New initiatives for the launch of the QIPCO British Champions Series

images sourced from racingfotos.com

The playing of the QIPCO British Champions Series anthem as the runners go behind the stalls is one of a number of new initiatives that will be in evidence at the Rowley Mile this weekend as the inaugural Series launches at Newmarket with the QIPCO 2000 Guineas today and QIPCO 1000 Guineas tomorrow. 

QIPCO British Champions Series promotional staff will be engaging with racegoers as they arrive at the course, handing out information about the 35 race Series, and will line up with the jockeys when they are introduced to the crowd in the parade ring prior to the big race. 

There will be a "Meet the Racehorse" area on the Hyperion Lawn in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure where former Cheltenham Festival star Monsignor will be stationed, together with an equicisor so that racegoers can get a feel for the race riding experience. 

Around the racecourse, Winkball, the company now well known for capturing fans’ views before football games, will be recording racegoers’ views to post online before, during and after racing at the Series website www.britishchampionsseries.com

"We hope that the anthem, which will also be played as the winning horse makes his way to the winner’s enclosure after the big race, will become a part of most QIPCO British Champions Series racedays, a bit like the UEFA Champions League anthem has become intrinsic to the build-up to the big European club football showdowns," explained British Champions Series Chairman, Chris McFadden.

"The Series throws the spotlight on the very best of British Flat racing and we want the races to stand out for racegoers and TV viewers alike.  The presentation of the jockeys in the parade ring will also contribute to this, while capturing racegoers’ views on video to post on our website is one of the many social media activities which have become very popular and which we want to be part of.”