richard Knight, racing manager and bloodstock adviser for owner Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah, said: “He ran a nice race at Newmarket and has been given a little bit of time to recover.

“Richard has been pleased with his work since then. It’s pitching him slightly in at the deep end at Beverley but he’s a nice prospect.

“We quickly earmarked this race after his debut and hopefully this is a stepping-stone towards Royal Ascot.”

Mark Johnston saddled last season’s Brian Yeardley runner-up The Last Lion, who again finished second to Prince Of Lir at Royal Ascot but went on to claim victory in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

The Middleham handler is this year responsible for Pontefract winner Rufus King and Cardsharp, who was runner-up to leading Coventry Stakes fancy De Bruyne Horse in the Woodcote at Epsom last Friday.

Excellently Poised, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, won well on his debut at Musselburgh and is still in contention for the Bryan Smart team.

Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann won the Brian Yeardley as an owner with Prince Of Lir and could attempt a big Beverley double with the James Given-trained Cool Spirit.

Last-time-out scorers Joe’s Spirit (Michael Bell) and Chatburn (David O’Meara) complete the line-up.

Swann, who runs his horses under the Cool Silk Partnership banner, can also look forward to watching the unraced Chica La Habana compete in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy (3.15).

Trainer Robert Cowell said: “She’s a nicely-bred filly and I’d say she will have no problems handling a bit of cut in the ground.

“She’s got a good pedigree and the Hilary Needler will tell us whether or not we should be aiming even higher with her.”

The Fahey-trained Maggies Angel was fourth in the Marygate Fillies’ Stakes at York last month and will renew rivalry with Mount Victoria, who finished eighth for Lincolnshire trainer Given.

Moonlit Sands (Brian Ellison), Ce De Nullis (Paul Midgley), Popsi (Marjorie Fife) and the Johnston-trained Rebel Assault have also been declared for the £25,000 conditions stakes over five furlongs.

The going on A Very British Raceday at Beverley on Saturday remains soft following 1.5 millimetres of overnight rainfall.

Saturday’s forecast is for cloud and showers, with temperatures of 16C.

 

Local owner Keith Brown is optimistic Moonlit Sands can realise her true potential in the prestigious Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

Brown’s silks have in recent years become a standing dish at the well-attended East Yorkshire circuit, with the likes of Top Notch Tonto and Orewa having got off the mark at Beverley before going on to achieve great things.

Moonlit Sands will be the latest young horse in Brown’s care to test her mettle on the Westwood when she lines up in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy over five furlongs.

The daughter of Footstepsinthesand is trained in Malton by Brian Ellison and made an eyecatcher debut at Redcar last month, when she stayed on for fifth place behind Time Trail, who could renew rivalry in the £25,000 Hilary Needler.

Brown said: “She’s the real deal. She’s had that one race, up at Redcar, but didn’t know what the heck was going on.

“She was very green, but she picked up really well at the finish and will have come on loads for that.

“I’m not sure whether she’ll win the Hilary Needler or not, but she’s in great form and everyone at Brian’s yard loves her.

“Brian seems to think she wants a bit of cut in the ground, too, so we’ve got great hopes for her.

“She’s a class act and it would be lovely to think about Royal Ascot if she ends up going well at the weekend.

“This is a big race to go for in its own right, though. The Hilary Needler has got great history and tradition and it’s always been a race I’d love to win, especially as Beverley is my favourite track.”

The going at Beverley is soft following 24 millimetres of rain within the last 24 hours.

Dual feature on A Very British Raceday is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

The respective first two horses home in last season’s renewal, Prince Of Lir and The Last Lion, finished in that order in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot

Chatburn could confirm his place at Royal Ascot with a big run in the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

Prince Of Lir defeated The Last Lion by a length and a quarter in last season’s Brian Yeardley and the form was brilliantly franked at the Royal meeting as the same two horses finished first and second in the Norfolk Stakes.

The Last Lion even signed off from his racing career with a rating of 116 after having claimed victory in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket last September.

Impressive Redcar winner Chatburn, trained by David O’Meara, could now attempt to complete the Beverley-Ascot double.

Emma Armstrong, who owns Chatburn with her husband, David, said: “The plan is to run in the Brian Yeardley.

“I’ve spoken to David and he is really happy with him and this looks a perfect race after doing so well at Redcar.

“He won well at Redcar and is a nice horse, so hopefully he can take the next step up the ladder at Beverley.

“We always enjoy having runners at Beverley as it’s the track where we had our first major winner with Miss Meggy in the Hilary Needler (2004).

“We’ll see how he goes at Beverley, but Royal Ascot would be an option.

“The Brian Yeardley is a bit closer to Ascot this year, but I’ve spoken to David about it and it definitely wouldn’t put him off from running at both meetings.

“Chatburn was our first two-year-old winner this year and we like him a lot.”

Chatburn is one of 15 horses in contention for the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

Richard Fahey has entered Areen Faisal, Bengali Boys and Peter Leonard, with Mark Johnston responsible for Cardsharp and recent Pontefract winner Rufus King.

Last-time-out scorers Joe’s Spirit (Michael Bell), Awsaaf (Simon Crisford) and Unfortunately (Karl Burke) also hold entries.

Excellently Poised, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, won well on his debut at Musselburgh and is in contention for the Bryan Smart team.

Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann won the race last year with Prince Of Lir and could attempt to repeat the dose with the James Given-trained duo of Cool Spirit and Gift In Time.

Like Prince Of Lir 12 months ago, both horses are unraced and compete for Swann in the colours of the Cool Silk Partnership.

Prince Of Lir was trained by Robert Cowell, who could this year saddle the unraced Sovereign State, owned by Qatar Racing.

Black Orange (Gay Kelleway) and Skyva (Brian Ellison) complete the list of possible runners.

Twin feature on A Very British Raceday at Beverley on Saturday is the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy, won by the mighty Attraction in 2003.

Fifteen horses have been engaged for the five-furlong speed test, with the hat-trick-seeking Time Trail a stand-out entry.

The Swiss Spirit filly is trained by Michael Dods, who won the 2015 Hilary Needler Trophy with the high-class Easton Angel.

Formidable Kitt (Tom Dascombe), Validator (William Haggas), Villa Tora (Mark Johnston) and Maggies Angel (Richard Fahey) also catch the eye in a potentially excellent renewal of the historic race at Beverley.

 

Tom Dascombe will attempt to win the Hilary Needler Trophy for a second time if Formidable Kitt lines up at Beverley on Saturday (June 10).

The Cheshire handler savoured a red-letter day at the popular East Yorkshire circuit when Don’t Tell Mary claimed the historic sprint by four lengths in 2009.

Formidable Kitt won nicely on her debut at Newmarket in April and is one of 15 fillies entered for the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy.

Dascombe is, however, keeping a watchful eye on the weather for the daughter of Ceiling Kitty, who won the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012.

Should all go to plan, Formidable Kitt will try to follow in her mother’s hoofprints at the Royal meeting later in the month.

Dascombe said: “She’s in great form and she’s in the Hilary Needler, but it’s absolutely all about the ground.

“She showed a nice bit of speed at Newmarket and is a lovely filly – any of our horses that win first time out are usually pretty good.

“She will not run at Beverley if the ground is anywhere near soft so we’ll have to see what the weather does throughout the week.

“Everything is aimed at the Queen Mary, which was the race her mother won.”

Beverley sustained nine millimetres of rainfall on Monday, but the weather forecast promises dryer conditions as the week progresses.

The Hilary Needler Trophy is a renowned staging post for young fillies with Royal Ascot pretensions, and was famously won in 2003 by the brilliant Attraction

Six of the last seven winners of the Hilary Needler have ended up at Royal Ascot, with 2015 scorer Easton Angel finishing second behind Acapulco in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Dual feature on A Very British Raceday at Beverley is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

The respective first two horses home in last season’s renewal, Prince Of Lir and The Last Lion, finished in that order in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

 

Rookie trainer Tom Clover is excited by the prospect of saddling a first runner at Beverley on Wednesday when Monsieur Glory lines up in the Hull FC Handicap.

The Newmarket handler has high hopes for the four-year-old gelding, who is one of 11 declared runners in the mile-and-a-quarter race at 4.30pm.

Monsieur Glory won over this course and distance last July, when he was trained by Tom Dascombe.

The son of Monsieur Bond will be having just his second outing for first-season trainer Clover after he finished second at Yarmouth on May 2.

He will be ridden at Beverley by dual champion jockey Paul Hanagan.

Clover, who was assistant to David Simcock for five years, said: “On paper, this race fits in quite well with him.

“He’s won over course and distance, he will like the ground and he seems in really good form.

“He’s quite a big horse and takes a bit of getting fit, so I’m hoping he has gone forward since that Yarmouth run.

“You’d also like to think there’s some natural improvement, turning from a three- to a four-year-old, so we go there optimistic he should go quite close.

“It’s also good to have Paul on board as he probably rides Beverley better than anyone.”

Clover, 31, is based at Wroughton House Stables and is working in partnership with Jackie Jarvis, daughter of the late Classic-winning trainer Michael Jarvis.

He will be seeking a second career winner after young colt Declarationoflove won so well at Windsor on May 8.

The trainer added: “The owners are obviously keen on a big day out at Royal Ascot with him, so the Windsor Castle might be the race to go for.

“There’s also the Super Sprint at Newbury, where he would have a lovely racing weight and should love running over a fast five furlongs.

“It was very pleasing to get that first winner and hopefully we can carry on in a similar vein at Beverley with Monsieur Glory.”

Feature race at Beverley is the £8,000 Dr Eddie Moll Handicap (4.00) over eight and a half furlongs.

Jacbequick won the race by a neck 12 months ago and goes for the double for jockey Josh Doyle and trainer David O’Meara, who also saddles Sunglider and Haraz.

The going at Beverley is good to firm after five millimetres of rainfall on Sunday night.

Half-Term Raceday at Beverley will give racegoers the opportunity to meet players of Betfred Super League side Hull FC, who are on the Westwood to join in with interactive training routines and games.

Popular syndicate Hambleton Racing and trainer Kevin Ryan seek further gains at Beverley on Tuesday when Magic Jazz runs in the opening race of the day.

Hambleton Racing enjoyed a lovely afternoon on the Westwood three weeks ago when Fine Example and Havana Star both won their respective races.

Magic Jazz now attempts to carry on the good work in the five-furlong Racing UK Now In HD Novice Stakes at 2pm.

Hambleton racing manager Cosmo Charlton said: “We had a great day at Beverley with our two winners, and it was great to see so many of our members enjoying the occasion.

“We’ve been going for 11 years now and we started off with Kevin, who trains most of our horses.

“We’ve a great relationship with him and have enjoyed much success over the years.

“Hopefully Magic Jazz can give us another good day out at Beverley.”

Magic Jazz made an eyecatching debut at this track in April, when he looked very naïve yet still flashed home for seventh place behind the useful Almane.

The son of Red Clubs will be ridden by Kevin Stott and breaks from stall one.

Charlton added: “He was slowly out the stalls on his debut, and it was very much a first-day-at-school sort of thing as he was quite green.

“He wasn’t knocked around, though, and stayed on quite nicely at the end, I felt.

“He’s a classic horse of Kevin’s, I think, in that he will have gained plenty for the experience.

“We think he’ll want further in time, but a stiff five furlongs at Beverley will suit and the ground will be perfectly fine for him.

“This looks a better race, but we think he’ll go very well.”

Feature race at Beverley on Tuesday is the £10,000 eight-and-a-half-furlong handicap (3.30), in which the David O’Meara duo of Jacbequick and Rousayan, with seven course wins between them, are sure to be popular with the locals.

 

Two of the region’s best loved sporting institutions are coming together to offer families a feast of fun during the Spring Half-Term break.

Beverley Racecourse has teamed up with rugby league club Hull FC for a week-long series of fun activities featuring an afternoon of racing and a big match at the KCOM stadium.

Grown-ups can enjoy an exciting afternoon of racing on Wednesday, May 31, while younger fans can practice wrestling in inflatable sumo suits; roll around in a giant Zorb ball; take a selfie with the Challenge Cup; enjoy funfair rides, and try for a prize in Hull FC’s popular “Boot It” kicking competition! Fans of both horseracing and rugby can also meet Hull FC first-team stars.

Racegoers will also be offered discounted tickets to enjoy top-class rugby as Hull FC take on the Wigan Warriors at the KCOM stadium on Saturday, June 3, including the half-time mascot match – a big family-favourite. Youngsters can also don silks and take a ride on ponies dressed up as race horses in West Park before the big game as part of the club’s annual family fan zone, with rides, activities and games.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Hull FC for Spring Half Term. It feels a very natural partnership as both organisations are very family-orientated and work hard at being part of the local community.

“Our afternoon race meeting on Wednesday, May 31, will be a really great family friendly day where racegoers can meet the Hull FC squad and take selfies with the Challenge Cup as well as lots of other fun activities we’ve got lined up.

“We’ve also recently teamed up with celebrity chef Colin McGurran of Winteringham Fields, so diners can try his signature dish in our Attraction restaurant – making it a fabulous experience for all the family.”

James Clark, Executive Director at Hull FC, said: “We know many of our fans enjoy a day at the races as much as they do the rugby, so it will be a great week to bring fans and families, young and old, together.

“Our annual family game is always popular, and this half-term will be no exception, so to work with the team at Beverley Races to make this a full week of fun is a fantastic opportunity that hopefully we can round off with a win!”

As part of Hull FC’s ongoing commitment to developing rugby league for future generations, the club will be operating one of its popular school holiday camps at the racecourse during the half-term break as part of the new partnership.

The three-day camp will run from Tuesday, May 30 to Thursday, June 1, giving youngsters up to the age of 16 the chance to train with Hull FC and attend the half-term race day.

