Tag: Cheltenham festival

There’s nothing like a corporate away day – and what better place to do it than at one of the best racecourses in the country? Whether you want to let your hair down and reward your team with a night out or impress potential clients with a fancy event, we’ve got you covered.

At Engage, we provide regular hospitality packages at Ascot Racecourse, including the prestigious week of Royal Ascot. We can also host groups for the Cheltenham Festival, The Grand National, the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the Ebor Festival.

Hospitality at Ascot Racecourse

For the perfect team day out, look no further than Ascot Racecourse. Located just a short train ride from London, it’s the ideal location for a corporate night out packed with delicious food, complimentary drinks and, hopefully, a few winning horses!

Most work environments are full of diverse characters, with plenty of colleagues that don’t necessarily socialise outside of the office. But the idea of getting involved in corporate away day activities shouldn’t make you panic. They’re a great opportunity to let your hair down, forget about work for the evening and get to know one another outside of the monotony of everyday working life.

The best part about Ascot Racecourse is that it hosts both flat racing and jumps. That means you’re able to make the most of it all year round. Whether you fancy basking in the summer sunshine or you’re thinking ahead to your Christmas party, there are plenty of opportunities to head to the Berkshire venue for a corporate day out.

So, if you’re committed to organising your team’s next outing, why not push the boat out? Reward your staff’s hard work by treating them to a VIP evening in style at Ascot. Engage provides hospitality packages for race meetings throughout the year, offering guests the opportunity to hire a private box.

The facilities in the Grandstand can cater for between eight and 18 guests and offer unrivalled views of the track. All boxes come with a private bar, an exclusive balcony and TV facilities so you don’t miss a second of the action. Plus, you’ll also get all this:

●    Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival
●    Glass of champagne on arrival
●    Selection of complimentary wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks
●    Three-course lunch with your choice of sit-down or buffet
●    Afternoon tea
●    Racecard and racing newspaper

Horse Racing Hospitality

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Royal Ascot 2025: The ideal setting for a VIP corporate day out

If you’re feeling fancy, why not take your team to Royal Ascot? It’s one of the most prestigious horse racing events on the planet, with members of the royal family regularly in attendance.

Royal Ascot gives you the opportunity to dress to impress, with dashing suits, fabulous dresses and outlandish hats a must. We offer a whole host of hospitality options for the week-long festival – check out our options here.

Join us for a corporate away day at Ascot

Royal Ascot 2025 – Tuesday 17th June to Saturday 21st June
Summer Mile Racing Weekend 2025 – Friday 11th July to Saturday 12th July
QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend 2025 – Friday 25th July to Saturday 26th July
Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup 2025 – Saturday 9th August
September Weekend 2025 – Friday 5th September to Saturday 6th September
Autumn Weekend & Beer Festival 2025 – Friday 3rd October to Saturday 4th October
QIPCO British Champions Day 2025 – Saturday 18th October
Ascot Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday 2025 – Saturday 1st November
November Racing Weekend 2025 – Friday 21st November to Saturday 22nd November
Howden Christmas Racing Weekend 2025 – Friday 19th December to Saturday 20th December

Good news, horse racing fans! While you may still be feeling the blues of Cheltenham being over for another year, it’s only a week until this year’s Grand National festival gets underway.

Cheltenham may be the Christmas of horse racing but the Grand National is arguably the biggest race in the world. It’s the headline event of the iconic three-day event at Aintree, which takes place from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th April this year.

All eyes will be on the main event, which sets off at 4pm on the Saturday. Around 150,000 spectators will flock to Liverpool to watch the race, while a further 600 million across the globe are expected to tune in and enjoy it on TV.

It was first run way back in 1839 and covers an official distance of around four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs. Some of the greatest racehorses on the planet will compete over 30 fences as they battle for a £1 million prize fund.

Red Rum still holds the record for the most Grand National wins with three, having stormed to victory in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Last year’s race was won by I Am Maximus, with Paul Townend riding Willie Mullins’ first Grand National winner since Hedgehunter in 2005.

Who are this year’s favourites?

There are currently 34 horses set to start this year’s Grand National – but there can only be one winner. I Am Maximus was the favourite last year and he repaid the punters’ faith in him by storming to glory.

And while he’s looking to emulate Red Rum and Tiger Roll by securing back-to-back wins this year, it may be beyond him following disappointing showings in his two runs since last year’s triumph.

Intense Raffles is the market leader one week out after winning the Irish Grand National last year. He’s regularly impressed at Fairyhouse, including a second place finish in the Bobbyjo Chase, and he’ll be looking to replicate that form at Aintree.

Elsewhere, Iroko is expected to challenge following a good showing in last year’s Mildmay Chase, where only Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin beat him. Stumptown could be a contender, while Willie Mullins’ Minella Cocooner has an outside chance after finishing third in the Irish Grand National.

Grand National race schedule

Opening Day – Thursday 3rd April

1:45pm – The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase
2:20pm – The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle Race
2:55pm – The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase
3:30pm – The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race
4:05pm – The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase
4:40pm – The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase
5:15pm – The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Ladies Day – Friday 4th April

1:45pm – The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase
2:20pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race
2:55pm – The Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle Race
3:30pm – The My Pension Expert Melling Steeple Chase
4:05pm – The Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer Uk Topham Handicap Steeple Chase
4:40pm – The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race
5:15pm – The Hallgarten And Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle Race

Grand National Day – Saturday 5th April

1:20pm – The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle Race
1:55pm – The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race
2:30pm – The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase
3:05pm – The Liverpool Hurdle Race
4pm – The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
5pm – The Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase
5:35pm – The Weatherbys Nhstallions.Co.Uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Grand National Hospitality

As ever, you can enjoy the Grand National in style with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages. We’re offering two different options this year, each with unrivalled views of the action, delicious food and complimentary drinks.

