In a world where fear of the unknown can be a barrier to trying something new, Newton Abbot Racecourse has gone to great lengths this season to introduce a wider audience to the world of horseracing.
With the summer holiday period seeing a marked increase in the number of families who visit the racecourse, Newton Abbot invited one lucky family to be its guests of honour and share their experience of a family day at the races with others.
After sending a request for a volunteer family to its membership database, the Hambly family from Kingsteignton were chosen to be the reporters for the day. In return, the Hamblys were asked to share their experience with the racecourse so that others could learn about what to expect during a day at the course.
Discussing their experience, Mrs Hambly said: "We love coming to Newton Abbot and it's the one racecourse we go to together as a family. We always have a great time here and we were over-the-moon to be able to share our experiences with others.
"My husband and I started coming to Newton Abbot Racecourse before my children were born, who are now 15 and 12. Over the last six or seven years, we've been coming again as a family and we now regularly check when the races are.
"The whole day was just brilliant, from the helpful stewards when we arrived to the moment we left. The racing itself was fantastic and my husband and daughter definitely chose the best horses of the day, although my daughter made her choice based on the colours of the jockey's silks!
"During this visit we spent a lot more time watching the horses in the Parade Ring. That was my daughter's favourite part of the day, being able to see them up-close before they went out to the track. The Family Enclosure was excellent and my daughter, who is 12, thoroughly enjoyed the games. It was a great addition and ensured that everyone was entertained throughout the day.
"We all loved our time at Newton Abbot, as we always do. It was better than ever before and my children agreed; it was a really good day. To those looking to enjoy a day at the races for the first time, I'd say just go and enjoy it; there's plenty of people around the course to point you in the right direction or to answer any questions. Place a bet, play in the Family Enclosure and enjoy your afternoon out."
Patrick Masterson, Managing Director of Newton Abbot Racecourse, highlighted the importance of families supporting the sport: "We believe that it's important to the world of horseracing to make sure that families can join us for a day at the races. It's a great day out that's full of fun and by encouraging families to visit, we help to get a new generation interested in the sport.
"At Newton Abbot we go to great lengths to make sure that families feel welcome. Our Family Enclosure is open for all weekend fixtures in the season and throughout the summer holiday period. Plus our free entry offer for under 16s and students ensures that families can enjoy a day at the races for less.
"I'd like to thank the Hamblys for joining us for the afternoon and for taking part. There's still plenty of fixtures for families to enjoy this season, so it's not too late to experience your first family day out at the races."
With the summer holidays fully underway, Newton Abbot Racecourse have a number of fixtures during the upcoming weeks. With two back-to-back evening fixtures on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd August, racegoers can make the countdown to the weekend fly-by with two weekday fixtures.
To celebrate the end of the summer holidays, Newton Abbot Racecourse are hosting their popular Summer Festival weekend on 31st August and 1st September where racegoers can enjoy a whole weekend of racing before returning to school.
September will also see the racecourse's last 2-4-1 Monday offer on Monday 30th, where those looking to visit the course can enjoy two Paddock Enclosure tickets for the price of one when booked one week before.
For more information on upcoming fixtures, news and events, visit www.newtonabbotracing.com.
With the summer holiday period seeing a marked increase in the number of families who visit the racecourse, Newton Abbot invited one lucky family to be its guests of honour and share their experience of a family day at the races with others.
After sending a request for a volunteer family to its membership database, the Hambly family from Kingsteignton were chosen to be the reporters for the day. In return, the Hamblys were asked to share their experience with the racecourse so that others could learn about what to expect during a day at the course.
Discussing their experience, Mrs Hambly said: "We love coming to Newton Abbot and it's the one racecourse we go to together as a family. We always have a great time here and we were over-the-moon to be able to share our experiences with others.
"My husband and I started coming to Newton Abbot Racecourse before my children were born, who are now 15 and 12. Over the last six or seven years, we've been coming again as a family and we now regularly check when the races are.
"The whole day was just brilliant, from the helpful stewards when we arrived to the moment we left. The racing itself was fantastic and my husband and daughter definitely chose the best horses of the day, although my daughter made her choice based on the colours of the jockey's silks!
"During this visit we spent a lot more time watching the horses in the Parade Ring. That was my daughter's favourite part of the day, being able to see them up-close before they went out to the track. The Family Enclosure was excellent and my daughter, who is 12, thoroughly enjoyed the games. It was a great addition and ensured that everyone was entertained throughout the day.
"We all loved our time at Newton Abbot, as we always do. It was better than ever before and my children agreed; it was a really good day. To those looking to enjoy a day at the races for the first time, I'd say just go and enjoy it; there's plenty of people around the course to point you in the right direction or to answer any questions. Place a bet, play in the Family Enclosure and enjoy your afternoon out."
Patrick Masterson, Managing Director of Newton Abbot Racecourse, highlighted the importance of families supporting the sport: "We believe that it's important to the world of horseracing to make sure that families can join us for a day at the races. It's a great day out that's full of fun and by encouraging families to visit, we help to get a new generation interested in the sport.
"At Newton Abbot we go to great lengths to make sure that families feel welcome. Our Family Enclosure is open for all weekend fixtures in the season and throughout the summer holiday period. Plus our free entry offer for under 16s and students ensures that families can enjoy a day at the races for less.
"I'd like to thank the Hamblys for joining us for the afternoon and for taking part. There's still plenty of fixtures for families to enjoy this season, so it's not too late to experience your first family day out at the races."
With the summer holidays fully underway, Newton Abbot Racecourse have a number of fixtures during the upcoming weeks. With two back-to-back evening fixtures on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd August, racegoers can make the countdown to the weekend fly-by with two weekday fixtures.
To celebrate the end of the summer holidays, Newton Abbot Racecourse are hosting their popular Summer Festival weekend on 31st August and 1st September where racegoers can enjoy a whole weekend of racing before returning to school.
September will also see the racecourse's last 2-4-1 Monday offer on Monday 30th, where those looking to visit the course can enjoy two Paddock Enclosure tickets for the price of one when booked one week before.
For more information on upcoming fixtures, news and events, visit www.newtonabbotracing.com.
