Hamilton Park Post
NEWS FROM THE AWARD WINNING RACECOURSE
ISSUE 2018
Issue 2018 Latest news from the award winning venue
HIGHLIGHTS The season ahead including phase two refurbishment and prize money investment.
HOSPITALITY Your guide to the 2018 season and hospitality packages.
LADIES’ NIGHT Iconic singer Heather Small and TV Star Dermot O’Leary to headline the biggest night of the year.
PARTNERSHIPS Set your business on the winning track with our sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
Raising the Standard Hamilton Park Racecourse is all set for the 2018 season, with fantastic fixtures, fabulous food and first class facilities sure to set the standard this summer. Another exciting summer of racing gets underway this May with £1.33million in prize money on offer across 18 action packed fixtures, building on last year’s record breaking investment. No individual race will be worth less than £5,400 in 2018 with no fixture worth less than £52,800 in total, further demonstrating the venue’s commitment to continually improve the quality of action on the track. The season opening family day on Sunday 6th May will see a group of high-class horses competing in the £30,000 Totepool Tangerine Trees Conditions Stakes over 6 furlongs. On top of that, the famous 1 mile 5 furlong Totepool Buttonhook Handicap Stakes will require horses to show both speed and stamina as they race for a share of £22,000. Both races will be shown live on
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ITV Racing and there will also be a host of free activities to keep the kids entertained, as well as cookery demonstrations from Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean. The historic Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Handicap Stakes, due to be run on Friday 31st August, has become a popular target for horses from all over Great Britain and Ireland since its revival in 2008. Hamilton Park is delighted to announce that, for 2018, the prize fund for the race has been increased by £10,000 to £36,000, making it one of the most valuable races of its type in the UK. Racing Manager, Sulekha Varma, said: “This considerable increase in prize money is in recognition of the way the historic importance of the race and its trophy has been revitalized in its new home. After a 30-year absence from the calendar following the closure of Lanark Racecourse, Hamilton Park is proud to have the race as a major highlight of the summer season.” Hamilton Park Post
Chief Executive Vivien Currie looks ahead to the 2018 season
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VIVIEN PRESENTING THE GLASGOW TROPHY TO WINNING JOCKEY HARRY BENTLEY
I hope you all enjoy reading the new look Hamilton Park Post; your guide to our fantastic 2018 season. Last year saw the beginning of a new era here at Hamilton Park as we broke new ground in the racecourse’s history with record breaking investment in prize money and facilities upgrades. We’ve continued that commitment for 2018 with further investment into the race programme taking total prize money to £1.33 million to ensure that we continue to attract some of the biggest names in the sport to Hamilton Park. Away from the track the team has been working hard over the winter to ensure that your experience with us this season is your best yet. Phase two of our major refurbishment programme has seen our private hospitality boxes upgraded to match the high standards set throughout the rest of the grandstand last year, all of which we believe makes a visit to Hamilton Park unlike any other, and one which is sure to exceed your expectations. 2017 was an award-winning year for the racecourse as we scooped the Owner’s Experience award at the annual RCA Showcase Awards, as well as being named finalists in the Operational Excellence category in recognition of the improvements made around the venue. We’ve also just been named as the Best Small Racecourse in Scotland & the North by the Racegoers Club which is a fantastic achievement, and we’re looking forward to building on those successes this season. Whether you’re coming for business or pleasure, I hope you’ll agree you’re onto a winner with a visit to Hamilton Park this summer. Hamilton Park Post 2
The £42,000 Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Glasgow Stakes is not only the richest race of the season at Hamilton Park, but also the race that attracts the very best horses. Frequented by runners from all over the UK and Ireland, the race has seen some top-flight winners over the years, including Postponed, Defoe, Ventura Storm and Hunter’s Light. Run on Friday 20th July 2018, the racenight also features the fast and furious Heineken UK Scottish Stewards’ Cup, where up to 16 horses will sprint it out over 6 furlongs for a £34,000 prize fund. 2017 saw the inaugural running of the £20,000 Almada Mile Handicap Stakes, which was won in fine style by Hibou, trained by Dumfries-based trainer Iain Jardine. Jardine will be a name to look out for at Hamilton Park in 2018, following a superb season in 2017 at Hamilton Park and beyond, which included a win in the Ebor Handicap at York Racecourse and 5th place in the world-famous Melbourne Cup for Nakeeta, a landmark first Scottish runner in the race. Another name on a continuing upward curve is Hamilton Park Champion Trainer, Keith Dalgleish, who trained over 100 combined Flat and Jumps winners in 2017, a new Scottish record. He will no doubt be aiming even higher in 2018 with a new intake of 2-year-olds ready to show their talent this season. Away from the track, a further £250,000 investment has been made to upgrade the private hospitality boxes on Level 2 as well as other facilities around the racecourse, bringing them in line with the industry leading refurbishment last year.
