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There is more to enjoying horseracing than attending the big international events at the most famous courses. Hospitality and atmosphere has always been a major factor in the enjoyment of raceday and the smaller local courses throughout the country consistently offer a great day out, value for money and some great racing besides.
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One such course is Fontwell Park in West Sussex, voted the best small racecourse in the South East for the last 19 years. Fontwell races are well attended and greatly enjoyed by racing purists and casual day-trippers alike. The friendly atmosphere and charm of the course is appreciated by all who attend.
Dating back to 1924, Fontwell Park has benefitted from regular upgrading and is currently undergoing a £6.5 million development of a new premier enclosure. A venue for National Hunt fixtures the steeplechase track is an unusual figure of eight in shape and there is a further hurdles track in a typical left hand oval. The highlight fixture in Fontwell races is the National Spirit Hurdle, held in February and named after the horse which enjoyed great success at the course in the 1940s.
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A Grade II race, it is open to horses of four years and above and is recognised as an effective trial for Cheltenham in March. Baracouda has triumphed in both but only one horse, My Way de Solzen, has won both in the same season.
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Race aficionados have a further fixture to mark in their calendar, the Tikram Handicap Hurdle, which is the main race of the Southern National Meeting, held in November. Although these are the flagship events at Fontwell Park, the course hosts racing all year round with only one month, July, featuring no races. People come with friends, large groups and families to enjoy the social aspects of the day and many fixtures are particularly tailored for fun leisure events.
Themed events are always popular, such as ABBA night and other evening fixtures which finish the racing with live entertainment. There is a series of Family Race Days too, held throughout the year and these incorporate children's entertainers, funfair rides and so on.
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Children under the age of 16 get admitted free to all Fontwell Races and so a great value family fun day out can be had by all. Adult admission varies according to the event in question and the standard concessions are available for students and OAPs on presentation of the relevant ID on the day. Hospitality packages are available and are ideal for first timers or those who want the full Fontwell races experience.
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For the National Spirit Hurdle package, £45 will buy standard admission, entry to a hospitality suite, where welcome drinks and full afternoon tea will be served. Also included is a racecard, tour of the course and the entertainment and information provided by a celebrity tipster. For £70 per head the Winter Hospitality Package adds a hot buffet lunch and all beer and wine.
Ladies Day August 2010 is a big day for Fontwell races as the day when the brand new premier enclosure opens to the public.
A range of Premier packages will be available to make the most from the new facilities and starting from £80 per person will incorporate superb dining within a stylish private suite with great balcony race views.
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Groups from 10 to 150 people can be accommodated in this way with the further option of the Parade Ring Marquee for larger groups of up to 400. For small groups, a table can also be booked within Silks Restaurant with a three course meal included for £40 per person.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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