Those taking part will learn rugby skills, play mini tournaments, receive a training certificate and free tickets to the Hull FC game. Prices for the camp are £30 for three days from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

To book your child onto the Hull FC Spring Half-Term camp, e-mail haley.richardson@hullfc.com or call 01482 327 200 (option 0). The camp will be delivered by qualified coaches from the Hull FC Foundation.

Tickets for all race meetings can be booked online at www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01482 867488.

Ed Dunlop will try to remain unbeaten at Beverley this season when he saddles Weloof in the feature race on Thursday (April 27).

The Newmarket handler enjoyed a fine start to the 2017 campaign at the East Yorkshire circuit when he secured a double at the opening fixture last Wednesday.

Amlad and Global Revival obliged for Dunlop on the Westwood, and now the Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah-owned Weloof gets the chance to shine in the 2017 Bernard Evans Memorial Handicap (2.45).

Like Amlad, the three-year-old colt sports the same red and white silks of Dabyah and Daban, who both advanced their Classic claims with significant victories last week.

Weloof was well beaten on his sole start as a juvenile, but caught the eye at Wolverhampton last month when he won an eight-and-a-half-furlong maiden by two and a quarter lengths.

Dunlop said: “I’m looking forward to running him at Beverley.

“He did well at Wolverhampton last time and the horse that finished second (Everything For You) has since won a race.

“He wouldn’t want the ground too fast, but he’s in good form and will now enter handicap company in the hope he can back up his Wolverhampton run.

“Mr Abdullah Al Naboodah has been a big supporter of the yard recently so hopefully Weloof can continue his fine run of form.

“We had a good day at Beverley last week and Mulzim winning at Wolverhampton on the evening made it an across-the-card treble.

“We hope this can help propel us forward as we move into a key period, with many horses ready to run in the near future.”

Weloof will be ridden by Paul Mulrennan at Beverley and takes on six rivals over seven and a half furlongs.

Aardwolf is set to carry top weight for Mark Johnston, who also saddles Kodiac Khan.

Richard Fahey runs Starlight Romance, the mount of Sammy Jo Bell. Fahey won this race 12 months ago with Garcia, who subsequently claimed victory in the Silver Bowl Stakes at Haydock last May.

Monks Stand (Tim Easterby), Arc Royal (Tom Dascombe) and Fayez (David O’Meara) also go to post

Beverley’s seven-race card is due to begin at 1.40pm and also features the Rapid Lad Handicap (3.50). This mile-and-a-quarter contest is named in honour of the course specialist who won 12 races on the Westwood between 1983-89.

The current going at Beverley is good to firm, good in places, after four and a half millimetres of rainfall on Tuesday night.

 

Local hero Alpha Delphini is in the frame to once again set the sprinting world alight at Beverley Racecourse this season.

Bryan Smart’s six-year-old was a stunning winner of the totepool Beverley Bullet last year when he claimed glory by a neck in a thrilling finish to the Listed heat.

Alpha Delphini is a half-brother to Tangerine Trees, the gifted sprinter who won the Bullet in 2011 before going on to secure Group One honours in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp. And like his now-retired former stablemate, he was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.

Beverley’s season begins next Wednesday (April 19), yet Smart is already looking towards late summer when his classy speedster could defend his crown in the valuable five-furlong Bullet on Saturday, September 2.

The North Yorkshire handler said: “He’s won it once, and there’s no reason why he couldn’t have another go at it.

“He’s plenty of options but the Bullet is there for us. “He seems to love Beverley – he won his maiden there, too – and it’s a great prize to have a go at. “It was a brilliant day when he won it last year, not least because of Marie and her connections with Beverley, but also because it was a proper, proper race.  “I wouldn’t be afraid to send him to Beverley for the Bullet again, put it that way.”

Alpha Delphini went to Newbury after his Beverley heroics and ably franked the Bullet form when a short-head second to the 112-rated Cotai Glory in the Group Three Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes.

The gelded son of Captain Gerrard is reportedly thriving at his Hambleton base and is likely to make his seasonal debut at Newmarket in May.

Smart added: “Alpha is very well, I’m really happy with him.

“He’s had a good winter and he has strengthened up a lot – he’s a much bigger horse than he was last year.

“He’ll go to the Palace House at Newmarket first, and then we’ll take it from there.

“I’m very pleased with him, physically, and it will be great to get him going again.”

The totepool Beverley Bullet is the keynote race of the season at the popular East Yorkshire venue and has been won in the past by such luminaries as Hellvelyn (2007), Borderlescott (2012), Pearl Secret (2014) and Maarek (2015).

 

Beverley Racecourse today announced Flemingate as its new partner for Ladies’ Day for the next three years, in an exciting move for one of Yorkshire’s social events of the summer. 

Flemingate’s opening in 2015 has already had a big impact on Beverley as a retail and leisure destination, with its high-quality fashion, beauty and homeware brands supported by a range of restaurants and cafes.

 Beverley Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day annually attracts over 11,000 people, many of whom frequent the region’s hotels, shops, restaurants and spas before enjoying a summer afternoon of racing on the Westwood. The event has had a particularly glamorous feel in recent years, with a high-end fashion show, a best-dressed competition, backed by Laurent-Perrier, and a partnership with local artisan water company Blue Keld to encourage racegoers to stay well hydrated throughout the day.

 Plans for the 2017 event on August 16 will include a new format for the ‘Most Stylish Lady’ competition, allowing all Ladies’ Day attendees the chance to enter and strut their stuff on the Flemingate catwalk, as well as a pamper marquee for racegoers to stay looking their best. There will also be a number of events running at Flemingate in the summer months leading up to Ladies’ Day, allowing visitors to get themselves perfectly attired and race-ready.

 Beverley Racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing the Ladies’ Day focus back to Beverley. This new partnership only serves to highlight the incredible shopping, fashion and visitor destination that Beverley has become with the addition of Flemingate. 

 “We’ve got some really exciting new plans for the day up our sleeve that we look forward to sharing in the coming months that will really bring Flemingate to the heart of the action on Ladies’ Day.”

 Flemingate centre manager Graham Tait added: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Ladies’ Day at Beverley Racecourse this year. It’s a hugely popular event, with visitors coming from far and wide, and we’re working closely with the racecourse team to make the day even more exciting and glamorous this year. 

“This partnership continues the work Flemingate has been doing to cement its relationship with the town by supporting key events and festivals. Ladies’ Day is an undoubted social highlight of the year and hugely important for trade and tourism in the town. We’re looking forward to working with Sally’s team to make the day at the racecourse and in the town even more special in 2017.”

Beverley Racecourse celebrated a “fantastic result” after the track was crowned a winner at the Racecourse Association Showcase & Awards 2016.

The East Yorkshire venue fended off strong opposition from Ascot, Kempton Park, Ripon and York to win the #TopSpot category at the RCA’s annual awards ceremony at Doncaster Racecourse on Thursday (November 17).

Beverley Racecourse impressed an independent judging panel for the #TopSpot award, which rewarded “creative racecourse schemes to engage their guests”, with their innovative staging of the Donkey Derby, held at the Very British Raceday meeting on May 28.

The Donkey Derby has become an internet sensation, having been viewed over two million times on Facebook, with over 5.7m people reached worldwide.

Beverley Racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We are naturally thrilled to have received the Showcase award against some wonderfully innovative racecourses.

“This is a really fantastic result for our small team, especially as the other nominations were so impressive.

“The Donkey Derby was a fun and inventive way to kickstart our Very British Raceday meeting and was definitely one of the highlights on the Westwood last season.

“The response on social media frankly caught us all by surprise, but it was lovely to see so many visitors, from all corners of the globe, pay a visit to our Facebook page.

“Hopefully next year’s Donkey Derby on Saturday, June 10, will be just as popular – and just as much fun.”

Beverley Racecourse was also nominated for the ‘All About The Horse’ award, which was won by Yorkshire neighbours Pontefract, for their attempts to bring together horseracing and cycling in ‘Racing Le Tour’ on April 29

The #TopSpot triumph was Beverley Racecourse’s fourth victory at the RCA Showcase & Awards, which is now in its seventh year and celebrates excellence and innovation amongst British racecourses in improving the customer experience

Beverley Racecourse could have double cause for celebration after having been named finalists in two categories at the Racecourse Association Showcase & Awards 2016.

The East Yorkshire venue was nominated in both the #TopSpot and the All About The Horse categories at the RCA’s annual awards ceremony held at Doncaster Racecourse on Thursday, November 17.

Beverley Racecourse impressed an independent judging panel for the #TopSpot award – rewarding creative racecourse schemes to engage their guests – following the track’s fun and innovative staging of the Donkey Derby, held at the Very British Raceday meeting on May 28.

The Donkey Derby has become an internet sensation, having been viewed two million times on Facebook, with nearly 5.7m people reached worldwide.

Beverley Racecourse have also been shortlisted for the All About The Horse award for the track’s attempts to bring together horseracing and cycling in ‘Racing Le Tour’ on April 29.

With the Tour de Yorkshire having started on the road directly adjacent to Beverley Racecourse, the course was recognised by judges for using this unique opportunity to help promote horses and horseracing to a new audience.

Eight retrained racehorses – their riders in yellow silks – cantered on the course for around four furlongs in unison with the peloton as it charged out of Beverley to signal the beginning of race.

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “The RCA Showcase & Awards are stronger than ever this year, so we are deeply proud to have been named finalists in two categories.

“This will be Beverley’s fifth consecutive appearance at the ceremony, which is something we are also very pleased about.

“We perhaps lack the artillery of some of the bigger tracks across the land, so it’s really exciting to have two live chances in such esteemed company.”

Racecourse Association Chairman Maggie Carver added: “I am delighted for the team at Beverley.

“It’s an amazing achievement to be named as a finalist and inspiring to see such a wide range of racecourses on the lists.”

Following the news that advance tickets for Beverley Races 2017 go on sale on Monday (October 31), we reveal 10 exciting theme days that will wow the Westwood:

 1) LADIES FIRST (Wednesday, August 16)Ladies’ Day at Beverley has become the social event of the year. A heady fusion of style and spirit, this is the afternoon that gets everyone talking. And with an all-new line-up for 2017, there’s a lot to look forward to.

 2) WEEKEND WONDERS (Saturday July 7- Sunday, July 8)Party on the pasture to the killer tunes of the New York Brass Band on Friday evening. All roads then lead towards the Big Saturday Raceday, a blockbuster afternoon of racing that has gained “colt” status.

 3) RHYTHM IS A DANCER (Monday, July 24)Carnival Night is a breathless fiesta of sport and samba, as Beverley Racecourse turns up the heat – both on and off the track.

 4) THE KIDS R ALL RIGHT (Wednesday, May 31)  Young Guns Day is much more than enrapturing the kids on half term as star juvenile horses take aim at the Hilary Needler Trophy and the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy.

 5) BAD ASSES (Saturday, June 10)  Footage of last year’s Donkey Derby became an internet phenomenon and will once again provide a quirky contrast to the patriotic party that is fondly known as A Very British Raceday.

 6) ALL-ACTION HEROES (Monday, May 1) The Great May Day Adventure lives up to its billing as Beverley invites racegoers of all ages to take part in a wide range of hands-on activities and games courtesy of the British Army.

 7) HUMP DAY (Thursday, August 17)  Don’t desert Beverley as the RB Save the Children Camel Derby provides an exotic hors d’oeuvres before the thoroughbreds demand their racecourse back.

 8) BEE GEE-GEES (Tuesday, June 20) The decade of love, peace and massive hair comes to Beverley as the racecourse bumps and boogies in homage to the 70s. Every 1’s a Winner on the Westwood – you sexy things.

9) SEND IN THE CLOWNS (Tuesday, August 1)  Roll up, roll up, step right this way, boys and girls, as the circus gallops into town for a fun-filled, action-packed afternoon for all the family.

 10) BLAZING SADDLES (Saturday, September 2)  The sharpest sprinters in the land will be fired up for the biggest race of the season, the totepool Beverley Bullet, as the track salutes the sheer majesty of the thoroughbred.

“Here two young Danish Souldiers lye.

The one in quarrell chanc’d to die;

The others Head, by their own Law,

With Sword was sever’d at one Blow.”

Daniel Straker was viciously killed by fellow Danish soldier Johannes Frederick Bellow following a bloody sword fight in the streets of Beverley in December 1689.

When his dismembered torso fell to the ground, Straker was believed to have been clutching a blood-soaked handkerchief which was bequeathed to him by his beloved wife, Ana, who died some years earlier.

Bellow survived the skirmish and was promptly executed. But as Straker’s severed limbs were removed from the carnage, his grasp became limp and the handkerchief he cherished so dearly disappeared forever.

Until now. Unconfirmed reports of Daniel Straker, in his grieving pursuit of Ana’s handkerchief, have become commonplace, yet without foundation. But this extraordinary footage https://twitter.com/Beverley_Races/status/792822293181427713 taken at Beverley Racecourse on Sunday night conclusively proves beyond all reasonable doubt that Straker’s 327-year journey is over – and that ghosts definitely exist.

A Beverley Racecourse spokesperson, who asked not be named for fear of vengeance from beyond the grave, said her “eyes bled with blind fear” and that she “will never be the same again”.

The spokesperson said: “I had to work late on Sunday for the big launch of next season’s tickets going on sale – available to buy from today, either online or by phone – when I was alerted from outside by a despicable, wailing sound.

 

“Because of my loyalty to Beverley Racecourse, and also because I was on double-time pay, I decided to investigate.

“Nothing, not even my health-and-safety-in-the-workplace training, could have prepared me for the grisly goings-on that were about to unfold.

“Promising early ticket sales will help heal wounds of essentially being possessed by a handkerchief, but I still intend to write a strongly-worded email to my Human Resources team leader as the infiltration of my person by an evil spirit was definitely not written into my contract.”

