Member Article

Cricket and horse racing combine for festive fixture

A celebration of two of the North East’s most popular spectator sports will take place tomorrow when Durham County Cricket Club launches its new fixture list at Newcastle Racecourse.

Horse racing and cricket will be the focus of the Durham County Cricket Club Raceday which gets underway on Thursday December 11 following a new sponsorship agreement.

The Christmas meeting, which will feature a seven race card, will see the launch of Durham’s 2015 fixtures during which the Royal London 50 over winners will be looking to defend their crown. The raceday will also present a unique opportunity for the cricket club team to entertain guests away from the Emirates ground and to introduce them to another of the region’s most well-loved sports.

Tom Seymour, sales director at Durham County Cricket Club, says that the raceday will provide something different for guests and is a show of support for the Gosforth Park racecourse. He said: “We’re delighted to become sponsors of the Durham County Cricket Club Raceday at Newcastle Racecourse. With a unique mix of cricket and horse racing on the cards, it’s sure to be an entertaining day of top-class sporting action for all concerned.

“We’ve long enjoyed close working relationships with the racecourse team and feel that with football dominating the sporting agenda here in the North East, it’s important for other sports to work together and support each other.” Adding to the occasion and bringing another sport into the mix, Rugby Union’s George “Doddie” Weir, who was part of Newcastle Falcons’ Premiership winning side of 1997 – 1998 will entertain guests between races with tales from his colourful career.

David Williamson, executive director at Newcastle Racecourse, said: “It’s fantastic to have Durham County Cricket Club on board as sponsor of our 11 December raceday and we hope that the club’s guests enjoy the thrill of a day at the races.

“Our Christmas racedays offer an ideal opportunity for friends and colleagues alike to get together before Christmas and enjoy a packed day of racing and revelry.”

Gates open at 10.30am with the first race getting underway at 12.20pm and the last at 3.20pm. General admission tickets start from £14 when booked online.

For further information or to buy tickets contact Newcastle Racecourse, call 0191 236 2020 or go to www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Narrative Integrated Communications .