“The re-imagining of our bars and restaurants last year really set the standard for the hospitality experience in racing,” says John Currie, Operations Manager at Hamilton Park. “We’ve had incredible feedback from our customers as well as our peers in the industry, and so it was only right that we continue to develop the venue further. “Our private boxes offer the ultimate way to experience a day at the races, with unrivalled views of the action in your own private space with incredible food. To complement that we’ve created a luxurious design that should surprise and delight our customers, reflecting their experiences of other high quality venues such as boutique hotels and trendy restaurants.” The Hamilton Park Racecourse Season 2018 looks on track to be the venue’s best yet and the ideal choice for a day out for business or pleasure, with family and friends, or with that all important business client. Hospitality, sponsorship and admission tickets for all of this season’s fixtures are on sale now, with great savings available if you book your admission tickets in advance online, including a £10 saving on tickets for Ladies’ Night when booked before 31st May.
t: 01698 283806 • e: enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk • www.hamilton-park.co.uk
Don’t Look any Further… One Night at Hamilton Park Iconic singer Heather Small and TV star Dermot O’Leary to get hearts racing on the dancefloor
Iconic songstress Heather Small is set to co-headline Hamilton Park Racecourse’s flagship EK, East Kilbride Ladies’ Night event this August, adding extra sparkle to the glamorous event. Nothing can stop powerhouse songbird Heather, who shot to world-wide fame with smash-hit group M People, as she joins TV star Dermot O’Leary at the top of the bill for the most anticipated fixture of the racecourse’s summer season. Double Brit Award and Mercury Music Prize winner Heather, who’s sold more than 11 million records, will get the crowd singing and dancing before the evening’s racing action when she will take to the stage to perform M People favourites including “Moving on Up” and “Search for the Hero”, as well as tracks from her solo albums including “Proud”. Vivien Currie, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “Heather has the voice of a generation and has a timeless appeal as an artist. We can’t wait to welcome one of the UK’s most iconic performers to Ladies’ Night. “With Dermot hitting the decks later in the night, it’s shaping up to be an unmissable event. With early bird discounted tickets on sale now, I’d definitely recommend booking your ticket as soon as possible.”
Ladies’ Night hospitality sells out every year, so now is the perfect time to book your table to ensure your seat at THE event of the summer. For more information on hospitality and to make your reservation, please contact Julie or Lesley on 01698 283806 or via email at julie@hamilton-park.co.uk lesley@hamilton-park.co.uk
Fashionable lads and lassies from across Scotland descend on Hamilton Park Racecourse each year in their thousands for this highlight event to enjoy an evening of fashion, fizz and fun with show-stopping performances on and off the track. The ever-popular Best Dressed Lady competition returns with a fantastic cash prize of £1,000 up for grabs alongside a raft of incredible prizes for the finalists, who will be selected by our judging panel from the hundreds of glamorous ladies who take to the catwalk on the evening. “We’re also delighted to be welcoming back Moet & Chandon and Anchor Line to add that extra touch of luxury to the evening’s proceedings,” adds Vivien. “This really is going to be one of the most hotly anticipated events of the summer!” Gates will open at 3pm on Saturday 4th August for the EK, East Kilbride Ladies’ Night with early bird admission tickets on sale now at www.hamilton-park.co.uk, from just £25 for adults if booked before 31st May, saving £10. Hospitality is also available for the evening from only £99+vat per person.
