Kempton Park News

In celebration of HRH The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Kempton Park is hosting a royal celebration to remember on June 6th.  As well as an evening of floodlit racing the royally themed entertainment will be non-stop throughout the evening, all rounded off with a spectacular concert from ‘The Great Pretender’, the UK’s number one Queen tribute band.  

"The Great Pretender", regarded as the UK's number one Freddie Mercury tribute artist, will take to the stage for a rousing rendition of Queen’s greatest hits after the last race has taken place on the track.  Steve Littlewood, the Freddie look alike, has received rapturous acclaim not only for his uncanny vocal and physical likeness to one of the world's greatest rock superstars, but also for the incredible energy that he brings to each performance.  Joining Steve on stage will be the fantastic 5 piece Queen tribute band 'HRH'.  The crowd pleasing show fandangos brilliantly from the early hits of the 1970's through to the stadium rock anthems of the 1980's with a rhapsody of surprises along the way.  Don’t miss out on reliving the wonderful sound of Queen, but also recapturing the outrageous and infamous fashions of the outlandish Freddie Mercury during this special evening of Royal celebrations.

To celebrate HRH The Queen’s life long association with the British Armed Force’s Kempton Park has teamed up with the ABF The Soldier’s Charity for this special night, with Her majesty the Queen being Patron of the charity.  During the evening money will be raised for the charity that gives lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families.  Racegoers can enjoy performances in the betdaq Bar by Lost Patrol who have forged a name for themselves performing to many audiences within the military sector.

During the evening there will also be the opportunity to view 'All The Queen's Horses'; a special exhibition, celebrating Her Majesty’s life-long interest in horse racing and looking at her most memorable moments in racing during her 60 year reign.  The display, on show at Kempton Park on June 6^th and free to view by all who come racing, contains over 50 images including several rarely seen photographs from the 1940s and 50s, showing the then Princess Elizabeth at the races with the Queen Mother.  Other images capture her delight in the winners’ enclosure or in conversation with famous trainers and jockeys who have served her over the decades.  Seldom seen historical photographs also show the Queen’s keen interest in the breeding aspects of racing, and her more informal moments on the gallops or riding at Ascot Racecourse.

In addition to the scheduled entertainment and exciting horse racing on offer, Kempton Park is also delighted to be taking part in the Jubilee Woods Project, a 2012 initiative that will celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, with the planting of trees at all 60 racecourses throughout the UK.  During afternoon racing on Monday 28^th May children from St. Ignatius School, Sunbury accompanied by Deputy Head Teacher Tom Ready, will be planting a Liquid Amber tree on the Weighing Room lawn at the racecourse to celebrate Her Majesty’s 60 year reign. Kempton Park will also be donating a tree to the school to plant within their grounds.

With a whole host of events highlighting a royal theme for the evening, including entertainers, look-a-like competitions and giveaways ‘The Right Royal Knees Up’ at Kempton Park will be the ultimate Jubilee celebration that you and your friends will not want to miss.  Gates open at 4:00pm with the first horse race at 6:00pm, the ‘Great Pretender’ will take to the stage at approx 9:10pm following the last race.

If you are named Elizabeth or Philip the celebrations just got even better!  If you are lucky enough to share the same names as our beloved Monarch and her husband, the United Kingdom's longest-serving consort, then you are eligible for free entry to our Right Royal Knees Up.  Simply turn up on the gate, with your photo ID and you can race and rock for free.

Kimberley Green, Marketing Manager at Kempton Park Racecourse, said:  “Kempton Park will be a great place to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, offering non-stop entertainment with a royal twist”.  “Kempton Park looks forward to marking this once in a life time event in a regally special way”.

Tickets for ‘The Right Royal Knees Up’ are just £12.80 when booked in advance or £16 on the gate and under 18's get in for free (accompanied by an adult)! Visit www.kemptonlive.co.uk for information on prices and times for all this summer’s events. Tickets for all Kempton Live racing and music events can be bought online or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008.

