Two race days take place at Bangor-on-Dee either side of Christmas Day and both have proved to be popular with the punters. On Wednesday 19th, the Racecourse management has joined forces with Heathcotes at Bangor-on-Dee to create an excellent day out for a number of companies hosting their Christmas parties. All private hospitality and restaurant facilities have sold out but for those wishing to join in on the festive atmosphere, tickets for the Paddock and Course enclosures are still available. Racegoers wishing to dine on the day should be aware that the Wynnstay restaurant has a number of tables set aside for racegoers to walk in and dine from an a la carte menu.
The feature race of the 7 races run on this day is the 4th race, the £13,000 Alfa Aggregates Handicap, this is a hurdle race run over 3 miles. The Racecourse is grateful to Alfa Aggregates for their generous support in sponsoring twice a year. Other sponsors on the day include; Canter Levin & Berg Solicitors, AMS Business Sales, Robinson Leslie (Insurance Services) and Winterthur Life (Financial Services).
Jeannie Chantler, General Manager of the Racecourse comments: “It is great that our December race days are enjoying such support. Both race days promise to be really atmospheric as everyone will be having a great time, celebrating the Christmas holidays. The Going on the 19th is expected to be Firm due to the cold weather so we will be in for some nail-bitingly fast racing. On the 29th December, we want to entice the punters with a particularly good value day out. For just £40 for adults and £10 for children, racegoers are being offered admission to the Paddock enclosure, a 3 course lunch in the Dee Suite at a table which will be theirs for the day plus a racecard per person. In addition and to continue the season’s festivities, the Racecourse is delighted to be laying on 1st class children’s entertainment. This package and further information is available by calling the hospitality team on 01244 304 631.”
Ed Gretton, Clerk of the Course has written the following about the declarations at the 5-day stage for the 19th December: “The Entries for Wednesday’s race meeting suggest that Bangor-on-Dee will have full fields for the 7th meeting in a row – a real sign that this jumps course is growing in popularity with trainers and owners. Two years ago, on the same raceday, there were two horses in the winners enclosure that have gone on to near superstar status: MY WAY DE SOLZEN won the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham this year and is now 7-1 3rd favourite for the Grade 1 King George VI Steeple Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day; The well-named MR POINTMENT won the Bumper that day and now finds himself the 12-1 current favourite for the 2008 Grand National!
It all goes to show that the quality of horses running in races at Bangor-on-Dee is as high as ever and there are sure to be a couple of future top prospects contesting Wednesday’s 7 races. The going is currently Good to Soft, Good in places on the Hurdles course and the weather forecast is dry although fairly cold.
Looking ahead to Saturday 29th December, the Channel 4 cameras make a repeat visit to Bangor-on-Dee, taking in the 2nd race: The Anderson Solicitors (Wirral) Handicap Hurdle Race. This race, alongside some other good quality races, is sure to attract good fields and some great entertainment for the holiday crowd. Entries close on December 23rd”.
The first race at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse on Wednesday 19th December is at 12.15pm and the final race is at 3.30pm. On Saturday 29th December, 6 races will be run with the first at 1.10pm and the final race at 3.45pm. Admission to the Course enclosure is £7 (£6 in advance), while the Paddock enclosure is £16 (£15 in advance with a £1 racecard voucher); children aged 15 and under enter free of charge. A free bus service runs from Wrexham Station to the Racecourse 90 minutes before the first race and returns after racing – rail ticket holders have priority. For advance tickets, please call the Chester Racecourse Box Office on 01244 304 610 or purchase on the day at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse. For more information go to www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk.
Notes to Editors:
The Chester Race Company Limited [“CRCL”] has been established since 1892. In 2002, CRCL acquired Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse and in 2003, the Express by Holiday Inn at Chester Racecourse franchise. In January 2005, Heathcotes Outside, owned by the celebrated chef Paul Heathcote, entered into partnership with Chester Racecourse, raising the benchmark in sport stadia catering. In 2006, Heathcotes Outside won the contract to be the on-site caterer at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse also.