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Dining with Distinction Impress your guests from your exclusive Private Box or the luxurious Duke’s Restaurant
Hamilton Park Racecourse is delighted to announce multi-award winning Scottish chef Gary Maclean will launch the sizzling season of hospitality at the premier Lanarkshire venue. Glasgow born Gary, who won Masterchef: The Professionals in 2016 and was recently announced as Scotland’s first National Chef, will design and oversee the hospitality menu at the Totepool Family Raceday on Sunday 6th May, the opening day of the 2018 season. The 45-year-old’s menu will feature dishes influenced by his time on Masterchef, and he will also hold cookery demonstrations for the public on the day. The news comes as the second phase of refurbishment to the grandstand nears completion, with the transformation of the hospitality boxes set to be unveiled for the season opener. Following fantastic feedback on last year’s improvements which included the re-imagining of the luxurious Duke’s Restaurant & Bars, the latest upgrades are set to elevate the venue’s facilities to new levels. 2018 hospitality reservations can now be made, with those taking advantage of the exclusive packages for 6th May benefiting from Gary’s culinary expertise. Gary’s appearance at the Totepool Family Raceday is just one of a number of attractions set to whet the appetite of racegoers this season. Julie Watson, Hospitality Sales Manager at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “The 2018 season is sure to get off to a sizzling start with our fantastic Totepool Family Raceday and we’re thrilled to be working with Scotland’s first ever National Chef on our menu for the day.
With hospitality regularly selling out for the racecourse’s biggest events, now is the perfect time for you to book your table to make sure you don’t miss out in 2018. For more information on hospitality and to make your reservation, please contact Julie or Lesley on 01698 283806 or via email at julie@hamilton-park.co.uk lesley@hamilton-park.co.uk Hamilton Park Post 4
“We have all the perfect ingredients for a great family day out, but beyond that we’ve worked hard with our team of chefs to develop some exciting menus across the whole season. “Last year’s refurbishment changed the face of the hospitality offering here at Hamilton Park,” adds Julie. “We’ve received fantastic feedback from our hospitality guests and we are already seeing a huge increase in demand, especially for our newly refurbished boxes, which promise to provide a distinctive, unparalleled raceday experience.” Hospitality packages are on sale now for 2018 with a variety of options tailored to suit most budgets, so if you’re thinking of booking an event or looking for a great dining experience then please get in touch with the team or visit our website. t: 01698 283806 • e: enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk • www.hamilton-park.co.uk
Hospitality Packages 2018 DUKE’S RESTAURANT Duke’s Restaurant underwent a stunning transformation as part of our recent refurbishment and guarantees one of the most sociable experiences in racing, and one which is sure to exceed your expectations. With floor to ceiling windows, you’ll be treated to spectacular views over the track that bring the racing action to your table whilst you enjoy first class hospitality from our dedicated team.
RESTAURANT MARQUEES & CHALETS Our marquees are available on selected racedays or for private hire for larger groups and provide the same electric, social atmosphere as Duke’s Restaurant. Both marquees have their own private bar and betting facilities and offer an outside area for you to enjoy.
BRONZE EXPERIENCE
Two Course Lunch or Dinner VIP Admission Raceday Programme Car Park Pass
SILVER EXPERIENCE* Glass of Fizz on arrival Three Course Lunch or Dinner VIP Admission Raceday Programme Car Park Pass
GOLD EXPERIENCE* Glass of Fizz on arrival Three Course Lunch or Dinner Afternoon Tea or Cheese Board Half Bottle of House Wine £2 Betting Voucher VIP Admission Raceday Programme Car Park Pass
AFTERNOON & THEMED MEETINGS - FROM £69
AFTERNOON & THEMED MEETINGS - FROM £87
AFTERNOON & THEMED MEETINGS - FROM £101
N/A
PREMIER MEETINGS FROM £102
PREMIER MEETINGS FROM £127
LADIES’ NIGHT FROM £99
LADIES’ NIGHT FROM £117
LADIES’ NIGHT FROM £142
Gold Experience: Afternoon Meetings are served Afternoon Tea whereas Evening Meetings are served Cheese & Biscuits. Please Note: £10 supplement payable for a window table. *Silver and Gold packages will be further upgraded to include an Afternoon Tea on Ladies’ Night.
2018 Fixtures (THEMES ARE PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
LADIES’ NIGHT SATURDAY 4th AUGUST EK, East Kilbride Ladies’ Night ft. Heather Small & Dermot O’Leary
PREMIER MEETINGS SUNDAY 6th MAY Totepool Family Raceday ft. Gary Maclean FRIDAY 18th MAY Braveheart Night ft. Big Vern ‘N’ The Shootahs THURSDAY 28th JUNE Exsel Group - IT & Communications Saints & Sinners Racenight ft. The Cavern Beatles SATURDAY 14th JULY Sunday Mail & Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation Family Racenight ft. The CutKelvins FRIDAY 20th JULY Heineken UK Mid-Fair Friday Racenight ft. The Ed Sheeran Experience FRIDAY 31st AUGUST Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Racenight ft. GBX Anthems
PRIVATE BOXES Our newly refurbished private boxes offer the ultimate experience in raceday hospitality. Enjoy the intimacy of your own exclusive box with sensational views from your private balcony. Relax while your dedicated box host looks after you and your guests. Each box has its own private bar, free WiFi and HD TV showing all of the live racing action as well as access to private betting facilities.
SUNDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER September Weekend Raceday
AFTERNOON & THEMED MEETINGS THURSDAY 31st MAY DM Hall Raceday
CLASSIC*
PREMIUM*
DELUXE*
Glass of Fizz on arrival Two Course Lunch or Dinner VIP Admission Raceday Programme Car Park Pass
Glass of Fizz on arrival Three Course Lunch or Dinner Half Bottle of House Wine VIP Admission Raceday Programme Car Park Pass
Glass of Fizz and Sharing Platter on arrival Three Course Lunch or Dinner Afternoon Tea or Cheese Board Half Bottle of House Wine £5 Betting Voucher VIP Admission Raceday Programme Car Park Pass
MONDAY 2nd JULY Monday Night Football Racenight
AFTERNOON & THEMED MEETINGS - FROM £117
AFTERNOON & THEMED MEETINGS - FROM £132
AFTERNOON & THEMED MEETINGS - FROM £147
TUESDAY 3rd JULY Almada Raceday
PREMIER MEETINGS FROM £137
PREMIER MEETINGS FROM £152
PREMIER MEETINGS FROM £167
THURSDAY 19th JULY Racing UK Club Day
LADIES’ NIGHT FROM £152
LADIES’ NIGHT FROM £167
LADIES’ NIGHT FROM £177
TUESDAY 21st AUGUST BB Foodservice Scottish Trophy Raceday
Deluxe: Afternoon Meetings are served Afternoon Tea whereas Evening Meetings are served Cheese & Biscuits. *Please note all box packages will be further upgraded to include an Afternoon Tea on Ladies’ Night. Hamilton Park reserve the right to upgrade your hospitality location if required. All prices are per person and are exclusive of VAT which will be charged at the standard rate where applicable. All packages are subject to availability and minimum numbers apply to all hospitality bookings for boxes and chalets.
t: 01698 283806 • e: enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk • www.hamilton-park.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 6th JUNE Hamiltonian Raceday WEDNESDAY 13th JUNE Hamilton Audi Racenight WEDNESDAY 20th JUNE Bothwell Castle Raceday
THURSDAY 13th SEPTEMBER Twilight Raceday MONDAY 24th SEPTEMBER Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation Family Raceday Hamilton Park Post 5
Long Term Partnerships delivering Long Term Success Broaden your brand’s potential by partnering with Hamilton Park
The team at Hamilton Park is celebrating after confirming the renewal of two key, long term partnerships, further demonstrating the fantastic benefits that are possible through working with the racecourse to promote your business. Drinks giants Heineken UK have signed a three-year extension to their agreement which will see their Heineken brand, synonymous with major sporting events, take over headline sponsorship of the richest racenight of the year, Heineken UK Mid-Fair Friday, featuring the Heineken UK Scottish Stewards Cup and the EBF Stallions Glasgow Stakes.
Sponsorship & Advertising can boost your business profile If you’re keen to find out how your company can benefit from partnering with Hamilton Park then please contact Ann on 01698 206476 or via email at ann@hamilton-park.co.uk
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It’s a double celebration as leading bookmaker Ladbrokes/Coral have also confirmed their continued sponsorship of the historic Lanark Silver Bell racenight for a further three years, building on the successes of the partnership that began back in 2011 and included the creation of the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell trophy. “The success of our partnerships with both Heineken and Ladbrokes/Coral, is a real testament to the way we approach our commercial relationships,” explains Ann Doyle, Sales Manager at Hamilton Park. “Our continued association with these brands has undoubtedly come as a direct result of delivering a tangible return for their businesses and in no small
part to the relationships we’ve developed with their teams.” With over 100,000 visitors coming through the gates across the year, over 90,000 online streams for each race via Racing UK’s digital platform as well as live coverage on ITV1, it’s clear that the racecourse provides an ideal platform for businesses to promote their products and services. Hamilton Park has recently announced sponsorships with companies including EK, East Kilbride, Exsel Group, Sunday Mail, DM Hall and Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation, which add to an ever increasing list of partners and brands from all sectors including motoring, building, legal services and local restaurants. “We understand that a return on investment is key critical for any sponsor or advertiser, and as such we make sure we do everything we can to maximise exposure of our partners’ messages to our customer base, no matter the scale of their business,” adds Ann. “We will always continue to offer race sponsorships and advertising opportunities as they offer really tangible exposure. However, we also like to be creative with our commercial opportunities and are constantly evolving new ways to engage our audience with our partners’ brands to set them apart from their competitors.”
t: 01698 283806 • e: enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk • www.hamilton-park.co.uk
Accelerate your Business Hamilton Audi unveiled as official car sponsor
Audi
Approved Hamilton
Hamilton Audi has been announced as the official car sponsor for the 2018 season at Hamilton Park Racecourse, following a successful inaugural season last year. The partnership will see Audi continue to provide the racecourse with official vehicles, which featured unique racing livery in 2017, together with promoting their full vehicle range throughout the season. Hamilton Audi will also feature as title sponsor of Wednesday 13th June’s evening race meeting, where they will display some of the latest Audi models. “We’re delighted to be partnering with such a prestigious brand as Audi, their renewal is a true testament to the benefits of working with Hamilton Park,” said Ann Doyle. Derek Lyon, Head of Business for Audi Approved Hamilton and Glasgow Audi added: “It’s great that we’re able to continue our association with Hamilton Park. Our Audi Approved showroom in Hamilton is one of the largest in Europe, so a key objective for us from our partnership is around awareness and driving footfall to the showroom. “In 2017 we were also able to host a reception for our VIP guests on our sponsored racenight which in turn delivered a real return on our investment. Ann and the team have been fantastic in showcasing our brand and we look forward to another successful year working together.” If you’re keen to find out how your company can benefit from partnering with Hamilton Park Racecourse then please contact Ann Doyle on 01698 206476 or via email at ann@hamilton-park.co.uk. The Audi Approved Hamilton showroom is based at Whistleberry Road, Blantyre with a further showroom at Glasgow Audi Braehead, showcasing the very latest models as well as a comprehensive range of approved used vehicles. Visit www.audi.co.uk or call 01698 711862 for more information.
