We have received some positive news regarding hospitality. The Welsh Government has dropped indoor social distancing rules so we can now maximise occupancy in our hospitality suites and restaurants for our late summer and autumn/winter fixtures.
As has been widely reported the hospitality industry has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and we have been operating with limited numbers of hospitality guests for several months since spectators returned to the course. This is obviously a key income stream for our business so the news from the Welsh Government is most welcome.
Details of the packages we offer in both the boxes and the restaurant are all on our website. Race day hospitality is perfect for family and friends as well as businesses entertaining customers and clients. If you would like to discuss all the options in more detail, please email me at pbell@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk.
There’s a two-day meeting at Ffos Las this Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday is an evening fixture starting at 5.15pm with the last race at 8.15pm. Hollie Doyle has six rides at the meeting which is sponsored by Star Sports bookmakers. On Thursday racing gets underway at 1pm.
On Thursday, TV and radio presenter Carol Vorderman is coming along to present the prize for a race named after her. The ‘Carol Vorderman Loves West Wales’ Nursery Handicap is off at 2.10pm. Carol is a big supporter of Welsh horse racing and has shares in some racehorses.
We are currently in the middle of a short break from racing at Chepstow with the next fixture on Thursday 19th August followed by another meeting on Monday 23rd August. There’s also the popular Bank Holiday Monday meeting on the 30th where there is a fun fair and a range of other family friendly activities.
Drainage work has started on areas of the back straight at Chepstow so all the races at the next few fixtures will be over one mile or less. We are working hard to protect the track from the huge volumes of rain that fall in Monmouthshire!
Congratulations to Welsh flat jockey David Probert who has now ridden 100 winners this calendar year. He achieved his century aboard the Andrew Balding trained Typewriter at Nottingham on Tuesday. David is having a brilliant season and currently lies in 7th place in the Jockeys’ Championship.
Best wishes to jump jockey Ben Jones, son of Ffos Las clerk of the course Dai Jones, who got married at the weekend. He tied the knot with Laura Parker who he met at the racing yard of trainer Philip Hobbs. Ben has started the jump season is excellent form with 13 winners on the board so far.
Finally, we are delighted that two major sponsors have renewed their association with Chepstow. Unibet is sponsoring the Grade Two £60,000 Persian War Novices Hurdle on Friday 8th October and the Wasdell Group is backing the £75,000 Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle on Saturday 9th October. These are two feature races at the Unibet Jump Season Opener.
