Royal Ascot 2016   Racing News

Monday 7th March 2016

2016 Gold Cup to honour The Queen's 90th Birthday

Ascot to acknowledge contribution of breeders with two new initiatives

Ascot Racecourse has announced that this year's renewal of The Gold Cup will be run as, The Gold Cup in Honour of The Queen's 90th Birthday.

Johnny Weatherby, Her Majesty's Representative at Ascot, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating The Queen's 90th birthday in the race title of The Gold Cup.

"The Gold Cup, recently won of course by The Queen herself, is the historic centrepiece of Royal Ascot, and is very much the race which resonates most with the public."

The Gold Cup in Honour of The Queen's 90th Birthday takes place on the third day of Royal Ascot, Thursday, June 16. Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday, June 14 through to Saturday, June 18.

Also announced today are two new initiatives to mark the significant contribution that breeders make to the success of the Royal Meeting.

Guy Henderson, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, explained: "For the first time, all breeders of winning horses at Royal Ascot will receive a memento of their achievement.

"Appropriately, owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff are already recognised after races. For breeders, which are sometimes smaller operations, that recognition is less obvious but just as important. Therefore, we will be awarding Royal Ascot-branded Strawberry Dishes, designed by our Official Trophy and Silverware Suppliers, Garrard, to all winning breeders.

"As a further illustration of our recognition of the breeding industry, and the importance of encouraging interest and participation from the next generation, we have partnered with the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's new initiative, The Thoroughbred Club, for members aged 16-30.

"We are offering half price admission opportunities throughout the year for members, including to the Queen Anne Enclosure on the Tuesday and Wednesday of Royal Ascot."

Louise Kemble, Chief Executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, commented: "The TBA welcomes any initiative that recognises the vital role of breeders in British racing.

"The introduction of mementoes for successful breeders at the Royal Meeting is a gesture which we hope will be adopted by other major festivals.

"Ascot's partnership with The Thoroughbred Club is another significant step in providing access and opportunities for young people in the industry. We are most grateful to Ascot for supporting these key initiatives."

David Redvers, who runs Tweenhills Farm and Stud and is Bloodstock Manager to Qatar Bloodstock, also warmly welcomed the initiative and said: "Ascot should be applauded for recognizing the importance and the role of the breeder.

"To be responsible for producing the winner of a race at Royal Ascot is a notable feat for any breeder. Furthermore, the diversity of races at the Royal Meeting from two-year-old races over sprint trips to long distance races for older horses gives all types of breeder a chance to succeed at the world's premier race meeting.

"To receive such a lovely memento for breeding a Royal Ascot winner is fantastic and a great way to remember the achievement. We very much look forward to earning the right to receive one."

More information about The Thoroughbred Club can be found at www.thethoroughbredclub.co.uk