 

Jockey Ben Curtis expressed deep pride at having scooped the leading jockeys’ award at Beverley this season.
The former Irish champion apprentice rider secured 10 winners from just 42 rides during a fruitful campaign on the Westwood.
Curtis said: “I’m delighted to be top rider at Beverley – it means a lot to me.
“Beverley is a great track and it’s always very challenging to ride there.
“But I’m very lucky to work for trainers who often specifically target races at the course, and always have their horses fit and well.
“There are a lot of great jockeys in the north who are always in action at Beverley, so I’m really happy to have had such a good season there.”
Now based in Thirsk, the 27-year-old has developed a fine alliance with Malton trainer Brian Ellison, for whom he has this year ridden 25 domestic winners to date.
Three of those British victories came at Beverley aboard the Keith Brown-owned Orewa, who has been one of the stars of the season at the East Yorkshire circuit.
The two-year-old son of Helmet was sent to the Curragh earlier this month and duly won over 108,000 euro in prize-money by taking first place in the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes.
Curtis added: “Orewa had a few issues, but he’s very, very talented and has been trained brilliantly by Brian.
“We gave him a nice little break to have a wind and gelding operation, and that seems to have worked wonders as he was fantastic out in Ireland.
“It was also great for Keith to have three winners at Beverley as he only lives five minutes away from the track.
“Hopefully there’s a lot more to come from Orewa.”
The jockey is currently sidelined with a dislocated wrist and a bad gash to his right palm – an injury which required 44 stitches – after he was unseated from a horse at Thirsk on September 3.
Curtis is, however, closing in on a return to action, and could even make a comeback as early as next week.
He said: “I’ve a scar that goes three inches up to my wrist, but it’s healing up nicely.
“It got infected once I first left hospital so I had to go back in for another operation.
“But there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel now and hopefully I can come back next week.
“I’ll see how the movement is, but, with a bit of luck, I could be back in competitive action next Wednesday.”
David O’Meara was crowned leading trainer at Beverley after a last-day victory for Mon Beau Visage edged the Upper Helmsley handler narrowly in front of nearest pursuer Richard Fahey.
(Please credit RFM Equine if using the attached image of Ben Curtis winning at Beverley aboard the Brian Ellison-trained Orewa, owned by Keith Brown)

TEN STARS OF THE BEVERLEY SEASON
PRINCE OF LIR – won the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy on May 28. Subsequently claimed gold in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
OREWA – unbeaten in three starts at Beverley. Showed great potential when victorious in a big sales race on Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh.
ST MICHEL – hosed up by seven lengths in the 131st Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap on July 17. Later to finish third in the Doncaster Cup.
GARCIA – excelled in the Queen’s Own Yeomanry Handicap on April 21. Put that experience to good use with a head triumph in the Silver Bowl at Haydock.
GRIZZEL – Game Hilary Needler Trophy winner on May 28 and has subsequently held her own in Pattern-race company.
THE LAST LION – Runner-up in the Brian Yeardley and the Norfolk Stakes. Now a Listed and Group Three scorer. Last seen finishing second in the Flying Childers at Doncaster.
CASPIAN PRINCE – superb front-running display in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes on September 20. Twice a winner of the Epsom “Dash”. Rated 107.
CLEM FANDANGO – Hilary Needler runner-up who finished third in both the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury. Easy winner of a Listed race at Ayr on September 16.
ALPHA DELPHINI – dramatic winner of the Listed Beverley Bullet and only just denied by Cotai Glory in a five-furlong Group Three at Newbury on September 17.
LINE OF REASON – won a valuable conditions stakes on June 14 and, in doing so, smashed the five-furlong course record with a one-length defeat of Red Pike.

Hay Chewed attempts to claim a significant double in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes as a brilliant season at Beverley comes to an end on Tuesday (September 20).
Trained in Newmarket by Conrad Allen, the five-year-old mare struck for the first time in over two years at Leicester a fortnight ago when she won a competitive conditions stakes by one length.
The daughter of Camacho, who missed the entire 2015 campaign due to injury, now tries to repeat the dose in a cracking renewal of the £14,000 five-furlong sprint at 3.10pm.
Hay Chewed, a Listed winner at Ayr in June 2014, will have the assistance of title-chasing jockey Silvestre de Sousa and breaks from stall four in the 12-runner dash.
Allen said: “She’s been very, very unlucky this year as she’s never really had her conditions.
“She’s a very quick horse, and though it looks a hot race at Beverley she would have a live chance.
“Silvestre was going to go to Lingfield, but it’s obviously great news he rides her as he liked her a lot when she won at Leicester.
“She’s got a little bit to do at the weights, but if she runs to her best she can win.
“Last year she suffered a fracture which kept her off the track all year so it’s been lovely to see that she still has the appetite for racing.
“It’s a very competitive race with good prize-money on offer, but she’s in great form.”
Lightscameraction, trained by Gay Kelleway, heads the weights in the Eddie And Violet Smith Conditions Stakes.
The four-year-old gelding’s finest hour came at Lingfield in February, when he showed lots of pace to account for Take Cover by a neck in the Listed Hever Stakes.
Fellow Newmarket raider Mirza finished second in the Beverley Bullet two years ago and represents Rae Guest.
The locally-owned Tangerine Trees, a half-brother to last month’s Bullet hero Alpha Delphini, won this race in 2010 and has been declared by new trainer Mick Appleby.
Line Of Reason broke Beverley’s five-furlong track record earlier in the year with a one-length defeat of the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Red Pike in June.
The pair renew rivalry tomorrow, while Son Of Africa and Caspian Prince – a respective seventh and 10th in the Bullet last month – are also in the hunt for the £14,000 prize.
Eastern Impact, the highest-rated horse in the field, Double Up and the three-year-old Ornate – second to Hay Chewed at Leicester – add strength in depth, with the field completed by Ziggy Lee.
Beverley’s eight-race, seasonal closer begins at 2.10pm, with the going on Monday morning described as good, good to firm in places.
Cloud and sunshine have been forecast for the finale, with temperatures set to reach a high of 17C.

Alpha Delphini followed in the esteemed hoofprints of half-brother Tangerine Trees by winning a thrilling renewal of the £50,000 totescoop6 Beverley Bullet.
The locally-owned Tangerine Trees landed the big Listed dash in 2011 before going on to secure Group One glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp for the Bryan Smart team.
Like his former stablemate, Alpha Delphini was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.
Alpha Delphini, too, looks a horse with an extremely bright future after he claimed a quality renewal of the race by a neck under Connor Beasley.
The 13-2 chance was a shade too quick for runner-up Willytheconqueror, while 2-1 favourite Muthmir was just a short-head away in third place.
Alpha Delphini has now won three races on the bounce and will be stepped up into Pattern class for his next start.
Smart said: “He’s a proper, proper horse – we always had faith in him.
“When they called the photo-finish I wasn’t so sure he’d won, but he didn’t get going until the last half a furlong and won by a neck in the end.
“He’s a bit like Tangerine Trees as he doesn’t win by far and he’s from a late-developing family.
“We’ll try and find a Group Three for him and then that will probably be that for the season.
“I didn’t enter him for the Abbaye but that will definitely be an option next season.
“We’ll probably start him off at Newmarket next season and follow the same path as Tangerine Trees.
“There’s a lot more to come from this horse.”
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “That was one of the most exciting renewals of the Bullet in its history.
“Alpha Delphini looks a Group winner in-waiting and will hopefully add credence to our big race, which seems to get better ever year.
“With the improving Willytheconqueror second and the very talented Muthmir in third, the form looks really strong.

Line Of Reason will attempt to make it third-time lucky in the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet (3.10) on Saturday.
Trained in Westow, North Yorkshire, by Paul Midgley, the six-year-old gelding has competed in the last two renewals of the £50,000 sprint over five furlongs.
Third behind Pearl Secret in 2014, the son of Kheleyf was narrowly denied 12 months ago when he missed out by a neck to Maarek, who renews rivalry on Beverley’s richest raceday of the summer.
Line Of Reason has been highly tried this season, and even broke the five-furlong track record on June 16 with a length-and-a-quarter defeat of Red Pike.
Midgley said: “He’s in great form and hopefully it stays dry between now and the Bullet.
“We obviously know he enjoys running at Beverley – he broke the track record earlier in the year – and we’ve got him just where we want him to be.
“He’s never really had the rub of the green this season, for one reason or another.
“He was very unlucky in the King George at Goodwood, when he got caught for room.
“He would definitely have finished in the money that day, rather than finishing down the field.
“Muthmir is the big danger, I think, but as long as conditions are in his favour and he turns up in good form, our horse should take all the beating.”
Beverley sustained 14 millimetres of rainfall on Thursday night, with the going on Friday morning described as good, good to soft in places.
Dry weather has been forecast until after Saturday’s eight-race card, which begins at 2pm and forms the first leg of Beverley’s August Bank Holiday double-header.

TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET
Sky Bet bet: 11-4 Muthmir, 11-2 Line Of Reason, 13-2 Mr Lupton, Maarek, 15-2 Kingsgate Native, 8-1 Willytheconqueror, 12-1 Final Venture, Caspian Prince, 14-1 Alpha Delphini, Son Of Africa.
TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – THE LAST 10 WINNERS
2006 Baltic King Kevin Darley/Hughie Morrison
2007 Hellvelyn Ted Durcan/Bryan Smart
2008 Look Busy Slade O’Hara/Alan Berry
2009 Exceptional Art Franny Norton/David Nicholls
2010 Mister Hughie Sam Hitchcott/Mick Channon
2011 Tangerine Trees Tom Eaves/Bryan Smart
2012 Borderlescott Frederik Tylicki/Robin Bastiman
2013 Stepper Point Martin Dwyer/William Muir
2014 Pearl Secret Jamie Spencer/David Barron
2015 Maarek Jamie Spencer/Evanna McCutcheon

Muthmir could bring an exciting dimension to the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday, August 27.
Trainer William Haggas is giving the £50,000 Listed sprint at Beverley serious consideration for his high-class sprinter, who was a late non-runner in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York last Friday.
The Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned six-year-old had previously finished sixth in defence of his Qatar King George Stakes crown at Goodwood on July 29.
Haggas has earmarked a potentially lucrative autumnal campaign for Muthmir, with assignments in Ireland and France on the table, but thoughts could firstly turn to the Bullet on Beverley’s richest raceday of the season.
The Newmarket handler said: “The Beverley Bullet is a possibility for Muthmir.
“The rain that came at York on Friday was most unhelpful, but he’s in fine form and has done well since Goodwood.
“He’s not really had a great deal of luck this year, but we need to get him out soon.
“He’s in the Flying Five (Curragh) and the Abbaye (Chantilly) and I’d like to run him in both, but a lot of that depends upon how the ground is.
“He’s in fine form and is good to go – he just needs to race.”
Muthmir is currently trading as the 4-1 favourite for the Beverley Bullet, which attracted 23 possible runners at the entry stage.
The going at Beverley is currently good to firm ahead of the big race at the weekend, which could see last season’s respective first and second, Maarek and Line Of Reason, renew rivalry.
Rain is forecast on Thursday, but conditions are likely to remain largely dry in the build-up to Bullet day, the first leg of Beverley’s August Bank Holiday double-header.

TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – THE LAST 10 WINNERS
2006 Baltic King Kevin Darley/Hughie Morrison
2007 Hellvelyn Ted Durcan/Bryan Smart
2008 Look Busy Slade O’Hara/Alan Berry
2009 Exceptional Art Franny Norton/David Nicholls
2010 Mister Hughie Sam Hitchcott/Mick Channon
2011 Tangerine Trees Tom Eaves/Bryan Smart
2012 Borderlescott Frederik Tylicki/Robin Bastiman
2013 Stepper Point Martin Dwyer/William Muir
2014 Pearl Secret Jamie Spencer/David Barron
2015 Maarek Jamie Spencer/Evanna McCutcheon

Alpha Delphini will this Saturday (August 27) attempt to follow in the esteemed hoofprints of half-brother Tangerine Trees by winning the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet.
The locally-owned Tangerine Trees landed the big Listed dash in 2011 before going on to secure Group One glory in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp for the Bryan Smart team.
Like his former stablemate, Alpha Delphini was bred, and is partly-owned, by Beverley resident Marie Matthews.
The five-year-old gelding arrives at Beverley for the £50,000 Bullet on top of his game, having won valuable sprint handicaps at York and Ascot in July.
North Yorkshire-based Smart said: “Because of his half-brother and Marie’s connection, it will be some story if he wins.
“He’s in great order and he deserves to have a crack at a race like this.
“He won his maiden at Beverley and stays five furlongs very well, so we know he likes it at the track.
“We’re hoping he’ll run very, very well.”
Smart sees a lot of similar qualities between Alpha Delphini and Tangerine Trees, not least the manner in which they have both achieved victory in their careers.
The Hambleton House trainer, who also won the Bullet with Hellvelyn in 2007, added: “A bit like his half-brother, Alpha Delphini is from a late-developing family so we had to take our time with him.
“Tangerine Trees didn’t really come into his own until he was older, so you’d like to think there’s a bit more to come from Alpha.
“There’s also a big similarity with Tangerine Trees in that they both don’t win by very far – but the fact they are winning at all will do for me!”
The going at Beverley is currently good to firm ahead of the Beverley Bullet, in which last season’s respective first and second, Maarek and Line Of Reason, are poised to renew rivalry.
Group Two-winning sprinter Muthmir, trained in Newmarket by William Haggas, is currently the general ante-post favourite for the showpiece race on Beverley’s richest raceday of the season.
Showers are forecast on Thursday, but conditions are likely to remain largely dry in the build-up to Bullet day, the first leg of Beverley’s August Bank Holiday double-header.
TOTESCOOP6 BEVERLEY BULLET – SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
Sky Bet bet: 9-2 Muthmir, 11-2 Line Of Reason, Mr Lupton, 13-2 Maarek, 7-1 Strath Burn, 8-1 Kingsgate Native, 10-1 Willytheconqueror, 12-1 Final Venture, Caspian Prince, Spirit Quartz, 14-1 Mayfair Lady, 16-1 Alpha Delphini, Mirza, Imtiyaaz, 20-1 bar

