insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 14 - April 2016 | Page 48

DAYSOUT

Fun for everyone
Brighton Racecourse
Established in 1783, by soon to be King George IV, Brighton Racecourse has a long-standing
history and has sat above Brighton as part of the local landscape ever since. In 1820, the Prince
of Wales (crowned King George IV) was the last reigning monarch to visit the racecourse until
the present Queen, who has visited twice, in 1979 and in 2007 respectively.

In 1998, Northern Racing took a majority stake in the racecourse, later
merging with Arena Racing in 2012 to form the Arena Racing Company,
which is the largest racing company in the UK, operating around 40 per
cent of all fixtures.

Friday May 27, and our annual exciting three-day Festival of Racing, which
includes John Smiths Raceday on Wednesday August 3, Frosts Ladies
Day on Thursday August 4, and the Checkatrade Festival Finale on Friday
August 5. Our annual Family Fun Raceday takes place on Sunday August
21 with plenty of entertainment across the racecourse for all of the family.”

Brighton Racecourse is now under the management of a new executive
director, Shaun Steel, who has worked for the Arena Racing Company
for the past six years having spent time at Lingfield Park and Newcastle
Racecourse, prior to joining Brighton.

As well as hosting fantastic competitive racing, the venue also hosts
a diverse range of meetings, conferences and events, which include
medium-sized music events, team building activities, and park and ride
for larger events in the city with the bonus of fantastic public transport
links to the heart of Brighton and free parking for all.

“The plan for the year ahead is to return the historic site back to the
heart of the community and emulate the likes of the Amex Stadium and
the Sussex County Cricket Ground, in creating a centre for corporate
hospitality and family days out, but above all creating a fantastic social
occasion for all who visit the racecourse,” says Steel. “I want to ensure
each person visiting the racecourse this year receives fantastic service,
enjoys great food and leaves with the feeling that they’ve had an amazing
social experience.”

“We want Brightonians to come and check us out and we promise they
won’t be disappointed,” adds Steel. “Not only is it a great social day, with
tremendous competitive racing, but the course also offers spectacular
views of our wonderful city and beyond, exceptional cuisine thanks to our
new in-house catering team, and a friendly local vibe. So, this season,
why not get involved, gather friends, colleagues or clients together, have
fun getting dressed up and enjoy what Brighton Racecourse has to offer
right on your doorstep.”

“The 2016 season consists of 22 fixtures beginning on Tuesday April 19,
and runs until the season finale on October 13. We host five wonderful
feature race days this season including Genting Casino Gentleman’s Day on

www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

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