Newbury Racecourse is taking horse racing back to its roots with a special ‘Racing for Racegoers’ afternoon on Saturday, 21 September..

The day will begin with the chance to walk the track with a jockey, whilst later on there will be a Speaker’s Corner where, throughout the afternoon, a variety of prominent experts from the world of horse racing will be hosting informative talks followed by question and answer sessions.

Some of the confirmed guest speakers include;

• Matthew Tester, official BHA Handicapper, who will discuss the handicapping of horses;
• James Luck of Luck Greayer Bloodstock Shipping who will speak on the challenges of flying horses around the world for big races;
• Jamie Lynch, Chief Correspondent for ratings organisation Timeform, will provide an insight into how Timeform ratings, widely accepted as the definitive measure of racing merit, are produced;
• There will also be insights from experienced on-course bookmaker Geoff Banks, a representative from The Horse Comes First campaign and a vet’s corner discussing equine well-being and nutrition.

An exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes and see the weighing room, the judge’s booth, and the commentary box will also be available for racegoers.

And as if all of this wasn’t enough, a racing quiz available in the racecard will offer some fantastic prizes including a stable tour at two-time champion trainer Richard Hannon’s yard.

The first contest on the six-race card is at 1.20pm, with the last race at 4.40pm. The highlight is the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes, one of the leading races in the calendar for juveniles and a race won last year by Marco Botti’s Moohaajim.

Those wanting to walk the course and attend the behind the scenes tours are invited to register their interest by emailing [email protected] with “Racing for Racegoers” in the subject title. Please note, these activities are only open to visitors with a valid entrance ticket/badge.