Irish trainer Evanna McCutcheon is poised to give Maarek the chance to claim back-to-back victories in the Listed totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday (August 27).
The Group One-winning sprinter won the much-sought-after £50,000 dash by a neck under a brilliant Jamie Spencer ride 12 months ago and is set to return to East Yorkshire on Beverley’s richest raceday of the season.
Co Tipperary-based McCutcheon said: “Maarek is also entered at Tipperary on Thursday, but I would say it was more likely he’ll come back to Beverley for the Bullet instead.
“He’s had a nice mini-break, which was always the plan to back off with him as he had a mixed-up winter and ran earlier in the season than he usually does.
“Bar his last start at the Curragh in June, he had been running really well, but things haven’t really gone his way all year.
“He disappointed us the last day when he ran very flat, but he’s really, really well now and I’m very happy with him.
“It will be a competitive race – you wouldn’t expect anything else – but it’s very good prize-money and he obviously won so well last year, so we know he acts at the track.
“He’s fit and fresh and ready to roll.”
Should all run smoothly at the weekend, Maarek is then likely to head to Chantilly for the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye, a race he won in 2013 when staged at its usual home of Longchamp, on October 2.
McCutcheon added: “He ran a really nice race on his last-but-one start at Chantilly, so hopefully we’ll head back to France in good spirits.”
Last season’s Bullet runner-up Line Of Reason, who broke the Beverley five-furlong track record on June 14, could renew rivalry with Maarek for the Paul Midgley team.
Popular veteran Kingsgate Native enjoys life at Beverley and rolled back the years with an uplifting victory at Nottingham earlier this month.
He is one of three possible runners for Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell, who has also confirmed Spirit Quartz and Strath Burn.
Classy sprinter Muthmir (William Haggas) and last-time-out scorer Son Of Africa (Henry Candy) also feature amongst the 23 entries for the Bullet.
Richard Fahey could be double-handed with Mayfair Lady and Mr Lupton, while fellow Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart, who won the race in 2011 with Tangerine Trees, could saddle the hat-trick-seeking Alpha Delphini.
Others of note in a potentially excellent race include Final Venture (Alan Swinbank), Caspian Prince (David Loughnane), Imtiyaaz (Roger Varian) and Muhadathat (Mark Johnston).
Beverley card on Saturday – the first leg of the track’s Bank Holiday double-header – is due to begin at 2pm, with the official going on Monday described as good to firm.

Beverley Racecourse hosts a range of events perfect for racegoers and families in late August and September with the best on and off the course. For tickets and price information, visit http://beverley-racecourse.co.uk/

Saturday 27 August : Totepool Beverley Bullet Day
First Race 2pm
Our most prestigious race day of the season showcases with only the fastest horses and top quality racing.
Our feature race today is The Beverley Bullet Stakes. A fast and furious dash up the five furlong course notorious for its stiff uphill finish, some of the classiest sprinters around will be heading to Beverley to battle it out in the thrilling highlight of our richest race day.
As well as the ‘proper’ races, don’t miss the Charles Owen pony racing also taking place today. Many well-known jockeys have come up through the pony racing ranks, so see if you can spot a Frankie Dettori or a Hayley Turner of the future in today’s pony racing.
Gates open at 11.30am with the last race provisionally 5.20pm.

Sunday 28 August : A Sunday Hop
First Race 1.50pm
Our bank holiday family raceday with live music and a beer festival is a great day out for all the family.
Relaxation is the name of the game on this laid back Sunday afternoon. Enjoy a tasty cask ale accompanied by live music in our Wold Top Beer and Beverley Folk Festival, whilst the fun for kids includes funfair rides and side stalls from The Beverley Lions. What better way to spend your bank holiday?
Gates open at 10.30am for the Course Enclosure and 11.30am for everywhere else. Last race provisionally 5.15pm.

Wednesday 14 September : An Afternoon of Racing
First Race 1.50pm
We bring you a full afternoon of racing action at Beverley Racecourse, with our penultimate meeting of 2016.
Gates open at 12 noon. Last race provisionally 5.10pm.

Tuesday 20 September : Season Closer

First Race 2.10pm

Join us for our season finale race day and help us close the racing season at Beverley in true style.

Gates open at 12 noon with the last race provisionally at 5.15pm.

Colin Tinkler Snr, the patriarch of a famous racing dynasty, will be remembered at Beverley next Thursday (August 11) with a unique race named in his honour.

Tinkler, father of trainers Colin and Nigel and grandfather of Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Andrew and his brother Nicky, died last October aged 89. He was also married to champion amateur jockey Marie Tinkler.

An enthusiastic owner and a renowned tipster, he is fondly remembered for being the brainchild of Full Circle Thoroughbreds, a pioneering syndicate that allowed racegoers from all walks of life to have shares in horses.

The Colin Tinkler Snr Professional Lady Jockeys Handicap (3.20) at Beverley pays homage to one of the biggest racing personalities on the northern circuit.

The five-furlong handicap – the first ever domestic Flat race reserved just for professional lady riders – will be sponsored by Nigel Tinkler and his wife, Kim. Entries for the race close on Friday, August 5, at 12pm.

Nigel Tinkler said: “It’s going to be a good day, but a sad day for us as a family.

“My father was a great man and also a big supporter of professional lady jockeys, so that’s why we were keen to have a race like this in his memory.

“His work with Full Circle was especially fantastic. Before he started it up, there was only a maximum number of 12 allowed to own a racehorse. My father got Full Circle registered and went to the Jockey Club to essentially change the rules.

“Full Circle had 2,500 members and was a first of its kind as it gave everyone a chance for absolutely anyone to own a racehorse – and to possibly even stand next to the Queen in the paddock.

“My father lived life to the full and loved Beverley, which was always his favourite track. He always used to say you could fill your boots there, so it’s nice to have the race at Beverley for him.”

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We are thrilled Colin’s life will be remembered here at Beverley.

“He was a larger-than-life personality with a wonderful sense of humour, and is much missed in racing.

“We are extremely proud to lend our support to a race – the first of its type – named in his honour.”

The Colin Tinkler Snr Professional Lady Jockeys Handicap is one of seven races next Thursday as Beverley stages a significant double-header of racing that is spearheaded by Journal Ladies’ Day on Wednesday, August 10.
ENDS

Tony Coyle saddles four runners in the Jaimie Kerr Memorial Handicap at Beverley on Monday on what will be an emotional evening for the Malton trainer.
The five-furlong sprint is named in memory of Coyle’s former assistant and partner, Jaimie, who died last year, aged 38.
Coyle’s Long Row Stables team will be represented in the race by Maureb, Flicka’s Boy, Thatcherite and Taffetta.
Flicka’s Boy and Thatcherite will be running in the silks of Jaimie Kerr’s father, Brian.
Norton-based Coyle said: “It will be a tough night for me, but it’s nice to remember Jaimie, who was an unbelievable person.
“Beverley was her favourite track and there’s a busload of 40 going over from Weaverthorpe, where Jaimie was from.
“It’s lovely that we can remember Jaimie by having a race named in her memory.
“The race will be named after Jaimie for the next three years and we’ve got four runners in it on Monday to see if we can win it.
“I’ve also sorted cups for all the winning connections, but I’ll be trying to keep a low profile on the night as it will be difficult for me.
“She did absolutely everything for our yard and is badly missed every day.”
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden best remembers Jaimie Kerr for her love of horses and her dedication to the sport.
She said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate the life of Jaimie at Beverley.
“She simply adored her horses, and they adored her – she presented them immaculately and her pride was clear for everyone to see.”
Beverley’s seven-race card is due to begin at 5.35pm, with the Jaimie Kerr Memorial Handicap due off at 6.35pm.
Rio Rio Carnival Night on the Westwood forms part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival – a week-long celebration in which live action is staged at eight of the nine courses in the region.
The going at the track is currently good to firm. A dry evening with sunny spells has been forecast, with temperatures set to reach 23C.

Gloucestershire trainer David Bridgwater savoured one of the proudest moments of his career at Beverley last year and returns to East Yorkshire on Tuesday to relive the moment.
Twelve months ago, Bridgwater was on hand to watch his 17-year-old daughter, Poppy, claim a first victory on a racecourse when Engai won the Dorothy Laird Memorial Trophy.
Now the Bridgwaters and Engai will attempt to repeat the dose in the mile-and-a-quarter handicap for lady riders at 6.05pm – the concluding event on a fine eight-race card on the Westwood.
David Bridgwater said: “The old boy had a fall over hurdles about three years ago and scraped his eye.
“After that he wouldn’t jump a hurdle or a fence again, and the owners at the time very kindly gave him to me for Poppy to ride on the Flat.
“She obviously had her first winner at Beverley last season. That was a wonderful feeling and something I’ll never forget.
“It was brilliant, and exactly what racing is all about.”
Engai won an eight-and-a-half-furlong handicap at Wolverhampton in March in the hands of George Downing, after which he finished second at Lingfield in June.
He then warmed up for this assignment with a fourth-placed finish over this trip at Nottingham on July 2.
Bridgwater added: “He’s done fantastically well since he went on the Flat and ran a stormer at Nottingham on ground that was too soft for him.
“Beverley clearly suits him and he runs here off the same mark when he won a year ago.
“He’s a lovely horse, and I’m hoping he’ll be in the first four again.”
Racing at Beverley is due to begin at 2.20pm, with the feature race being the £10,000 131st Year of the Watt Memorial Handicap (4.00) over two miles.
A centrepiece on Beverley’s fixture list, the race has existed since a local dignitary, William Watt, bequeathed a fund to the racecourse.
His father, Squire Richard Watt, who was based at nearby Bishop Burton, trained four St Leger winners in the early part of the 19th century – Altisidora (1813), Barefoot (1823), Memnon (1825) and Rockingham (1833).
The going at Beverley is currently good, with the forecast for raceday largely bright with sunny intervals, and highs of around 18C.

Singeur attempts to go one place better than last year in the big race at Beverley on Saturday, the £12,000 Coachman Caravans Quality Handicap.
The likeable nine-year-old succumbed by just a length to Avon Breeze in the five-furlong dash 12 months ago and is back for another go on ‘The Big Saturday Raceday’.
Wetherby-based trainer Rebecca Bastiman said: “He just got chinned on the stands’ side last year, which was a bit unlucky.
“The ground was good that day, and hopefully if it’s something similar I’d be quite hopeful he’d have a bit of a chance.
“Singeur not really had much luck this year, but he’s never really had his ground and it was too soft for him at York on his last start.
“He’s in good form, though, and is on a good mark these days. He also did a nice piece of work (on Thursday morning).
“I think he’s still got the heart and the appetite for the battle.”
Bastiman also saddles John Caesar in the C.G.I. Handicap over eight and a half furlongs.
The five-year-old gelding has not yet won on turf but he turned in an encouraging display at Beverley on June 14, when second to Hydrant over a mile and a quarter.
Bastiman said: “John Caesar knows Beverley well but we could do with him winning on grass sooner rather than later.
“He ran a nice race last time over a mile and two (furlongs) but I think the step back in trip will definitely suit him better.
“He doesn’t win often, but he’s quite consistent and he clearly enjoys running up that hill at Beverley.”
The second leg of Beverley’s big double-header is due to start at 1.50pm, with the going on Friday morning described as good, good to soft in places, after three millimetres of rainfall on Thursday evening.
Always the biggest Saturday of the year at the popular East Yorkshire venue, gates open 11.30am, with the last of seven races at 5.50pm.

Red-hot North Yorkshire trainer Jedd O’Keeffe is bullish about the chances of further success on the first leg of Beverley’s double-header on Friday evening.
The Middleham Moor handler has his string in top form, and bids to enhances the figures by saddling Sovereign Bounty in the £8,000 Aunt Bessie’s Handicap over seven and a half furlongs.
Despite having failed to land a blow over a mile at Carlisle just over a week ago, O’Keeffe is heartened by Sovereign Bounty’s course-winning form on the Westwood.
He also felt there there extenuating circumstances behind his last visit to a racecourse.
O’Keeffe said: “He likes Beverley and this is obviously a nice prize to go for.
“He finished third there and won there last year, so that counts in his favour.
“He’s in good form and I wouldn’t be concerned about his handicap mark.
“We’d also be confident he’ll do better than at Carlisle last time. He was a touch disappointing there as he never really got into a rhythm as it was a stop-start sort of a race.
“Hopefully he’ll get a good, strong pace and get some early cover at Beverley.
“If he does, I think he’d have a pretty good chance – he just needs that all-important bit of luck.”
Sovereign Bounty is one of 10 declared runners for the Aunt Bessie’s Handicap – one of six races on Beverley’s ‘Party on the Pasture’ night, which begins at 6.15pm.
Last-time-out scorers Shouranour, Victoire De Lyphar, Lawyer and Viscount Barfield are also in contention in a strong-looking renewal, while Relight My Fire aims to win the race for a second time.
O’Keeffe could also be represented by Whitkirk on ‘The Big Saturday Raceday’ at Beverley on Saturday afternoon.
The three-year-old gelding hacked up at Hamilton on Tuesday and could make a swift return to action in the Eltherington Handicap over seven and a half furlongs.
O’Keeffe said: “He won well at Hamilton – really well – but I assume the handicapper will have his say now.
“He’d run at Beverley off a penalty, though, so that would be appealing, but we don’t want any more rain for him.
“He’s tall, long and lean and doesn’t take a lot of hard work at home to learn his job.
“Even so, he’s surprised me how well he’s done, so hopefully there’s more to come if he does run at Beverley.”
The official going at Beverley on Wednesday morning was good after 11 millimetres of rainfall on Tuesday night.
A prolonged dry from Thursday onwards has been forecast, with temperatures at the weekend set to reach a maximum high of 17C.

