Bath Racecourse is standing up to cancer by hosting a Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening on Wednesday 8th March, raising money for the Velindre Cancer Hospital and charity Racing Welfare.
The event is being held in memory of a long-time friend of the course, Roger Lewis, who lost his battle with bowel cancer last year. Ex jockey Roger had hosted the behind the scenes race day tours and winning connections at Bath alongside his wife June for more than 10 years.
Sponsored by Coral Bookmakers, Carol PR Director Simon Clare will host the evening. He is joined on the panel by a star studded line up including the highly amusing trainer Richard Phillips joins the panel that includes West Country’s finest – ten time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, ex jockey Joe Tizzard, with jockey Tom Scudamore joining on Facetime.
The preview starts at 7pm in the Royal Crescent suite, located on the first floor of the recently completed new grandstand with tickets costing £20 per person.
Roger’s daughter and event organiser, Hannah Walker, explained: ““While undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, horse racing provided much light relief to Roger and as a whole family we were able to enjoy a ‘bucket list’ outing to the 2016 Cheltenham Festival, before his terminal cancer progressed.
“We felt a festival preview evening would be the perfect way of remembering the time we spent together and to be able to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Hospital and Racing Welfare – charities that helped us so much during such testing times – would make my father so very proud.”
Racecourse Executive Director Jo Hall, said: “The outstanding line-up will not only provide attendees with an unbeatable insight into this year’s Cheltenham Festival contenders but also a fun filled evening.
“We know that lots of local people make the trip to Cheltenham for the festival and this will be a great opportunity for them to get some advanced insight into the runners and riders from the esteemed panel and pick up some top tips!
“More importantly, the evening will honour our great friend, Roger Lewis while raising significant funds for two worthy causes and we are delighted to be able to assist Hannah in this fundraising initiative.”
Tickets are available now by contacting the racecourse on 01225 424609 or online at www.bath-racecourse.co.uk/events.