Newbury Racecourse announces an equine ambassador
ANNOUNCING Newbury Racecourse's latest ambassador to the world... a retired racehorse named Ouzbeck.
Chief executive Julian Thick said: "Last year Ouzbeck joined us during National Racehorse Week and was an absolute star.
"Getting the chance to meet a racehorse up close is a huge thrill to many of our visitors young and old."
The decision was announced at the same time as a new partnership between Newbury Racecourse and Greatwood Charity was unveiled.
The new joint venture not only aims to highlight awareness about the work of the charity, but is also designed to further educate racegoers and the local community about the variety of secondary careers available to racehorses when their racing days are over.
Meanwhile a permanent stable has been installed inside the eastern entrance at Newbury which Ouzbeck and other Greatwood horses will occupy on a number of fixtures and events over the course of the year.
Part of the new arrangement will also see increased opportunities for racegoers, as well as local residents, to visit Greatwood, based at Marlborough, Wiltshire, to see former racehorses close up and witness the relationships that can build between horses and people.
Mr Thick added: "We hope that the partnership with Greatwood helps tell all our racegoers the important story around the life of a racehorse after a racing career as well as raise awareness about the charity and the great work it does.
"We're also really looking forward to exploring new ways in which we can raise awareness amongst the local community here at Newbury."
A spokeswoman for Greatwood Charity, Helen Yeadon, said: "We're delighted and honoured to be partnering with Newbury in an official capacity on what is such an important aspect of the racing story.
"This partnership clearly demonstrates the commitment racing has towards former racehorses.
"More regular appearances on an official basis from Ouzbeck and his friends similarly allows us to talk specifically about our educational programmes using Animal Assisted Intervention.
"We are also really looking forward to hosting our Greatwood Charity Raceday on Tuesday, June 9, and working closely with the team at Newbury to bring this important partnership to life.’"
Days when Ouzbeck will be visiting the racecourse include:
Thursday, June 9 – Greatwood Charity Raceday
Saturday, July 16 – Weatherbys Super Sprint Day with Craig David live after racing
Saturday, August 13 – BetVictor Hungerford Day with live music after racing
Saturday, September 17 – Dubai Duty Free International Weekend (National Racehorse Week)