Proud owner Peter Swann was overcome by a “wave of emotion” after Prince Of Lir secured a memorable Royal Ascot victory that was warmly received by officials of Beverley racecourse.
The two-year-old son of Zodiac, trained in Newmarket by Robert Cowell, dazzled in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes over six furlongs with a half-length success over The Last Lion.
It was, too, a significant result for Beverley racecourse as Prince Of Lir also defeated the same rival on his debut in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy on the Westwood in May.
Prince Of Lir carries the Cool Silk Partnership silks of Swann, who is chairman of Scunthorpe United Football Club, and his mother-in-law, Barbara Wilkinson.
Swann said: “The whole family was at Ascot on the day and it was an absolutely fantastic experience.
“We’ve been waiting 18 years for something like this. You never know how you are going to react to a Royal Ascot winner, but the wave of emotion was almost too much.
“It was also exciting as I think the horse won in spite of the ground. We think he’d probably have won even easier if the ground had been a little better.
“Robert was a bit worried about running him at Beverley because of the competition in the field, but we made the decision to go and it worked out really well.
“The Beverley race was ideal for us as it came at the right time with Royal Ascot in mind.”
Plans are now fluid for Prince Of Lir, who will be given a well-deserved break before his owners and Cowell formulate a gameplan.
Swann said: “He’ll probably have an entry in the Molecomb at Goodwood but I think that will be too quick for him.
“There’s also the Nunthorpe at York to think about and we might also look abroad, but there’s no rush – and absolutely no pressure on us.
“We turned down an offer of three-quarters of a million pound for the horse, but it’s not about the money.
“If we’d have missed out on a Royal Ascot winner we’d have been absolutely gutted.
“We bought him as a Norfolk horse, so we are just absolutely over the moon that the plan has come off.”
The five-furlong Brian Yeardley – a £25,000 conditions stakes over five furlongs – has in recent years gone from strength to strength and was won last year by First Selection, who finished second in the French Derby in May.
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden was thrilled to see the Brian Yeardley form franked so convincingly at the Royal meeting.
She said: “Prince Of Lir looks a horse of great substance who is surely going to enjoy many more halcyon days on the racecourse.
“The Last Lion is also a very exciting juvenile, so it was fantastic that Beverley formlines were brought into focus on the grandest stage of Flat racing in the world.
“We have worked very hard to try to attract the very best horses to Beverley, with the Brian Yeardley, the Hilary Needler and, of course, the Beverley Bullet firmly established on the racing calendar.
“The Hilary Needler and the Brian Yeardley also provide trainers and owners with a perfect stepping-stone from which Royal Ascot dreams can happily be realised.”
Beverley’s next meeting of what has already been a terrific campaign is on Tuesday, June 21.
The seven-race card is due to begin at 2pm, with the feature race being the Jamie Gordon The Big 40 Handicap (3.30) over a mile and a quarter.
King Of The Celts won the race 12 months ago for trainer Tim Easterby and owner Dadie Oughtred, who is a long-standing director of Beverley racecourse.
ENDS

Clem Fandango will evoke fond memories of one of the greatest Hilary Needler Trophy winners of all time when she runs at Beverley on Saturday.
The two-year-old daughter of Elzaam is trained in Carluke, South Lanarkshire, by Keith Dalgleish, who in 2003 steered the great Attraction to a facile success in the esteemed five-furlong dash on the Westwood.
Beverley provided the springboard for an astounding career that saw her win five Group Ones, including the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.
Dalgleish said: “Attraction was a great horse and she won very easily at Beverley – it was obviously a day to remember.”
The jockey-turned-trainer now attempts to return to Beverley winner’s enclosure with Clem Fandango, who is one of 19 possible runners in the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy.
Owned by Middleham Park Racing, she shaped promisingly when second on her debut over course and distance in April.
Clem Fandango was then sent to Catterick for a five-furlong maiden on May 3 and excelled with a four-and-a-half-length victory under Phillip Makin.
Dalgleish said: “She’s a very nice horse and will run at Beverley on Saturday, with Phil riding again.
“The ground will be fine for her, I think, and she ran very well there on her debut behind a good horse (Seafront).
“We’ve been very happy with her since Catterick and this is her preferred track, so we’ll give it a go.
“She’d obviously have to run well at the weekend, but Royal Ascot would be considered if she did so.”
Twin feature on ‘A Very British Raceday’ at the attractive East Yorkshire circuit is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy, won 12 months ago by French Derby runner-up First Selection.
Beverley’s seven-race card is due to start at 1.50pm, with the ground currently good to firm.
The week-long forecast is for largely dry weather from Thursday onwards, with the turf watered accordingly to preserve conditions.

Trainer Jo Hughes could have Royal Ascot in mind if Erica Bing shines in the £25,000 Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.
The daughter of Captain Gerrard made a deep impression at Bath earlier this month, when successful in a five-and-a-half-furlong maiden, and could now step up in class for the historic conditions stakes on the Westwood.
Lambourn-based Hughes said: “She’s not very big, but, boy, she is a heck of a tough little horse, as she showed on her last start.
“She also holds an entry at Bath on Friday, but her joint-owner, who bred her, is keen to go to Beverley.
“A lot will depend on the weather so we are weighing up our options at this stage.
“I hadn’t really thought of her as a Royal Ascot horse but you just never know.
“She would have to improve, but if she kept progressing from her second run to her third, we’d obviously have to give Ascot some thought.”
Nineteen fillies have been confirmed for the prestigious five-furlong sprint, won last year by Easton Angel, who subsequently finished second in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Mark Johnston saddled the most famous Hilary Needler heroine in recent history when the great Attraction claimed the race in 2003 before easily winning the Queen Mary two weeks later.
The Middleham handler has this year confirmed five horses – Boater, Camargue, Chupalla, Kilmah and Sea Of Snow.
Richard Hannon could be triple-handed with Grizzel, Lexington Sky and Tiggaliscious – as might Richard Fahey, who has given a Hilary Needler entry to Kocollada, Samran Says and Spin Doctor.
Others of note include course-and-distance winner Seafront (James Tate), runaway Catterick scorer Clem Fandango (Keith Dalgleish) and the David O’Meara-trained Coolfitch, who was seventh in the Listed Marygate Fillies’ Stakes at York.
Windsor winner Jule In The Crown (Mick Channon), Princess Holly (Robert Cowell), Indigo Beat (Ann Duffield) and Our Greta (Mick Appleby) complete the list.
Twin feature on ‘A Very British Raceday’ at the attractive East Yorkshire circuit is the £25,000 Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy, won 12 months ago by French Derby runner-up First Selection.
The informative five-furlong dash has attracted 17 young colts at the confirmation stage, including the Johnston-trained trio of Mailshot, Repton and The Last Lion, winner of the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster on his debut.
Beverley’s seven-race card is due to start at 1.50pm, with the ground currently good to firm.
The week-long forecast is for largely dry weather, with the turf watered accordingly to preserve conditions.

Wick Powell’s recent home-work convinced Yorkshire trainer David Barron to go for gold in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy at Beverley on Saturday.
The young of Sakhee’s Secret made quite a splash when successful on his debut at Southwell last month, and now takes a steep rise in grade for the £25,000 highlight on the Westwood.
Barron, who won the coveted five-furlong sprint two years ago with Midterm Break, reports Wick Powell in fine fettle for his big day in East Yorkshire.
The Thirsk handler said: “He’s been quite a nice horse all the way through and he did it nicely on the sand at Southwell.
“He’s had a touch of sore shins since then, so we’ve had to give him a bit of time, but I’ve been very happy with how he’s been working for the last couple of weeks.
“He’s in a novice auction race at Redcar on Monday, but he’d have to give weight away in that and we thought we’d rather go for something like this where he can run off reasonably level weights.
“It’s a very nice prize to win.”
Wick Powell will be ridden by Graham Gibbons and breaks from stall three in the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy (2.25).
Won last year by French Derby runner-up First Selection, Barron’s inmate will take on six rivals at Beverley.
Mark Johnston is double-handed with The Last Lion, winner of the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes at Doncaster, and Mailshot, fourth at Newbury in a strong six-furlong race on May 14.
Richard Fahey has given Pontefract scorer Springwood the chance to shine, while Richard Hannon has whittled his squad down to Logi, third on his sole start at York’s Dante meeting.
Ann Duffield will be represented by Rainbow Mist, who won on debut at Thirsk before finishing third over six furlongs at Ripon.
Prince Of Lir, an unraced son of Kodiac, completes the line-up for the Robert Cowell team.
Beverley’s well-attended ‘A Very British Raceday’ starts at 1.50pm – the first of seven races on a card which also features the historic Hilary Needler Trophy.
The going on Thursday morning was described as good to firm, good in places, after 14 millimetres of rainfall on Wednesday.

Ann Duffield will be thrilled to have a runner in the historic Hilary Needler Trophy when Indigo Beat lines up at Beverley on Saturday.
The two-year-old daughter of Tamayuz is one of eight fillies declared for the £25,000 dash over five furlongs and has been handed stall seven in the hands of PJ McDonald.
Duffield is measured about the chances of Indigo Beat winning what is a hot renewal, but her representative nonetheless shaped encouragingly on her debut at Thirsk on May 14, when fourth behind Kocollada over five furlongs.
The Constable Burton handler feels the juvenile has physically developed in the last fortnight, but is just happy she is in contention for a race of this magnitude.
She said: “Indigo Beat ran well enough first time out and we think she’s improved a bit since, but obviously she’ll need to have improved an awful lot to be troubling one or two of these.
“I’m not saying she’s good enough to win it, and we’re probably tilting at windmills, but it’s nice to have a runner in a race like the Hilary Needler.”
Eight horses, six of whom possess winning form, have been declared for the Hilary Needler, with Grizzell (Richard Hannon) and Spin Doctor (Richard Fahey) bringing unbeaten records into the race.
Boater was only beaten a length in the Listed Marygate Fillies’ Stakes at York’s Dante meeting and has been declared by Mark Johnston, who last won the race with the mighty Attraction in 2003.
The David O’Meara-trained Coolfitch, who was seventh in the Marygate, Erica Bing (Jo Hughes), Clem Fandango (Keith Dalgleish) and Our Greta (Mick Appleby) complete the line-up.
Beverley’s well-attended ‘A Very British Raceday’ starts at 1.50pm – the first of seven races on a card which also features the Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy, won last season by French Derby runner-up First Selection.

First-season trainer Owen Burrows hopes success for Fawaareq at Beverley on Tuesday can act as a springboard towards even greater gains later in the week.
Sir Michael Stoute’s former assistant this year took over at Kingwood House Stables, in Lambourn, and has already saddled Massaat into second place in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Burrows is braced for another big afternoon at York on Thursday when fellow Investec Derby aspirant Muntazah competes in the Betfred Dante Stakes.
Before that, though, Burrows will have his first Beverley runner when the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Fawaareq lines up in the High Definition Racing UK Maiden Stakes (4.00).
The trainer told www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk: “He’s not been unlucky, as such, but he’s run some very solid races already.
“I was very pleased with him at Newmarket during Craven week when he finished second in a good maiden on his comeback.
“This is a small step up in trip but I’m not at all worried about that and the ground should be ideal for him.
“Beverley’s a nice course and hopefully he can open his account on Tuesday.”
Fawaareq, the mount of Paul Hanagan, is one of seven declared runners in the seven-and-a-half-furlong maiden, with Doncaster runner-up Heir To A Throne (Kevin Ryan) and Irish recruit Haraz (David O’Meara) big dangers.
Burrows said: “It’s not easy-pickings, by any stretch of the imagination, as there are two horses in there on good marks.
“I’ve not yet saddled a winner on turf, though, so hopefully we can do it at Beverley.
“It’s going to be a very big week and hopefully we can achieve the results we want.”
The Lambourn handler reports Muntazah in top trim for his Dante date.
A convincing Leicester maiden scorer in September, the Dubawi colt further advertised his qualities when only beaten three lengths by Foundation in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket.
Burrows said: “He’s in good form and is ready to start.
“We’ve been waiting to run him on this sort of ground as he loves it fast.
“He’s out of Dubawi and the dam (Rumoush) finished third in the Oaks so I’d very surprised if he doesn’t stay.
“It’s going to be a good race, and we’ll know a lot more about him afterwards as to where we go with him this summer.”
Guineas runner-up Massaat will not run in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on May 21 and will instead be kept on ice for the premier Classic at Epsom on June 4.
Burrows added: “He has come out of the Guineas really well and cantered first lot (on Monday morning).
“He’s fresh and fit but he won’t go to Ireland. Sheikh Hamdan would like to run him in the Derby so it’s fingers crossed we get there in one piece.”
Beverley’s seven-race card – the only domestic Flat fixture on Tuesday afternoon – is due to start at 2pm, with the £10,000 James “Doug” Norris Is 60 Today Handicap (3.30) the feature.
The official going on Monday morning was described as good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions.

