Ladies' Day at Hexham Racecourse a big success
Jun 22 2009 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal
Plate festival gallops up on us
AROUND 50,000 people are expected to flock to Newcastle racecourse this week for the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate Festival.
It is predicted that 70,000 pints will be sunk along with 30,000 bottles of wine and champagne in the three-day festival, which starts at High Gosforth Park on Thursday.
The highlight will be the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate on Saturday. With a prize fund of £180,000, it is the richest handicap race in Europe.
Saturday will also see an array of beauties showing off the latest fashions on Plate Day, regarded as the North East’s Royal Ascot.
Mark Spincer, executive director at Newcastle Racecourse, said: "The team at Newcastle Racecourse has done a fantastic job in recent weeks getting everything set for a wonderful sporting and social occasion for the North East. This year we have enhanced the selection of catering facilities and significantly increased the number of bars and food outlets, to ensure that race goers enjoy the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate Festival in the best possible surroundings and comfort."
For more information or to book tickets call (0191) 236-2020 or go to www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk
