Inaugural Racing for Racegoers initiative proves hugely popular

Supplicant, ridden by Tony Hamilton, won the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes in a one-two for trainer Richard Fahey at Newbury Racecourse this afternoon.
Hamilton delivered the winner home despite dropping his whip in the final stages to leave Rufford trailing in second place.
On a top class day’s action, Camborne won the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup under Robert Havlin, while Haafaguinea took the Dubai Duty Free Handicap for trainer Clive Cox.
A strong field was assembled for the Group 3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy over five furlongs, with Maarek coming out on top in a stirring finish.
In addition to the action on the track, the racecourse’s inaugural ‘Racing for Racegoers’ concept proved to be the definitive experience for the racing enthusiast.
Racegoers embraced the opportunity to walk the track with former multiple-Group 1 winning jockey John Reid, as well as visiting ‘Speakers’ Corner’ where experts from the world of horseracing hosted informative talks and question and answer sessions.
Speakers included on-course bookmaker Geoff Banks and Timeform’s chief correspondent Jamie Lynch.
Racing fans also got the chance to go behind-the-scenes, visiting the weighing room, judge’s booth and commentary box, while a racing quiz offered the chance to win a trip to Mick Channon’s yard.
Due to the popularity of today’s events the Racecourse will run a similar day for racegoers during the jump season.
Stephen Higgins, joint Managing Director of Newbury Racecourse, said:
“It’s been a wonderful day’s racing and we’d like to pass on our congratulations to the connections of Supplicant for winning the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes. It’s a great race and this year’s renewal was no exception. We thought Racing for Racegoers was a fun way to give racing enthusiasts a special behind-the-scenes insight into this great sport and we’ve had some fantastic feedback from today’s crowd who really got behind it.”