The recently launched Kempton Live microsite, www.kemptonlive.co.uk gives you a guided tour through the scorching summer of entertainment with easy to find information on all of the Kempton Live events.  Find out all you need to know about the fabulous musical acts, the racing fixture list, restaurant and hospitality packages and ticket prices with a direct link to the booking office to secure the 20% advance booking discount prices on general admission tickets.

For restaurant and hospitality options for Kempton Live events please call 01932 753518 for more information and to book.

Kempton Park is delighted to announce the 2012 ‘Kempton Live’ line-up; a sizzling summer of racing and live music events from June to September.  Top acts, including the legendary Olly Murs, Celtic party rockers Rollercoaster and exciting new girl band Stooshe, will take to the stage after the action on the racetrack.  Kempton Live kicks off on June 6^th with ‘A Right Royal Knees Up’ in celebration of HRH The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The recently launched Kempton Live microsite, www.kemptonlive.co.uk  gives you a guided tour through the scorching summer of entertainment with easy to find information on all of the Kempton Live events.  Find out all you need to know about the fabulous musical acts, the racing fixture list, restaurant and hospitality packages and ticket prices with a direct link to the booking office to secure the 20% advance booking discount prices on your tickets.

Kempton Park is the place to be this summer with racing and live music events to satisfy all age groups and music tastes;

A Right Royal Knees Up – June 6  In celebration of HRH The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Kempton Park is hosting a royal celebration to remember.  As well as an evening of floodlit racing be prepared for entertainers, look-a-like competitions and giveaways.  The evening will be rounded off with a spectacular concert from ‘The Great Pretender’, the UK’s number one Queen tribute band.  The fantastic five piece show scaramouch’s regally through the hits of the 1970’s and 80’s with a rhapsody of surprises along the way. 

During the evening there will also be the opportunity to view 'All The Queen's Horses'; a special exhibition looking at Her Majesty's most memorable moments in racing during her 60 year reign.

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Kempton Park are offering free entry to the Right Royal Knees Up to anyone named Elizabeth and Phillip. Check the website for more details and don’t miss out on the ultimate Jubilee celebration!

The live action continues throughout the summer with a variety of different acts for everybody to enjoy.  Kempton Live offers fantastic entertainment, great value and endless live action.

Irish Night featuring Rollercoaster – July 11   Still one of the most popular evenings of the summer, Irish Night offers an action packed evening of racing, music and plenty of Irish food and drink.  Back by popular demand are Rollercoaster who will get the crowds jigging and reeling the night away.  Rollercoaster offer a blend of pop/rock and Celtic tunes from the haunting sounds of Riverdance, the gentle waltzing of Molly Malone to the fiery vigor of Whiskey In The Jar and stirring sounds of The Fields of Athenry.  Rollercoaster enjoy bringing the sound of Ireland to their fans so come along and join the craic!

Olly Murs – August 17 - He’s back!  Olly Murs, one of the most successful male singers of the past decade, will be performing live at the Surrey racecourse for the third consecutive year.  Olly, who embarked on a nationwide tour on 1 February, has established himself as one of the most successful male recording artists of recent times and is looking forward to returning to see his fans at Kempton Park Racecourse once again after performing a fantastic finale to the Kempton Live music nights in 2011, in front of a crowd of 7,000 fans.  Tickets are selling fast so book now, this is the event of the summer that you cannot afford to miss!

Radio 1’s Scott Mills & Stooshe – Sept 7 Head down to Kempton Park for an evening of groundbreaking entertainment where brand new girl-band Stooshe will perform live after racing, followed by Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills taking to the decks with his set of Club Classics.  Stooshe, the three-piece British R&B, pop and hip hop group hit the headlines last year after being nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll.  The group that consists of members Alexandra Buggs, Karis Anderson and Courtney Rumbold, has rewritten the rules for girl bands delivering a truly unique take on urban pop music.  The girls are boisterous, mischievous, outgoing, witty and bring their own distinct personalities to the stage in a refreshingly modern performance.  After an electric, spanking new performance from the girls get ready to dance the night away to some tunes spun by one of the most listened to and popular DJ’s in the UK, Scott Mills.  Scott, who joined Radio 1 in 1998 as the Early Breakfast Show host, won the Sony Gold Winner of Music Radio Personality of the Year in 2010 and hosts many live events for Radio 1 including The Brit Awards and Radio 1's Big Weekend.

