Get an autograph from a past Guineas star

Willie Carson will be one of three 2000 Guineas winning ex-jockeys signing autographs at Newmarket on Saturday. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Willie Carson, Jason Weaver and Richard Hills, who between them rode the winners of six 2000 Guineas, will sign autographs before racing on QIPCO 2000 Guineas Day at Newmarket this Saturday as the 2012 QIPCO British Champions Series, which will showcase the best 35 races in the British Flat racing calendar, gets under way.

The first 80 people to queue outside the parade ring prior to the start of the autograph signing session at 12.15pm will be admitted to the parade ring where the three former riders will be waiting.

Willie Carson, now best known for his role on the BBC TV racing presentation team and who was a contestant on “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here” last year, rode four 2000 Guineas winners – High Top (1972), Known Fact (1980), Don’t Forget Me (1987) and the brilliant Nashwan (1989), who went on to win the Derby, Coral Eclipse and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes that season.

Jason Weaver, now a presenter on At The Races, rode Mister Baileys to victory in 1994 for trainer Mark Johnston, while Richard Hills, who only retired from the saddle in March, won the colts’ Classic in 2004 on Haafhd, trained by his father, Barry.

Shortly after the autograph signing, last year’s QIPCO British Champions Series equine superstar, Frankel, will work on the track where he won the 2011 QIPCO 2000 Guineas in such devastating style.

Other special attractions on Saturday and Sunday include the showing of the groundbreaking 3D film of last year’s inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day. It will be shown continuously throughout the afternoon in a marquee on the Hyperion Lawn with the 20 seats and pairs of 3D glasses available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Racegoers can also meet the retired racehorse, Monsignor, who is an ambassador for the charity HEROS, have a go on the interactive Wii horseracing game and try their hand at race commentaries on the Commentary Karaoke machine.

All these free activities will take place on the Hyperion Lawn and are accessible to both Premier and Grandstand & Paddock racegoers.

“We want to add as much value as possible for racegoers as the 2012 QIPCO British Champions gets off to a flying start and anyone who comes to Newmarket on Saturday or Sunday should be in for a fantastic experience,” said QIPCO British Champions Series Chief Executive, Rod Street.

Tickets are still available for both days and can be purchased at the gate on the day or in advance if you CLICK HERE.