ROA Forum
MY DAY AT THE RACES with Jimmy Kay at Newcastle on January 8
J
immy Kay owns four horses in training and two broodmares. One mare has an Equiano foal on the ground and the other is in foal to Mondialiste, all with Lynn Siddall. He became involved in racing after disbanding a motocross racing team that he used to own, sponsor and run, and needed a new hobby. Jimmy describes himself as a very lucky owner who has always loved horses and racing and loves every minute of ownership. He bought his first horse with Ann Duffield, which won on its handicap debut – from then on he has been hooked. Did you receive any welcome information as an owner in advance of the raceday? It was nice to receive an email from the racecourse as soon as we declared. The email was full of useful information regarding badge allocation, the going report and directions as how to get there. The racecourse was very well signposted off the main A roads. How was the experience of arrival at the racecourse, and collecting your owners’ badges? On arrival we were greeted with two car park attendants who on production of my PASScard, directed us to a suitable parking spot in the owners’ and trainers’ car park. They then directed us to the owners’ and trainers’ desk, where on production of my PASScard again we were asked how many badges and meal vouchers were required [up to six per runner are allocated to a sole owner]. Did you use the owners’ and trainers’ facility on the day? Yes, there was also a separate owners’ and trainers’ restaurant, where food was served. What were your thoughts on the location, comfort and provision in the facility? We had a coffee in the bar then proceeded to the restaurant, where we had some soup with bread rolls. Dinner comprised meat and three vegetables. It was comforting on a cold night.
Servo and Callum Rodriguez scored at Newcastle in January for Jimmy Kay (inset)
How was the pre-parade ring/paddock experience? The parade ring is large and spacious with plenty of room for friends, guests and sponsors. It’s also very close to the racetrack and you get a great view of your horse going to the start and is easily the best and most exciting place to watch the race finishes. There is a large screen exactly opposite the parade ring and is really good for watching the horses load, start and race. How did you find the facilities for owners’ viewing? I didn’t use the owners’ and trainers’ viewing space in the stand, as I thought it was a little too far away from the race action.
of our race. Champagne, cheese, biscuits and other tasty nibbles were served. What was your overall lasting feeling of the day, based on your racecourse experience? I’ve had runners and winners before at Newcastle and will definitely be returning again. The racecourse staff are all very helpful and friendly. It’s an old racecourse and can look a bit dated and maybe a bit tired, but is full of character and charm. It was nice to get a winner with Servo and one on the podium with Encoded. So as you can imagine we had a great evening. Just remember to take a warm coat as it can be a cold place in the winter!
Were you able to review a replay of your race easily on course? The re-runs of the races were shown several times on the big screen and on numerous screens in all the stands, and in the O&T facility.
HOW IT RATED
How were you treated as a winning owner on the day? As I was fortunate enough to have a winner, after the presentation we were invited to a private room to view a re-run
Owners’ facilities
Entry Viewing Atmosphere Food Overall score
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ 20
90 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
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21/01/2019 12:31