Monday 6 April 2015

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 6 April 2015

Welcome to another week and we're hoping that everyone had a great Easter. It may be a short week here at Cloud 9 towers, and as busy as ever, but that doesn't mean we wont all be having our usual office sweep stake in the lead up to The Grand National this coming Saturday.

We're not massive gamblers here at Cloud 9 and our choice of runners and riders is more to do with the colours of the silks that the jockeys wear and the horses name rather than form, but hey, that's half the fun!

History has been written about the legendary runners and riders who have triumphed in the Grand National, each of them demonstrating that thrilling combination of human endeavour and equine fortitude. From the legendary triple-winning success of Red Rum, to our present day successors, there is always a story to be told.
Once again the world will stop in its tracks, as 600 million people watch live on television. 40 horses and jockeys will line up to race across the famous fences including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, Valentine’s and The Chair.

Whilst your chances of being at Aintree to witness the drama unfold in person is a bit unlikely if you have left it this late to book, that doesn't mean you cannot enjoy some of the other great Jockey Club venues during the year.
 
Paula was lucky enough to enjoy a great weekend with the fabulous Trident Hospitality a couple of weekends ago in Newmarket, which included stays at both the Jockey Club Rooms and also the rather lovely and only four star hotel in Newmarket, The Bedford Lodge & Spa.
The luxury country hotel, recently awarded the highly prestigious 4 RED Stars by the AA provides a perfect blend of old and new and includes a luxury on site spa, indoor pool, superb restaurant and if you have over indulged, a great gym!

The hotel epitomises a contemporary style and each of the stylish guest rooms and suites is chic and comfortable and comes equipped with the latest technology. If you’re looking for quality Newmarket hotels, why not choose the very finest available?

Not only is the accommodation and setting perfect, its also ideal for meetings so do give us a shout if you would like to know more, and you can take advantage of our free venue finding service!

After a great stay at the hotel, and a tour of a nearby stabling yard, it was clear that Newmarket is a unique Town and is visited by many people who are interested in seeing the horses on the gallops, but are not sure if they are allowed! 

Most of the work is done between 6.00am and 11.00am so do not expect to see anything other than the Heath men in the afternoons or on Sundays! The best place to head for if you are looking for some action is Warren Hill, and Paula enjoyed a rather windy trip to see a constant stream of valuable horses working on the two uphill canters. With over sixty trainers and at least 2000 horses in training, there is never a shortage of interesting viewing.
 
From there, we went to Newmarket Racecourse, just one of the Jockey Club courses.  The Jockey Club is the largest commercial group in British horseracing, with assets including Cheltenham, Aintree, Epsom Downs and Newmarket racecourses. Governed by Royal Charter, all profits are invested back into the UK’s second biggest spectator sport.

With a 263-year heritage at the heart of British racing, today The Jockey Club focuses its resources, influence and assets on ensuring the sport remains the best in the world, as its leading investor and innovator.

The Jockey Club owns 15 leading racecourses, including Aintree, home of the Crabbie's Grand National; Cheltenham, stage for the prestigious Cheltenham Festival; Epsom Downs, home to the Investec Derby; and Newmarket’s Rowley Mile and July Course, considered Flat racing's global HQ.

Other parts of its Group include Jockey Club Estates, its property and land management arm, which operates the famous training grounds at Newmarket and Lambourn; The National Stud, its Thoroughbred breeding, boarding and education arm; and charity, Racing Welfare, which offers help to all racing's people in need.

The Jockey Club is also the largest shareholder in QIPCO British Champions Series, which aims to throw the spotlight on the very best races in the UK Flat season, and climaxes with QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October each year.

Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse is the perfect place to host a conference or meeting no matter how big or small with a host of flexible rooms set in acres of breath-taking countryside.They can accommodate everything from 10 to 300 delegates in one location with an additional 20 syndicate and breakout rooms. Together these fully-equipped, comfortable and striking facilities provide the flexibility to meet the full diversity of your requirements.

Beyond the raceday, Jockey Club Racecourses maximises the use of its facilities for conferencing, events, exhibitions, weddings and non-racing leisure pursuits, such as golf, equestrian sport and karting, with profits supporting its core racing business. In total, Jockey Club Racecourses offers 81 function rooms and 230 syndicate rooms, along with 40,000 free parking spaces. It can offer a room suitable for a meeting of half a dozen people through to an auditorium that can comfortably seat 2,000 delegates for a large conference. Each course has its own unique character, from the historic to the highly modern, set in easily-accessible and often picturesque locations, which have proved attractive to business customers and the public.

The weekend in Newmarket ended with a very special stay at The Jockey Club Rooms in the heart of Newmarket High Street. In fact, they have been at the heart of British horseracing for over 250 years. As a private members club, few people have had the privilege of stepping inside and seeing the magnificent interiors, which house an unparalleled collection of British racing memorabilia. The Jockey Club Rooms is available to non-members to use this prestigious Suffolk venue for weddings, high level business meetings and overnight accommodation.


As a gated property with no public access, The Jockey Club Rooms offers total privacy and if you’re planning 24-hour business meetings or a residential conference they also have 18 country house style bedrooms available for use. The Jockey Club Rooms are located less than 1 ½ hours from London and 25 minutes from Cambridge and the M11.







Dinner there was really amazing, and if you are looking for a special venue, then The Jockey Club Rooms is certainly worth the consideration. It doesn't matter if you are horse mad or not, you cannot fail to be impressed with all that Newmarket has to offer.
Have a great week and if you want a tip for the Grand National then we're collectively backing Many Clouds - after all, why wouldn't we?!






No comments:

Post a Comment