Andrew Perkins, Executive Director of Lingfield Park Resort: “It’s so exciting. Eighteen months into my job and not only do I get to run a fantastic resort like Lingfield Park but I’m able to set the scene for a piece of British sporting history. I don’t think we should overlook that because we will be the first English racecourse to race on Good Friday.
“I could not really ask for much more. It has been a great season and I am really proud to personally be involved with it and I know the rest of the team are buzzing as well.
“The support of the owners, trainers and jockeys through the winter has been great and there has been some wonderful support in field sizes. In terms of customers coming through the doors, attendance is up by 21% during the first quarter of 2014, which suggests people are beginning to grasp and follow the All-Weather Championships.
“Whilst we are looking for a big horseracing crowd to come in on Good Friday, I also think it is a massive opportunity for families to come down and do something different here on Good Friday. There will be lots of entertainment for the kids and, not only will it be a wonderful day on the track, but also off of it as well.”
Neil Mackenzie Ross, Clerk of the Course at Lingfield Park: “There have been 59 upgraded All-Weather races and we have probably had the lion’s share of them here at Lingfield Park. There has been a solid programme across every distance through the winter and that has kept these good horses running here at Lingfield.
“We have to be happy with year one and as Jim (Allen) said, it was always going to be an exercise that would build over the next couple of years. The entries for Good Friday look strong and I think the fillies and mares’ race and the two-mile race will only get stronger once people realise what prizes there are to compete for through the winter months.
“Outside the front of the stands is a newly constructed winner’s enclosure. It is often mentioned that the winner’s enclosure is behind the stands, but all the winners on Good Friday will have their presentation in front of the stands for everybody to see.”
GUIDE TO THE ALL-WEATHER CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS DAY 2014 – CLICK HERE
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