Endearing Yorkshire veteran Dubai Dynamo will make his 150th racecourse appearance in the feature event at Beverley on Bank Holiday Monday.
Trained by Ruth Carr in Stillington, near York, the 11-year-old gelding will be joined by stablemate Abushamah in the £10,000 Beverley Annual Badgeholders Handicap at 4.05pm.
Dubai Dynamo, who has earned over £350,000 in a distinguished career, dramatically won this eight-and-a-half-furlong prize by a neck in 2014 and will again by ridden by PJ McDonald.
The gelded son of Kyllachy has had a bit of a lean spell since he struck at Ripon last August, but Carr has reason for cautious optimism ahead of just his third outing on the Westwood.
She told www.beverley-races.co.uk: “He’s such an honest horse and, touch-wood, he is very sound.
“He’s got a great attitude and enjoys lots of time out in the paddock rather than on the gallops all the time.
“The handicapper has given him a bit of a chance as he started the year on a high mark, having done so well last season.
“He goes well at Beverley, as he showed when he won this race a few years ago, and PJ knows him better than anybody.
“It’s a very nice race to win and hopefully the old boy can do us proud.”
Five-year-old Abushamah, the mount of James Sullivan, is a relative whipper-snapper compared to Dubai Dynamo and was bought from out of Irish trainer Kevin Prendergast’s yard last August.
The gelded son of Nayef turned in an encouraging performance at Redcar on April 11, when second in a heavy-ground handicap over a mile, with Carr expectant of further consolidation at Beverley.
She said: “We’re still finding out a bit about him, to be honest.
“He’s a very big horse – as big a horse as we’ve got – so it will be interesting to see how he handles running at Beverley.
“If he takes to the track I’d expect him to run well.”
A strong 12-runner field has been declared for the Beverley Annual Badgeholders Handicap, with last year’s winner Rousayan in the frame for David O’Meara.
Beverley regulars Border Bandit (Tracy Waggott) and Hulcolt (Ivan Furtado) are also in the line-up, while the James Given-trained Sands Chorus and David Loughnane’s Muntadab are in good form.
May Day Raceday at the picturesque East Yorkshire circuit is due to begin at 1.45pm with the Maypole Dancers Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over a mile and a half.
Beverley racegoers will now be treated to eight races after the seven-and-a-half-furlong handicap was divided, with the finale, the White Rabbit Apprentice Handicap, due off at 5.50pm.

Sir Michael Stoute will attempt to maintain his blistering start to the season by sending two runners to Beverley on Thursday.
The Newmarket handler has his string in especially good form for this time of the year and launches a dual assault on the seven-race card in East Yorkshire.
Arab Poet is one of five declared runners for the £11,500 Queen’s Own Yeomanry Handicap (2.50) over seven and a half furlongs, while stablemate Shabbah takes the plunge in the mile-and-a-quarter Tour De Yorkshire Starts Here Next Friday Handicap (3.50).
The former, a son of Poet’s Voice, will be making his handicap debut after having broken his maiden at the fourth attempt with a two-and-a-quarter-length success at Lingfield in October.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Saeed Suhail, told www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk: “He’s a progressive sort of horse and we think he will run very well.
“He was second to Massaat at Leicester last September and that one finished second in the Dewhurst so the form is there for all to see.
“He’s working well and though he will get further in time, we think we can get away with running him over this trip.
“It also helps that Sir Michael’s horses have been running very well.”
Raymond is also racing manager for Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, in whose silks Shabbah runs.
The three-year-old Sea The Stars colt takes a big step up in distance after having been campaigned over seven and eight furlongs during a winless juvenile campaign in 2015.
Raymond said: “He obviously didn’t show a great deal last season but he’s been working well and will look a lovely horse in the paddock.
“The step up in trip will help and any Sir Michael Stoute horse rated 64 has a chance.”
Ryan Moore rides the two Stoute horses and also gets the leg-up on the James Tate-trained Seafront, an encouraging sixth on her debut at Newmarket last week, in the five-furlong Beverley Minster Fillies’ Novice Auction Stakes (1.50).
Raymond, who is also responsible for owner Saeed Manana’s string, said of the young daughter of Foxwedge: “She was a bit dozy in the paddock last week, but she came out of that race with plenty of credit.
“We think she could be all right.”
Racing at Beverley – the only domestic Flat card of the day – is due to begin at 1.50pm on an afternoon in which the popular Westwood circuit celebrates the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
To honour the occasion, Hull Det. A (Yorkshire) Squadron of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry will be visiting the course for a reinstating of the Yeomanry race which was held many years ago.
The going at Beverley on Tuesday morning was officially described as soft, though a prolonged drying spell has been forecast in the build-up to the second meeting of the season at the award-winning course.

Prominent owner Keith Brown feels he could have found “the next Top Notch Tonto” ahead of Orewa’s debut at Beverley’s first meeting of the season on Wednesday.

The two-year-old son of Helmet cost Brown 18,000 euro at Tattersalls Ireland last September and is one of eight declarations for the five-furlong Welcome Back To Beverley Novice Auction Stakes (2.35).

Brown’s silks are best known for Top Notch Tonto, the 2013 QEII runner-up who broke his maiden at the second attempt on the Westwood.

His owner, who hails from Swanland, East Yorkshire, is also expecting big things from the Brian Ellison-trained Orewa.

Brown said: “He’s the most expensive horse I’ve ever bought, but he’s such a well-bred, lovely colt.

“All Helmet colts were making around £50k to £75k but this one came out at around 1.45pm, and by that time everyone was knocking back food and drink and I was the only left in the sales hall, so I think we’ve got a bargain.

“He’s got quite a high action so I hope we don’t get too much more rain, but Beverley is obviously my local track and this looks a good race for him.

“From what we’ve seen so far, I’m hoping he could be our next Top Notch Tonto.

“He’s been working really well and is a smashing-looking horse.”

Top Notch Tonto, meanwhile, is reported in top form as the distinctive-looking six-year-old gears up for a return to the track in the bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown on April 22.

Brown told www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk: “Tonto was really unlucky last year.

“He obviously won at York, but three other times he was beaten by such a short margin.

“We’ll start him out in the mile-and-a-quarter race at Sandown and then hopefully kick on from there.

“He’s as good as ever — Brian is thrilled with him — and I”m hoping for a big year with him.”

Beverley’s seven-race card on Wednesday is due to begin at 2pm, with the official going on Tuesday morning described as good to soft.

Feature race is the £11,500 NL Van Truck And Car Hire Handicap (3.10), won last year by 100-rated sprinter Pipers Note.

Beverley racecourse has invested over £800,000 on refurbishments in the close season, while chief executive Sally Iggulden pledged that no class five race all year will be contested for less than £6,000 in prize-money.

Maarek’s late-summer goal is likely to be the defence of his crown in the totepoool Beverley Bullet as racing returns on the Westwood this Wednesday.
The Group One-winning sprinter claimed the £50,000 Listed race in thrilling fashion last season and is already in contention for a significant double in Beverley’s keynote event on August 27.
County Tipperary trainer Evanna McCutcheon said: “We had a great day last year and we were really well looked after, so there’s absolutely no reason why we wouldn’t think about the Beverley Bullet again.
“Beverley’s a lovely course and even though he possibly didn’t handle the track, he got there in the end, which was great to see.
“It’s a nice prize at the right time so the Bullet is definitely on the list.”
Maarek made a pleasing return to action at Doncaster on April 2 when he finished third in the Cammidge Trophy.
And before his big day at Beverley, the gelded son of Pivotal is again likely to be sent across the Irish Sea in pursuit of more prize-money.
McCutcheon added: “We were very happy with him at Doncaster as he’s an impossible work-horse and we wouldn’t know where we stood with him, fitness wise.
“We’ll have a look at Newmarket but the ground might not be right for him, so there’s also the Naas race (Woodlands Stakes) as an option.
“He’s also entered at York (Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes), so we’ll think about that as well.
“He’ll have lots of options again, but, as always, it will depend on where the ground is best for him.
“He’s still a very good horse when things fall right — as he showed in the Beverley Bullet last year.”
Having spent over £800,000 in refurbishments, Beverley racecourse is set fair for its seven-race season opener on Wednesday, with the meeting due to begin at 2pm.
Feature race is the £11,500 N L Van Truck And Car Hire Handicap over five furlongs, which attracted 23 entries at the confirmation stage.
Even in spite of significant racecourse improvements, a commitment to prize-money remains a core value on the Westwood.
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “Prize-money continues to be a main feature for us, and no class five race will be run for less than a £6,000 total prize fund, as we recognise the importance of this level in our sport.
“We push ahead with our quality races, and aim to increase the competitiveness of racing on the Westwood.
“An investment of over £800,000 since Christmas has seen a full refurbishment of the Attraction Restaurant, which is now comfortably amongst the best in the country, as well as upgrades to the Racecourse Lodge, car-parks and stableyard.
“It’s been all systems go this winter to make for an even better venue and sporting spectacle for our racegoers.”

 

The 2016 season looks set to arrive in style at Beverley Racecourse as the popular East Yorkshire track welcomes troops from the Queen’s Own Yeomanry to honour the monarch’s 90th birthday.
The Queen, who visited Beverley Racecourse in 2002, celebrates her 90th birthday on the 21st April, with her official birthday celebrations due to be held in June. To mark the occasion and honour one of racing’s greatest supporters, Beverley Racecourse, who are holding their second race meeting of the new season on this date, will be enlisting the help of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry.
The QOY, a Reservist Light Cavalry Reconnaissance Unit, known more specifically as A Squadron QOY or ‘Yorkshire Cavalry’, has recently returned to re-open its Hull Detachment in Halifax Barracks. After a ten year absence they hope to persuade local people to take up the unique challenge of being part of the Army Reserves. The unit enjoys close ties with the Royal Family and a historic past with Beverley Racecourse, with an annual Yeomanry race held on course until around 1950.
On the 21st April, the unit will bring three of their armoured vehicles for racegoers to get their hands on, along with serving members of the unit who will drill on the course before the specially named Queen’s Own Yeomanry Stakes gets underway at 3pm. Two riders in the traditional mounted uniform of the 1950s will escort the runners down to the start.
Before the race there will also be a sing-along of the National Anthem, led by local mezzo soprano Lucy Stabler, a graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire and an up-and-coming star.
Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse said:
” We are delighted to mark the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen by welcoming the Queen’s Own Yeomanry to our raceday here at Beverley. The Queen is entwined in the fabric of British horseracing, and with the recent relocation of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry back to Hull, it seemed a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the occasion. Many a Royal owned racehorse has graced the Westwood, and the Queen herself visited in 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.”
The QOY’s Recruiting Officer, Captain Timothy Miller, said:
“The Queens own Yeomanry are honoured to be invited to Beverley Racecourse to be a part of their Queen’s Birthday Celebrations. The Regiment has a strong Royal connection, not only in our title but with Prince Charles currently as our Royal Regimental Colonel. We are extremely proud of their history not only with the East Riding Yeomanry but with Beverley itself. Many of our soldiers in the past have originated from Beverley; with the re-opening of our Hull Detachment we hope to re-establish that bond with the local community.”
Tickets for the meeting start at £5 a person and will also be available to buy on the day. Beverley Racecourse’s 2016 season starts on the 13th April and runs throughout the summer, with some fabulous theme days. Early May sees the popular May Day Family Raceday, with lambs to bottle feed, face painting and a fun, friendly afternoon of racing, whilst June sees the glamorous new Laurent-Perrier Evening of the Horse with a daredevil equestrian stunt show, a polo challenge and a 6 race card.

2015 saw records broken at Beverley Racecourse. More than £650,000 invested in the refurbishment of the hospitality facilities, major events smashing visitor numbers, with the renowned Journal Ladies’ Day breaking previous records, and the season closing with a extra event staged in October – a great year all round.
With thoughts turning to Christmas, it’s fitting that tickets for the racecourse’s 2016 season are about to be released. Tickets make great Christmas presents and will go on sale from the 1st December for another fun packed summer of racing and events on the Westwood.
The season opens on Wednesday 13th April, running to Tuesday 20th September with some of the highlights to include.

– Monday 2nd May Day Family Raceday for the Bank Holiday weekend
– Saturday 28th May A Very British Raceday
– Tuesday 14th June Laurent-Perrier Evening of the Horse
– Monday 18th July Rio Rio Carnival Race Night in celebration of the Olympics
– Tuesday 26th July Family Raceday featuring the Frozen Experience
– Wednesday 10th August Journal Ladies’ Day.

Prices start at £5 per adult and children go free so treat your family to a day to remember with tickets to the Frozen Experience, or make Mother’s Day with a pair of tickets to Journal Ladies Day – the choice is up to you and it’s a gift that also gives great memories.
In the meantime, Christmas continues at Beverley Racecourse with some spots remaining free for Christmas parties – For more information on Christmas parties at Beverley Racecourse visit www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/events-conferences/christmas-parties.

Beverley racecourse chief executive Sally Iggulden branded 2015 “a great year” ahead of the final fixture of the season on Thursday.
Fine weather and big-money refurbishments in the close season contributed to yet another rise in yearly attendances at the popular East Yorkshire circuit.
The racing has also been superb, too, with young starlets like Easton Angel, winner of the Hilary Needler Trophy, and Brian Yeardley Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy hero First Selection in action at Beverley.
Maarek’s brilliant triumph in the totescoop6 Beverley Bullet was, however, recognised as the most significant performance in a campaign to remember.
But with an additional investment of £500,000 to expand and update Beverley’s main restaurant and premier enclosure, Iggulden believes next season could be even better.
She said: “2015 has been a great year for us.
“Attendances have been healthy throughout the season, with a five per cent increase, year on year.
“The investment in the facilities over the closed season were well received, and our improvement plan continues unabated this winter, with a further £500,000 spend on upgrades planned.
“Field sizes have also been strong, and the quality of racing on the Westwood continues to improve, in line with our commitment to prize-money.
“Our flagship races were hugely competitive, and the fact that the Beverley Bullet saw an Irish-trained horse in Maarek take home the spoils, shows the reputation that it now has amongst racing folk.”
Thursday’s eight-race finale on the Westwood is an added bonus for seasonal badge-holders after it was transferred from Newcastle.
The meeting is due to begin at 2pm, with the official going on Wednesday morning good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions.

Having announced this new event for October, Beverley Racecourse is looking forward to this additional day on 1st October. The new Season Closer, which is an 8 race card, wraps up the season in style and is an event that is transferring from Newcastle Racecourse for this year only, following the redevelopment plans of the Gosforth Park track. The October event will cost £10 for Grandstand & Paddock and Premier Enclosure entry (usually £21 and £14 pp) with concessions priced at £8 pp. The Course Enclosure will be open as usual (£6 pp). Children are free. With September sun forecasted, it’s your last chance this year to enjoy fabulous racing against a backdrop of autumn at its seasonal best.