Scott will spin some of his favourite tunes late into the evening making it a night to remember for party people looking for a great night out. 

Ladies Day with Heart FM DJ Toby Anstis – Sept 8   A pink haze will descend on Kempton Park as the ladies take over for a day of racing and glamour. Get the girls together for a fantastic day of fashion and fun at September & Sirenia Stakes Day.  Ladies Day is a special sporting event that gives the fairer sex the perfect excuse to wear that special outfit and have some fun. Everybody can take part in the ‘Fashion On The Field’ competitions sponsored by the Bentall Centre Kingston, with some fantastic prizes for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’, ‘Best Hat’ and the ‘Best Dressed Gentleman’.  After a fun filled afternoon of top class racing action and the fashion stakes, you can let your hair down with Heart FM’s Toby Anstis who will take to the stage for a fantastic live DJ set.

Kimberley Green, Marketing Manager at Kempton Park Racecourse, said:  “We are thrilled to have such a fantastic line up of stars performing at Kempton Park this summer”.

“Kempton Live offers back-to-back great value entertainment with something for everyone”.

Kempton Live events are fantastic value for money, admission prices start from just £10.40 when booked in advance and kids get in free to the majority of Kempton Live events (accompanied by an adult)!  Visit the Kempton Live micro site at www.kemptonlive.co.uk for information on prices and times for all this summer’s events.   Tickets for all Kempton Live events can be bought online or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008. 

For restaurant and hospitality options for Kempton Live events please call 01932 753518 for more information and to book.

Mr Bumble, Barnet Football Club’s colourfully striped mascot, positively flew down the final furlong at Kempton Park to win the first ever running of the Blue Square Mascot Grand National at the Surrey racecourse.

Mascot fans turned out on Bank Holiday Monday to watch the hilarious spectacle of 47 mascots taking to the track in aid of charity.  Scotty the Stag from Windsor FC cantered down the track in second place, closely followed by the Plumb-Bay Duck who was representing Plumb-Bay Ltd in Kent and Jenny the Giraffe from Sutton United FC.

 Mascots came from far and wide to take part including Bully from Bullseye, the smash hit television game show, Kingsley Royal from recently promoted Reading FC, Haydon the Womble from AFC Wimbledon, Reggie the Red from Guilford Heat Basketball Club, Digger from London Irish and Mr Testicles who was running for Male Cancer Awareness, a charity raising awareness of prostate, bowel and testicular cancer.  

Kempton Park worked in partnership with Heart FM to raise what is anticipated to be in excess of £2000 for ‘Have a Heart’, the nominated charity of this year’s mascot race.  Every mascot in the race donated their entry fee to the cause and Kempton Park contributed £1 from every admission ticket sold to the ‘Have a Heart’ appeal.

Racegoers, who came to the Sunbury on Thames racecourse, enjoyed and the afternoon Flat racing and plenty of family entertainment including a mini mobile petting farm, pony rides, face painting, balloon modelling stilt walkers, a colouring station and free fun fair rides.

Kimberley Green, Kempton Park’s Marketing Manager, commented: “The Blue Square Mascot Grand National was a fabulous spectacle and we were delighted that so many mascots entered (52 originally with a few non-runners) and to see so many supporters cheering their favourite mascot home”.  

“The Mascot Grand National is great fun and Kempton Park was pleased to be able to showcase it in the London area and raise valuable funds for charity” Kimberley continued.

Pictures of many of the mascots and the race itself can be viewed on Kempton Park’s Facebook page.

Thursday 3 May 2012 – Kempton Park Racecourse today announced the promotion of Phil White as its new General Manager. The top management position at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue was available following Amy Starkey’s move to run Newmarket Racecourses which is also part of Jockey Club Racecourses, the largest racecourse group in the UK^[1].

