Welcome

GoodafternoonandwelcometoHamiltonParkforourUSaveUtilityContractsRaceday, our penultimate fixture of 2022. It was with sadness that we all learnt of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last week, and on behalf of everyone at Hamilton Park, we send our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to His MajestyThe King and all members ofthe Royal Familyfortheir loss. The Queen will be remembered not only as a historic Monarch but also as a leading figure in British racing with an incredible passion for our sport which will undoubtedly be missed. As a mark of respect, I hope you will join me as we observe a two-minute period of silence at 1.15pm today, in memory of Her Late Majesty The Queen.

As our attentions turn to today’s fixture, our thanks go to all of today’s sponsors –USave Utility Contracts, who are our title sponsors, the European Breeders Fund, The Village Tavern, The Gartcraig Inn and of course our fantastic catering partners Sodexo Live!. Your sponsorship is very much appreciated and enables us to be able to offer the record levels of prize money available across our programme this season. We also welcome students from the West of Scotland who join us today, many for the first time, through Invades. I hope all of our valued partners and guests here with us this afternoon have a great time.

On the track today we can expect some close contests, with the USave Business Energy Specialist Fillies’ Handicap Stakes at 2.00pm featuring Miss Bella Brand, a first time runner this season at Hamilton Park for Newmarket trainer Mrs Ilka Gansera-Leveque, ridden by in form apprentice jockey Saffie Osborne, whilst recent course winner Selby’s Pride for trainer TonyCoyletakeshischanceofftopweightwithhiswinningpartnerPaddyMathersinthesaddle.

In the 3.30pm The Sodexo Live! At Hamilton Park Handicap Stakes, we have thirteen declared runners, including course and distance winner Zig Zag Ziggy for Jim Goldie and Jimmy Long, both looking to extend their lead on our 2022 Championship board. The on form partnership also have three times winner this season at Hamilton Park Clan Jock in the 4.00pm The Sodexo Live! Party Nights at Hamilton Park Handicap Stakes, where he is looking to make it a fourth, after being beaten by only a neck last time out.

Once the racing action has finished, we have the amazing Tom White performing tributes to the music of three chart-topping artists – Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi and George Ezra, so do stay on and enjoy the show until bars close at 6.30pm.

Our final fixture of the season is nearly upon us, with the Maggie’s Goes Racing September Weekend Family Raceday on holiday Monday 26 September. We have a great afternoon of racing lined up as we crown the season’s Champion Owner, Trainer, Jockey and Apprentice Jockey. We’ll also have our usual array of FREE kids’ entertainment and as always under 18s get FREE admission, making this the perfect day out for the whole family this September weekend. Tickets are available at www.hamilton-park.co.uk so I do hope to see you all one more time this season!

Have a great day and I hope you back a few winners. Kind Regards ASHLEY MOON, RACECOURSE MANAGING DIRECTOR