With autumn underway, Beverley Racecourse is also looking forward to the 2015 Christmas party season with its current investment on hospitality facilities, including the two new Premier Enclosure Bars, standing at £650,000. This year their Venetian Masked Xmas Parties have proved a tremendous success with only Thursdays remaining (3rd, 10th and 17th December). Priced at just £35pp, the evening includes a three course festive meal, dancing, conjurers, fire eaters and harpists while guests can marvel at the racecourse transformed into an opulent candlelit world of music, feasting and dancing. For more information on Christmas parties at Beverley Racecourse visit www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk/events-conferences/christmas-parties

Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton has been confirmed to ride Royal Etiquette at Beverley on Tuesday.
Lawney Hill’s eight-year-old is one of 17 declared runners in the mile-and-a-quarter Betfair Supports Amateur Riders’ Handicap at 5.30pm.
Hill’s inmate will break from stall 14 and shares joint-top weight with Brockfield, who won a division of this race 12 months ago.
The former track cyclist, who receives a 7lb claim on the Westwood, made her debut as an amateur jockey aboard Royal Etiquette at Ripon on August 31 when the partnership finished a head second behind 33-1 chance Jordaura.
Hill has worked closely with Pendleton since the double Olympian said in March she wanted to become a jockey, with a long-term goal to compete in the Foxhunter Chase for amateur riders at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival.
Her ‘Switching Saddles’ adventure is in partnership with online bookmakers Betfair, who have provided the fledgling jockey with a team of specialists including Team GB eventing performance manager Yogi Breisner.
Pendleton, 34, had her first raceday experience in the George Frewer Charity Race at Newbury on July 2, when she finished eighth aboard the Hill-trained Mighty Mambo.
Britain’s most successful female Olympian then gained clearance to ride competitively at Ripon after she was awarded a Category A amateur riders’ licence on August 26 following a two-day assessment at the British Racing School in Newmarket.
Beverley’s eight-race fixture on Tuesday is due to begin at 2pm.
The feature race on the card is the five-furlong British Stallion Studs Eddie And Violet Smith EBF Conditions Stakes (3.00), claimed last year by Group One-winning sprinter Kingsgate Native.
Totescoop6 Beverley Bullet runner-up Line Of Reason is the star name in a strong seven-runner field for the £14,000 prize.
The official going on Sunday morning was described as good, good to firm in places.

Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton is due to have her second competitive ride as a jockey at Beverley next Tuesday (September 22).
Pendleton, 34, will once again partner the Lawney Hill-trained Royal Etiquette in the Betfair Supports Amateur Riders’ Handicap, due off at 5pm, at the popular East Yorkshire circuit.
The former track cyclist made her debut as an amateur jockey aboard Royal Etiquette at Ripon on August 31 when the eight-year-old gelding, owned by Hill’s husband, Alan, finished a head second behind 33-1 chance Jordaura.
Alan and Lawney Hill have worked closely with Pendleton since the double Olympian said in March she wanted to become a jockey, with a long-term goal to compete in the Foxhunter Chase for amateur riders at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival.
Her ‘Switching Saddles’ adventure is in partnership with Betfair. The online bookmakers have provided the fledgling jockey with a team of specialists including Team GB eventing performance manager Yogi Breisner.
Pendleton had her first raceday experience in the George Frewer Charity Race at Newbury on July 2, when she finished eighth aboard the Hill-trained Mighty Mambo.
Britain’s most successful female Olympian then gained clearance to ride competitively at Ripon after she was awarded a Category A amateur riders’ licence on August 26 following a two-day assessment at the British Racing School in Newmarket.
Pendleton said: “The ‘Switching Saddles’ challenge to date has been incredibly exciting.
“I’ve been working hard with Betfair and the team for just under seven months, when I started I couldn’t ride a horse and now I have ridden in a charity race, achieved my category A licence and finished second in my amateur debut at Ripon in the Betfair Amateur Series.
“There is something special about riding in a race, the energy from the crowd really hits you as you enter the home straight and you can feel yourself and the horse reacting to that. All the early mornings and hours of training are worth it for that feeling alone.
“Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to riding at Beverley in the Betfair Supports Amateur Riders’ Handicap and experiencing that feeling again, but more importantly these races really give me a chance to test myself against other amateur jockeys in preparation for Cheltenham in March and I hope that I can put another good performance in on the 22nd.”
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We have always been strong supporters of amateur jockeys at Beverley, and, indeed, Yorkshire is home to some of the very best who have learnt their trade on the Westwood.
“We are delighted that Betfair and Victoria Pendleton have put Beverley on their path towards Cheltenham in March.
“Victoria will be taking on fully-fledged amateur jockeys for the first time at Beverley, and will be sharing the changing rooms with leading lights such as Serena Brotherton and Joanna Mason, who are battling it out for the title.
“Can Victoria cause an upset? Who knows, but I am sure that conquering the unique challenge of the Westwood track will stand her in good stead for the future.”
Betfair head of media Stephen Mault said: “Victoria’s second-place finish in her amateur debut in the Betfair Amateur Series’ race at Ripon was an amazing achievement and her dedication to the ‘Switching Saddles’ challenge remains exemplary.
“This race at Beverley provides Victoria with another chance to put her developing skills to the test against other amateur jockeys which is what her team of experts have recommended.
“It is great to see Victoria riding on Royal Etiquette again. They put in a great performance at Ripon and hopefully they can have a strong run again at Beverley.
“Irrelevant of the result, it still remains true that the fact Victoria has achieved her Category A licence at such an early stage is an incredible accomplishment.
“Everyone involved with this challenge is extremely proud of Victoria’s triumphs and we look forward continuing to support her and the ‘Switching Saddles’ campaign, which aims to shine a light on the sport of horseracing.”
Beverley’s seven-race fixture next Tuesday is due to begin at 2pm.
The feature race on the card is the five-furlong British Stallion Studs Eddie And Violet Smith EBF Conditions Stakes (3.00), claimed last year by Group One-winning sprinter Kingsgate Native.

Beverley Racecourse Announces New October Event

Beverley Racecourse announces they are extending their 2015 Season with an additional event on 1st October. The new fixture, the new Season Closer, wraps up the season in style and is an event that is transferring from Newcastle Racecourse for this year only, following the redevelopment plans of the Gosforth Park track. This not only means that the good folk of Newcastle will be visiting Beverley but that the two planned September events at Beverley Racecourse, the Totepool Afternoon’s Racing on Wednesday 16th September and an Afternoon’s Racing on Tuesday 22nd September, will now lead seamlessly to this extra race day on what is forecast to be a mild October. The October event will cost £10 for Grandstand & Paddock and Premier Enclosure entry (usually £21 and £14 pp) with concessions priced at £8 pp. The Course Enclosure will be open as usual (£6 pp). Children are free.

Beverley Racecourse also has plans for the winter following this final race day, with the second and final phase of work commencing on the Premier Enclosure. This year, visitors to the racecourse have enjoyed an investment of £650,000 on work to the two Premier Enclosure Bars, and winter/spring 2016 sees the additional investment of £500k on work to expand, update and refresh the Restaurant and Premier Enclosure entrance and staircase.

Sally Iggulden, Chief Executive of Beverley Racecourse says: ‘We continue to invest in upgrading and refurbishing our facilities at Beverley Racecourse in order to raise the bar ever higher and meet the competition head on. This year we have enjoyed staging 20 glorious events and with plans in place for spring 2016, we can certainly promise another busy year.’

Maarek showed his class under a typically astute Jamie Spencer ride to claim the £50,000 totescoop6 Beverley Bullet.
The Group One-winning sprinter had to do it the hard way after he was bumped at the start, but the outcome was explosive once Spencer went into overdrive.
Smooth-travelling Line Of Reason looked poised to strike once Paul Midgley’s inmate gained a definitive advantage inside the final furlong of the coveted Listed dash.
Maarek, by contrast, was towards the rear for much of the five-furlong journey but suddenly sparked into life as a strong field surged for home.
The 5-1 chance was galvanised for one last surge by Spencer and streaked a neck clear of Line Of Reason to give the form a rock-solid look on Beverley’s richest ever raceday.
Ridge Ranger stayed on for third place, another length and a quarter adrift of the excellent winner, who will now return to his homeland to contest the Group Two Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on September 13.
A tilt at the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp on Arc weekend in October – a race he won in 2013 – could then be on the cards.
“It doesn’t do your heart any good watching him, but that’s the way he runs,” said victorious Co Tipperary trainer Evanna McCutcheon.
“He’s been a fairytale horse and has taken us to places we could only dream of.
“Jamie said he was struggling in that ground as he needs more cut, but he’s able to handle it now he’s got older.
“It’s on to Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh now.
“There’s also a race at Newbury in September (Dubai International Airport World Trophy) and he’s also in the Abbaye at Longchamp again.
“We’re lucky to have him.”
Midgley said Line Of Reason would renew rivalry with Maarek in the Flying Five on Irish Champions Weekend.
Laurence, a gorgeous-looking colt from Luca Cumani’s yard, later stole the show in the £45,000 Play The New totescoop6 Today Handicap.
Danny Tudhope’s companion (11-4 joint-favourite) ably accounted for Sealife by a length and a quarter to suggest a rise in grade could be forthcoming.
Tudhope said: “He’s a lovely horse and gave me a great feel, even though he idled a bit when he got in front.”

 

Almost 12,000 race-goers enjoyed Beverley Racecourse at its very best for The Journal Ladies’ Day mid August, and this coming weekend sees out the month with two major events.

The prestigious ‘Beverley Bullet Raceday’ on Saturday 29 August is just what it says: a raceday showcasing only the fastest horses and top quality racing. The feature race, the Totepool Beverley Bullet will see contenders battling it out over the infamous 5 furlong course in a bid to be crowned King of the Hurn. Gates open 11.30am, last race 5.10pm.

A Sunday Hop’ on Sunday 30 August, is a terrific family racing event where you can enjoy great racing with a crafty pint and listen to fabulous folk music. Join in the family entertainment with funfair rides, and then exercise your taste buds by trying cask ale from the Wold Top Yorkshire Brewery accompanied by a wide choice of food from our stalls. The Wold Top Beer and Beverley Folk Festival also brings you exceptional and often locally grown folk music talent from the area so chill out between races and savour an Indian summer ahead of the final September events on the 16 and 22 September. Gates open 11.30, music starts from around 12.30pm to 5.30pm, last race 5.35pm.

Exciting young talent is abundant at the folk festival and the Westwood Sessions are becoming one of the north east’s destinations for emerging young talent.  This year, returning talent and new are combined to build a folk festival that has elements for everyone. Nikki Airey, who is responsible for putting together the Westwood Sessions and developing folk singing in the area, has an eye for high calibre performers and is a keen advocate for giving gifted musicians a chance to shine. The Beverley Folk Festival is now a mainstay in the calendar. 

“We’ve pulled together some of the best upcoming, young musicians to provide entertainment this weekend. We hope that this event will encourage other young people to get involved with The Westwood Sessions and Beverley Folk Festival.”

“It’s a real pleasure to see them grow from strength to strength in their chosen fields, whether that’s as a musician, technician or journalist, as a result of experience through our events. We’re extremely grateful to Beverley Racecourse for supporting this on Sunday’s Raceday.” Nikki Airey, Westwood Sessions Co-founder and Events Coordinator.

Elliott Morris

A great singer/guitarist from Lincolnshire who brought the house down when he appeared on the Area 2 Stage at the Beverley Folk Festival two years ago, with dexterous guitar playing and tricks combined with an amazing voice. This is a musician who has gone on to great things, regularly playing support for vocalist and songwriter, Paul Carrack and, as a busy musician in his own right, has recently been featured in the Journal and has two EP’s out.

Sam McKie

Featured on the Area 2 Stage at The Beverley Folk Festival last year and melted everyone with his amazing voice, backed up by subtle guitar work.  A singer and voice with an understated style, that will definitely make you sit up and listen.

 

Sarah Shiels

An authentic solo musician with rich blues vocals, Sarah has been involved with organising and playing at ‘The Westwood Sessions’ since its birth and continues to gig in the local area solo and with her band ‘The Velvet Dolls’ who played at this year’s Beverley Folk Festival.

Mina Budworth

Mina is a 15-year-old singer/songwriter from Beverley whose vocal tones, particularly her improvisations, are influenced by the haunting melodies of the ethnic rock/fusion band, Celtarabia. Her acoustic set lists are a delightful collection of covers and her live performance has been described as both serene and perfect

Ben Cook

Ben Cook is a 17 year old singer-songwriter, also from Beverley. After purchasing his first guitar aged 14, he started to play at open mic nights in the area. Now he’s earning a reputation as the ‘Beverley Busker’. He plays Acoustic Folk and Pop music, including both covers and originals. His self-penned songs are catchy, describing the ups and downs of teenage life; always leaving the audience laughing or reminiscing to a relatable time in their lives.

 

Group One-winning sprinter Maarek is poised for another big-race assignment in England after he was confirmed for the Listed totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.

The eight-year-old Irish sprinter, trained in County Tipperary by Evanna McCutcheon, is on course to feature in the £50,000 Bullet over five furlongs after finishing fifth behind Mattmu in the Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh on August 9.

Maarek has continually been thwarted by the weather in a decorated career, but hopes are high the ground will be in his favour on Beverley’s richest ever raceday.

McCutcheon said: “Maarek has got an entry at Newmarket on the same day, but I’d say the Beverley Bullet is more likely at this stage.

“We’d love to run him. He’s ready to run and likes to be kept busy, but, as always with him, it’s all about the ground as he never wants it too quick.

“When we have been able to get him out this season, he’s run very well. 

“Seamie (Heffernan) got off him after the Phoenix and was very, very happy as he obviously needed the run.

“He was obviously a bit ring-rusty as it was his first start since May, so you’d like to think there’s a fair bit more to come.