White (37) is currently Sales Director at Epsom Downs Racecourse, where he is responsible for developing and implementing the sales strategy for hospitality, sponsorship, conferences and events. Since joining the course in November 2009, he has been pivotal to the growth of sales in all areas of the business, including the Investec Derby Festival.

Prior to his role at Epsom Downs, White was Sales Director at Kempton Park, where he was a member of the senior management team. It is also where he started working for Jockey Club Racecourses in 2002, before moving to Sandown Park. In total he has worked for the Group for the last decade.

In his new role as General Manager at Kempton Park, White will oversee the running of 95 fixtures annually, including the William Hill King George VI Chase, won in 2011 for a record fifth time by Kauto Star. He will also be responsible for continued growth across all areas of the business, including a conferences and events operation that generates more than £1.5m in turnover each year.

White will take up the position following the 2012 Investec Derby Festival, at a date to be agreed.

Phil White said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed General Manager at Kempton Park. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunities I've had since joining The Jockey Club and I’m looking forward to returning to the racecourse where I began my career in horseracing nearly 10 years ago. The Kempton Park team has had a hugely successful few years and I'm really excited about working with the team to build upon their achievements in my new position.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Epsom Downs and I will be very sad to leave my team and colleagues. However, Kempton Park and Epsom Downs enjoy a close working relationship, which will grow further in the coming months and years under a new regional management structure at Jockey Club Racecourses, so I’m confident I will be working alongside the Epsom team in my new role.”

Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director, Jockey Club Racecourses, said:

"This is a richly deserved promotion for Phil. He has been very successful in each role he has performed within Jockey Club Racecourses, including latterly helping to grow the Investec Derby Festival year-on-year.

"He knows Kempton Park very well from having been a key team member there previously and I have every confidence Phil is going to help the racecourse go from strength-to-strength as General Manager."

Mike Street, Chairman of Kempton Park Racecourse, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Phil White back to Kempton Park and to acknowledge the enormous depth of talent within the Jockey Club Racecourses' organisation.

"The standard of the applicants for this post was extremely high and true testimony to the tireless work that has gone into training and development over the last three years or so.

"Phil's previous experience as a senior member of the Kempton team coupled with the invaluable experience gained at Epsom Racecourse will prove invaluable as we continue to develop the business and take Kempton on to still greater achievements.

"My thanks go to all of the candidates, with the message to everyone within the organisation that business thrives on the quality of its people and people thrive on the quality of the career development and training that The Jockey Club affords!"

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Phil White

Phil White began his career in horseracing nearly 10 years ago when he joined Kempton Park Racecourse as Events Manager in May 2002. Since joining The Jockey Club he has worked in various positions at Kempton Park and Sandown Park Racecourses before securing his current role of Sales Director at Epsom Downs Racecourse which he began in November 2009.

Kempton Park Racecourse is one of The Jockey Club’s 14 racecourses. The Jockey Club is the largest commercial group in the British racing. Its interests include:

• Jockey Club Racecourses: Runs a diversified portfolio of 14 racecourses in Great Britain: Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Newmarket, Nottingham, Sandown Park, Warwick and Wincanton.

The group stages four of the five 'Classics' of Flat racing (the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom Downs and the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket), as well as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree.

• Jockey Club Estates: The property and land management company responsible for the management and administration of more than 5,000 acres of land in and around the racing training centres of Newmarket and Lambourn, as well as an extensive property portfolio, including the Jockey Club Rooms.

• The National Stud: Transferred from Government to The Jockey Club in 2008, The National Stud is a commercial thoroughbred breeding enterprise with a commitment to provide training and educational programmes.

• Racing Welfare: A racing charity and company limited by guarantee with The Jockey Club being the sole member. The principal objective of Racing Welfare is to provide help to those in need who work or have worked in the thoroughbred industry, and their dependants.