RACE AHEAD WITH
RACECARD ADVERTISING THE PREMIER 5
5 FULL PAGE ADVERTS for £900 + VAT your package will include a full page advert on
Sun 6th May
Totepool Family Raceday ft. Gary Maclean
Fri 18th May
Braveheart Night ft. Big Vern ‘N’ The Shootahs
Thur 28th June Exsel Group - IT & Communications Saints & Sinners Racenight ft. The Cavern Beatles Fri 20th July
Heineken UK Mid-Fair Friday Racenight ft. The Ed Sheeran Experience
Fri 31st August
Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Racenight ft. GBX Anthems
LADIES’ NIGHT & FAMILY NIGHT 2 FULL PAGE ADVERTS for £395 + VAT your package will include a full page advert on
Sat 14th July
Sat 4th August
Sunday Mail & Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation Family Racenight ft. The CutKelvins EK, East Kilbride Ladies’ Night ft. Heather Small & Dermot O’Leary
SUPER SEPTEMBER SAVERS
3 FULL PAGE ADVERTS for £550 + VAT your package will include a full page advert on
Thur 13th September Sun 23rd September Mon 24th September
Twilight Raceday September Weekend Raceday Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation Family Raceday
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP PARTNERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
CONTACT ANN ON 01698 283806 FOR MORE INFORMATION! t: 01698 283806 • e: enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk • www.hamilton-park.co.uk
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Building for the Future
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Hotel plans unveiled
Audi
Approved Hamilton
Hamilton Park Racecourse has unveiled approved plans for a multi-million pound, 118-guestroom hotel development on its grounds. The £10m project will bring up to 20 new jobs to the racecourse, doubling the current number of employees, with construction set to get underway in Spring 2018. Hamilton Park executive has undertaken extensive feasibility studies into the development and projects it will generate an additional £5.9m per year in additional visitor expenditure in the area, and is expected to double the size of the racecourse’s business within three years of opening. Vivien Currie, CEO at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to unveil this landmark project and are certain it will deliver substantial benefits to our business and the wider economy. “With an on-site hotel, we will further enhance our reputation as a wide-ranging, world-class sporting and hospitality attraction, whilst also providing a fantastic facility for racing staff when they visit for our 18 race meetings.” Vivien added: “Historically, Hamilton Park Racecourse has been at the forefront of development in Scottish and UK racing, all the way back to being a pioneer for evening racing in 1947. These latest plans are a further marker of the ambitions of the team.”
Go Racing for less than £2 Enjoy 82 days racing across the UK, including Ascot Our fantastic Annual Membership packages get you into every meeting at Hamilton Park as well as over 64 reciprocal days at other UK racecourses, including Ascot, Goodwood, Down Royal and Chester from only £160 per person if you take our joint package. Membership also includes many other benefits including access to the Members’ bar with discounted bar prices, discounted guest admission and much more.
Call Karly today on 01698 283806 to order your membership!
Racedays • Corporate Hospitality • Celebrations • Weddings • Events For further information please email enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk or give the team a call on 01698 283806
Just 15 miles from Glasgow City Centre or 40 miles from Edinburgh, Hamilton Park is easy to reach thanks to excellent access from the M8 and M74 Motorways. Direct trains are available from Glasgow Central whilst trains from Edinburgh Waverley service Motherwell, with onward connections to Hamilton.
Hamilton Park Racecourse Bothwell Road, Hamilton ML3 0DW t: 01698 283806 f: 01698 286621 e: enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk www.hamilton-park.co.uk
Hamilton Park Post
t: 01698 283806 • e: enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk • www.hamilton-park.co.uk