“I’ve had a couple of runners before at Beverley. It’s a very good track and there’s a lot of prize-money on offer, so it would be great to get him there.”

Maarek is one of 21 confirmations for the Beverley Bullet, for which compatriot Dikta Del Mar, trained by Tom Hogan, could also travel across from Ireland.

The locally-owned Tangerine Trees won the race in 2011 before claiming a Group One success in the Prix de l’Abbaye a few months later at Longchamp.

Bryan Smart could give the 10-year-old another chance to shine on the Westwood, where he may be accompanied by stablemate Red Pike.

Popular veteran Kingsgate Native won over course and distance last September and is again in the hunt for Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell, who has also entered Iffranesia.

North Yorkshire handler Paul Midgley is similarly double-handed with Line Of Reason, a close third in the Bullet 12 months ago, and Silvanus.

Alben Star (Richard Fahey), Confessional (Tim Easterby), Katawi (Chris Wall) and Online Alexander (Kevin Ryan) are others of note in the coveted Listed affair, won 12 months ago by Pearl Secret.

Saturday’s £136,000 card is due to begin at 1.45pm, with the going on Monday afternoon officially described as good, good to soft in places.

Beverley also throws open its doors for a top fixture on Sunday, with £60,000 up for grabs in prize-money.

Chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “The totescoop6 Beverley Bullet Stakes is our racing highlight, and it is no secret that we have ambitions of upgrading it to a Group race in time.

“Previous renewals have been exceptional, and this year looks to be a belter, too.

“To show the significance of this day, we’ve put on a fantastic supporting card, and Saturday sees the richest ever raceday at Beverley.

“We thought, ‘In for a penny, in for a pound’, and have also put on a cracking card on Sunday to give racing fans a full feast in East Yorkshire.”

 

Middleham trainer Jason Ward strives to preserve local honour at Beverley on Wednesday when Peterhouse runs on Journal Ladies’ Day.
The former John Gosden inmate is one of eight declared runners for the £10,000 Listers Mercedes Benz of Hull Handicap at 4.10pm – the feature race at the most popular meeting of the season on the Westwood.
To add to the sense of expectancy, the Elusive Quality colt is owned by the trainer’s second cousin, Peter Ward, who hails from Beverley.
The North Yorkshire handler said: “The idea was to buy a horse for Peter for him to run at Beverley, so maybe it’s written in the stars.”
Peterhouse has been in fine form this summer and was an honourable second over nine furlongs at York last month, with the winner that day, Talyani, having since bolted up at Newmarket.
Ward said: “He ran a cracking race at York and the form has worked out very well.
“I hear they think a lot of him (Talyani) and if there was more pace on in that York race we might have even got a bit closer.
“He was very immature first time up this season, but he’s done a lot of growing up this summer.
“It’s obviously a big ask against the older horses, but he’s progressing all the time and obviously he has that big weight concession.
“We know he likes Beverley as he’s won there before. We also know he likes the mile-and-a-quarter trip, and we know he likes that sort of ground.
“I’m really hopeful.”
The going on the Westwood is currently good to firm, with watering taking place to maintain conditions.
Wednesday’s forecast is for sunny spells, with maximum temperatures of around 20C.
Gates open at 11.30am ahead of the first of seven races at 2.10pm, with tickets still available to buy on the door for the grandstand, paddock and course enclosures.
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “Journal Ladies’ Day continues to be one of our most popular and colourful days of the year.
“Attracting a crowd of around 11,000, it brings new customers to the racecourse year after year, many who return on other days with families and friends.
“The 2015 renewal looks to bolster the excellent attendances that we have seen at the course this year, and our continuing partnership with the Hull Daily Mail and St Stephen’s Shopping Centre should ensure this is the case.”

ENDS

Waterclock’s performance at Beverley on Thursday will go a long way to determining his confirmation for the Betfred Cesarewitch.
That’s the view of North Yorkshire trainer Jedd O’Keeffe, who is sweet on another assault on the big Newmarket handicap in October.
Waterclock finished second in the Cesarewitch in 2013, when trained by Roger Charlton, but he could not match that effort in last season’s renewal.
The six-year-old has, however, recently been enlightened by the application of a visor, with O’Keeffe expecting a big show in the £10,000 Hull Trains Handicap (4.05) on the Westwood.
“We are still thinking about the Cesarewitch, but it will depend on how he gets on in his next few Flat starts,” said the Middleham handler.
“I guess he’d have to first win at Beverley on Thursday and then we’d take it from there.
“If all went well, the Cesarewitch Trial would be a possible next stop and then the Cesarewitch itself.
“He’s also got the option over going over hurdles with the headgear on, so hopefully we’ll have a lot of fun with him this year.”
Waterclock showed lots of spirit over course and distance on July 14 when he gamely accounted for Aldreth by a neck under Graham Lee, who is likely to be on board at Beverley on Thursday.
Things did not go to plan at York on his next start as he finished seventh of nine runners in an extended two-mile handicap, but connections felt there were excuses on the Knavesmire.
O’Keeffe said: “He came out of York grand. We had hoped he’d run a bit better, but the race was not run to suit and that didn’t help at all.
“He always seems to have a slight advantage at Beverley, as he showed when he won so well last month.
“I wouldn’t worry about his handicap mark, I’d be more concerned about the unexposed three-year-olds who might line up at Beverley.
“Beverley is a very good track and it clearly suits his running style.”
A strong list of confirmations for the Hull Trains Handicap, which could feature last-time-out scorers Katie Gale, Jolie Blonde, Sea Of Heaven, Medina Sidonia and Sleep Easy, will ensure there is no hangover a day after Journal Ladies’ Day at Beverley on Wednesday.
The seven-race card on Thursday is due to begin at 2pm, with the current going good to firm – with watering an option if required.

ENDS

 

Rebecca Bastiman hopes to play her part on Journal Ladies’ Day as Beverley prepares for the most popular afternoon of their season next Wednesday.
The Wetherby handler will attempt to preserve the theme of girl power on the Westwood by saddling See Vermont to victory in the five-furlong Rawfield And Paragon Data Handicap at 3.35pm.
Bastiman’s seven-year-old has been a regular at Beverley over the last few seasons but has not necessarily had the luck his efforts have deserved.
His trainer said: “He’s been beaten a short head and a head at Beverley this year so he’s not really had the rub of the green – but that’s sprint races for you.
“He’s a lovely, straightforward horse who is such a smooth traveller.
“We were thinking he’d get six furlongs in time but we’ll stick to five for now.
“Hopefully it will stay dry as he loves quick ground and clearly enjoys himself running up that hill.
“This looks a grand race race for him.”
The East Yorkshire circuit always evokes fond memories for the Bastiman family as the now-retired Borderlescott won the Beverley Bullet in September 2012 – his last ever victory on a racecourse.
Bastiman said: “Scotty is absolutely loving life and looks as well as ever.
“He’s out in a field having a great old time – we still love him to absolute bits.”
Journal Ladies’ Day’s seven-race card is due to begin at 2pm. The feature race is the £10,000 Listers Mercedes Benz of Hull Handicap (4.40) over a mile and a quarter, won last year by the David O’Meara-trained Sophisticated Heir.
The going on the Westwood is currently good, with an outlook for largely dry conditions heading into next week.
Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “Journal Ladies’ Day continues to be one of our most popular and colourful days of the year.
“Attracting a crowd of around 11,000, it brings new customers to the racecourse year after year, many who return on other days with families and friends.
“The 2015 renewal looks to bolster the excellent attendances that we have seen at the course this year, and our continuing partnership with the Hull Daily Mail and St Stephen’s Shopping Centre should ensure this is the case.”

 

It’s forecast to be hot, hot, hot, in August and Beverley Racecourse is set to max with some searing August events. Ladies take centre stage for The Journal Ladies’ Day on Wednesday 12th August with the day combining the anticipation of fantastic racing and fabulous fashions. Plus there’s no dip in momentum as the month continues on a high with three further superb days of racing to take us to through to September.

Bold colours, floaty skirts, classic wide brims or creative twirls? What will the look be at this year’s hottest social event of the summer? This is East Yorkshire’s chance to show what real women (and men!) want to wear and just how glamorous our racegoers can be. The Journal Ladies’ Day is the place to be seen if you’re a fashionista or just enjoy fresh air and fun with a hint of sophistication. Join the north east’s fashion glitterati at the racecourse, enjoy live catwalk shows, check up on what’s in now and the looks for the season ahead, and get down at an exclusive after-party too.

Think you might be a style-icon? There’s also a chance to get involved with the Laurent-Perrier Style Stakes, featuring the Most Stylish Lady, Most Stylish Gent and Most Stylish Hat. New for 2015, these Style Stakes are a chance to ensure you and your party are dressed to the hilt and brought to you with our new race partner and iconic Champagne house Laurent-Perrier. Win the Most Stylish Lady and you could be jetting off in a luxury private jet for a weekend in Rome, courtesy of Humberside Airport. If you’re the Most Stylish Gent, you can look forward to cruising around for a weekend in a top-of-the-range Mercedes, courtesy of Listers Mercedes-Benz dealers in Lincoln. Spotters will be pacing the racecourse looking for individuality, natural sophistication and a trendsetter in the world of glamour and, with all finalists winning Birdcages of Laurent-Perrier’s iconic Cuvée Rosé, this is a competition you may not even know you have entered!
This is also your chance too, to sign up for the exclusive after-party too, brought to you by St Stephen’s & Soul-Patrol. Pick up your After Party wristband on the day from the Hull Daily Mail stand or St Stephen’s staff around the Racecourse. The after-party will run from 5.30 – 8.30pm. Gates open for The Journal Ladies Day from 1pm, first race 2pm and last race 5.10pm.
The high calibre events are set to stay throughout August, with Afternoon’s Racing on Thursday 13th August, the Beverley Bullet Raceday on Saturday 29th August and A Sunday Hop on Sunday 30th August.

Sunday, July 19

North Yorkshire trainer Kevin Ryan believes White Bullet can develop into a serious Group-race performer ahead of her assignment at Beverley on Monday evening.
The two-year-old daughter of Exceed And Excel has twice shaped honourably in Listed company and has her third career start in the five-furlong Racing Again Next Tuesday Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (6.10) on the Westwood.
A big run at Beverley will tee up a likely assault on the Group Two Pinsent Masons Lowther Stakes at York on August 20.
“She made her debut in the Marygate at York and finished a close third, which gave us plenty of hope,” said Hambleton-based Ryan.
“Then we went to Newmarket with her for the Empress Stakes and she wasn’t beaten far over six furlongs, even though the ground was too fast for her.
“We now just want to try and win a maiden with her and kick on from there.
“The timing of Beverley’s race is absolutely ideal if we are going to give the Lowther a go.
“She’s coming back down in trip, but she’ll have no problem with Beverley’s stiff five furlongs.
“This filly has got a lot of class.”
Ryan has already had a fine season at Beverley with three winners, the most noteworthy of which was Taking Libertys.
The two-year-old colt drew half a length clear in a hot five-furlong maiden on his debut in April, after which he impressively doubled up in a Pontefract conditions stakes a month later.
Taking Libertys holds an entry in the Japanese Racing Association Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday, and could step up to Group Three class if conditions are suitable.
“He’s a horse we like quite a lot, and his form from his two races so far looks really good,” Ryan told Beverley racecourse.
“He’s been fine since Pontefract, but we’ve just been waiting for some decent ground with a bit of cut in it.
“If the ground stays on the easy side he’ll probably take his chance in Ireland.”
Feature race on Beverley’s seven-race card, which is due to start at 5.40pm, is the Richard And Carol Hudson Handicap (7.40) over seven and a half furlongs, won last year by the locally-owned Jacbequick.
Beverley’s fixture also forms an important part of the nine-day Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.
The Festival started at Ripon on Saturday and will end at Pontefract next Sunday, with sponsors Sky Bet aiming to raise another substantial sum for charity during the nine-day extravaganza.
Sky Bet donated £6,000 to good causes after the 2014 Festival and will again be offering in excess of £4,000 in charity bets this year.
Seven racing personalities are given £50 each day to bet on any race during the Summer Festival, with any profits shared equally between three charities – New Beginnings, the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Rookie South Yorkshire handler Ivan Furtado attempts to claim a first victory at Beverley tomorrow when Hulcolt runs on the Westwood.
Brazilian-born Furtado, 36, has made quite a splash since taking over at Wiseton Stables, near Doncaster, earlier in the season.
Hulcolt will now bid to give the emerging handler another winner in the Sandra Evison Memorial Handicap (5.05) over seven and a half furlongs.
The two-times course-and-distance winner turned in a smashing effort at Beverley earlier in the month when he finished second behind Denzille Lane after a long absence.
Furtado said: “He is a course-and-distance specialist and must always have a chance at Beverley.
“His home-work has been very good and we know he goes so well over that distance.
“He also runs very well on good ground.”
A former pupil assistant trainer to Roger Charlton, Furtado developed a strong association with Juddmonte Farms’ horses at Beckhampton, while he was also principal work rider for Al Kazeem.
He was then appointed assistant at Alan McCabe’s Newark stables from January 2013 before taking out a training licence earlier this summer.
Furtado said: “We’ve made a very good start and it’s very exciting to be training outright.
“Hopefully we can carry the run on at Beverley.”
Hulcolt takes on 11 rivals at Beverley, including the locally-owned Make On Madam, a recent course scorer, and Relight My Fire, who landed the spoils in this race two years ago.
Feature race on Beverley’s eight-race card is the 130th Year Of The Watt Memorial Handicap (4.00) – a race named in honour of former Bishop Burton handler Squire Richard Watt, who trained four St Leger winners in the early part of the 19th century.
The two-mile affair has attracted six solid stayers, including Shalabina from Richard Fahey’s yard and the hat-trick-seeking Aldreth, trained by Mick Easterby.
Beverley’s official going is good, good to firm in places, with racing due to begin at 2.15pm.