Olympic hero Skelton to make guest appearance at Warwick Racecourse
AFTER two meetings in quick succession, Warwick takes a break this month, but racing returns on Friday, 4th November, when Olympic champion Nick Skelton is the special guest at the Business Networking Raceday, writes David Hucker.
The two-time gold medallist, who hit the headlines in August when he claimed individual gold on his horse Big Star, will be joined in the Paddock Pavilion by Channel 4 Racing’s Rishi Persad, as they talk through the show jumping legend’s 38-year career.
Forced to retire by a serious injury in September 2000, Skelton’s career looked over, but he recovered to compete again the following year, rising to the top of his sport once more to win team gold at the 2012 Olympics in London.
He then became, at the age of 58, the oldest British Olympic champion since 1908 when landing his second medal at Rio this year.
As well as asking Skelton questions about his career, racegoers will also see Big Star parading.
“It is a real honour to welcome a world-renowned Olympian and local hero to Warwick Racecourse,” said general manager, Andre Klein.
“The networking event will be a great opportunity for individuals from businesses across the area to rub shoulders with a true British sporting great while also making new business contacts.”
Tickets for the business networking package which comprises the guest talk from Nick Skelton, tips for the afternoon’s racing, lunch, all-day access to the Pavilion and racing, cost £30.
The networking event starts at 11.45am and the seven-race card gets underway at 12.50pm. General admission tickets start from £12.50 and more details about the day are available from www.warwickracecourse.co.uk.
Meanwhile, annual members at Stratford have the chance to visit the Condicote stables of Martin Keighley prior to the course’s next meeting on Saturday 15, the penultimate fixture of the year.
Formerly a jockey with the legendary David Nicholson before turning to training, Keighley has run 28 horses over the summer jumps campaign, including Sticking Point, owned by HRH The Princess Royal, and Somewhere To Be, owned and bred by her daughter Zara Phillips. Six have won, amassing nearly £34,000 in prize money.
Refreshments will be available from 8.45am before members watch the horses working on the gallops for an hour and finish off with a tour of the stables.
There will be plenty of time to make the short journey back to Stratford for the first race, which is due off at 2.10pm, with the gates opening two hours before.
Advance books can be made by email to abi@stratfordracecourse.net or by telephone on 01789 267949.