The Sunloch Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, as well as a four-course lunch, a wide range of drink options, a private balcony and plenty more. Meanwhile, our Horse & Groom pub option provides guests with a three-course lunch, afternoon snacks, a complimentary bar and a Jockey Club tipster to help you pick some winners.

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Grand National dress code

The Grand National is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress, although the dress code isn’t hugely strict. Aintree racecourse encourages smart casual wear, with no offensive fancy dress or sports team colours or kits allowed.

How to get there

For those driving, you can reach Aintree recourse via the A59, which is just a mile from the M57 and M58. From the A59 to Liverpool, follow the yellow signs to the car parks – spaces can be booked in advance online.

The closest train station is Aintree, which is opposite the racecourse. It’s just seven minutes from Liverpool Central, with frequent Merseyrail services.

Saddle up! Winter is just about behind us but for racing fans up and down the country, Christmas is coming very early this year. That’s because we’re just a few days away from the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.

One of the biggest racing events on the planet is returning to sunny Gloucestershire next Tuesday, with four days of top-class action to look forward to. The world’s best horses and jockeys are set to compete across 28 races, with plenty of familiar faces ready for battle.

Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs are targeting a hat-trick in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill has his eyes on the prize in the Champion Hurdle, although they’ll face stiff competition from Brighterdaysahead.

There are countless iconic races scheduled at Cheltenham, including the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle. And you can enjoy all of the action from the best seats in the house in our exclusive ICON facility.

As well as a day out enjoying top-class racing and impeccable views from the balcony, you’ll also be able to make the most of a champagne reception, a complimentary bar and a four-course premium lunch. Plus, expert tipsters will be on hand to help you place your bets and (hopefully!) win you some money.

The fun starts on Tuesday and as the excitement builds, we’ve put together the ultimate guide of everything you need to know, as well as a handy tip for some of the big races (prices correct as of Tuesday 4th March).

Who are the favourites?

Galopin des Champs remains the bookies’ favourite for the Gold Cup, with Banbridge the current likely challenger. Meanwhile, Jonbon is odds-on to claim the Champion Chase as he looks to end his Cheltenham curse – all three of his defeats have come on the famous course.

Kopek Des Bordes is the runaway favourite to claim the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with Willie Mullins expecting him to go well. Elsewhere, Teahupoo is expected to lead the pack in the Stayers Hurdle.

While many of the biggest races have a clear favourite, the same can’t be said of the Coral Cup. Kopek De Mee is edging the bookies’ choices at the moment, although it’s an open field and Be Aware, Wodhooh and Impose Toi aren’t too far behind.

Cheltenham Festival race schedule

All tips are from our friends over at Nose in Front (@noseinfront_official) – listen to their Cheltenham previews on Spotify here.

Day 1 – Tuesday 11th March

1:20pm – The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Kopek Des Bordes 5/6 / William Munny 14/1
2:00pm – The My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase – Majborough 8/13
2:40pm – The Ultima Handicap Chase
3:20pm – The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – Jade De Grugy 15/8
4:00pm – The Unibet Champion Hurdle – Constitution Hill 8/11
4:40pm – The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
5:20pm – The National Hunt Novices’ Chase

Day 2 – Wednesday 12th March

1:20pm – The Turners Novices’ Hurdle – The Yellow Clay 6/1
2:00pm – The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – Lecky Watson 16/1 / Gorgeous Tom 25/1
2:40pm – The Coral Cup Hurdle
3:20pm – The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase – Jonbon 10/11 / Marine National 6/1
4:00pm – The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
4:40pm – The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase Challenge Cup
5:20pm – The Weatherbys Champion Bumper – Bambino Fever 7/1

Day 3 – Thursday 13th March

1:20pm – The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Sixandahalf 10/3 / Air of Entitlement 20/1
2:00pm – The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
2:40pm – The Pertemps Network Final
3:20pm – The Ryanair Chase – Fact to File 7/4 / Protektorat 7/1
4:00pm – The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle – Teahupoo 1/1 / Lucky Place 10/1 / Jetara 50/1
4:40pm – The TrustATrader Plate
5:20pm – The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Day 4 – Friday 14th March

1:20pm – The JCB Triumph Hurdle – East India Dock 15/8 / Charlus 40/1
2:00pm – The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle
2:40pm – The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – Only By Night 6/1
3:20pm – The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – The Big Westerner 5/1 / Jet Blue 16/1 / Argento Boy 33/1
4:00pm – The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase – Galopin Des Champs 8/15 / Corbetts Cross 20/1
4:40pm – The St James’s Place Festival Chase
5:20pm – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle

Cheltenham Festival dress code

As it’s a day out of the races, you’re encouraged to dress your best but unlike Royal Ascot, the dress code is fairly relaxed. If you’re joining us in our hospitality areas, there are some rules.

Men must be wearing a jacket and tie or a suit. Ladies will need to be dressed in smart day wear – hats are optional.

Getting to Cheltenham

The closest train station is Cheltenham Spa, which is around four miles from the racecourse. You’re more than welcome to channel your inner Desert Orchid and gallop to the track – although we’d recommend jumping in a taxi or taking the shuttle bus service, which costs £5.

Those driving from the north should exit the M5 at junction 9 and continue via Evesham Road (A435). Take a left into Southam Lane and enter the North Car Park via entrance 10. If you’re coming from the south, leave the M5 at junction 11, follow the A40 and A4013 and the signs for ‘Green Route’ will take you to the racecourse.