In accordance with its objectives in the Royal Charter, The Jockey Club reinvests its profits in British racing and promotes measures to sustain and enhance the long-term success of the sport. For more information, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

For further information:   If you require further information, please contact: Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292. 

Kempton Park today announced that following the abandonment of Ascot’s fixture on May 2nd, the British Horseracing Authority has sanctioned the transfer of the fixture to Kempton Park on the same day.  Admission to this fixture is free for all racegoers with 15% off all pre-booked Panoramic Restaurant and Hospitality bookings, call 01932 753518 for information and to book. Gates open at 12:30pm with the first race at 2:00pm.

All original entries for the races will stand with declarations to run made by 10am Tuesday, May 1st.  While it has been necessary to reduce prize money for each race, the fixture will still offer a total prize fund of £100,000. 

Alan Delmonte, Levy Board Operations Director, said: "We are very pleased that this high quality fixture will continue to be run and have made a further investment into our already planned prize money contribution to the day, taking the total to £100,000."

Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director, Jockey Club Racecourses, said “Kempton Park is delighted to be able to help reschedule such a high quality fixture at short notice. This is a great example of racing working together for the benefit of Horsemen and the racing public; and we are grateful for the proactive support of HBLB, the BHA and Ascot Racecourse.”

Race times are shown below:

2:00      41785   THE Turf TV CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 4)   

2:35      41784   THE LEVY BOARD E.B.F. CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 4)

3:10      41782   THE PARADISE STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race)

3:45      41781   THE LEVY BOARD SAGARO STAKES (CLASS 1)  (Group 3)

4:20      41783   THE PAVILION STAKES (CLASS 1)  (Listed Race)

4:55      41786   THE kempton.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4)

A whole host of family fun is on offer at Kempton Park racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7^th, including the very first running of the Mascot Grand National at the Sunbury venue.  Roll up to watch mascots from local sports clubs, charities and other organisations take part in the hilarious race, attempting to be the quickest character in a furry costume to romp down the final furlong on the historic turf! 

Local mascots will be battling it out to take home the coveted prize of being the fastest mascot in the West – that is the London South-West!  Bullseye, from the smash hit television game show will be taking on mascots from all over the London region. Kingsley Royal from recently promoted Reading FC, Haydon the Womble from AFC Wimbledon, Mr Bumble from Barnet FC, Reggie the Red from Guilford Heat Basketball Club, Digger from London Irish and Scotty the Stag from Windsor FC will be among the many mascots taking part and raising money for charity.

The friendly, furry characters will be running, rolling and stumbling their way to possible victory in-between the horse races taking place on the track featuring real live animals of the four legged variety.  As well as seeing first-hand this unique madcap race there will be lots of fun activities that all the family can enjoy during the afternoon! 

Take time out to visit the ‘Mini Farm’ the UK’s number one mobile petting farm, aimed at introducing animals to children who may not ordinarily get the opportunity to bottle feed lambs or pet rabbits and chicks.  Enjoy a pony ride at the racecourse on the hallowed ground where history has been made by famous horses such as Kauto Star and Desert Orchid.  As well as all the animal activity there will be face painters, balloon modelling stilt walkers, a colouring station and  free fun fair rides.

To celebrate the inaugural running of the Mascot Grand National Kempton Park is delighted to announce that the Sunbury racecourse is working in partnership with Heart FM to raise money for ‘Have a Heart’, the nominated charity of this year’s mascot race.  Each mascot is donating their entry free to the cause and Kempton Park is contributing £1 from every admission ticket sold to the ‘Have a Heart’ appeal.

‘Have a Heart’, the charity set up by Heart, the UK’s largest commercial radio network, aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children living in our local communities.  Supported by a whole host of celebrities such as X Factor winner Matt Cardle, Girls Aloud band member Kimberley Walsh and Only Way is Essex star Amy Childs, the charity provides much needed funds to make a child’s life brighter.

Heart FM DJ, Toby Anstis commented “The Mascot Grand National at Kempton Park will be a great day out for all the family.  Heart FM is delighted to be partnering with Kempton Park on this unique annual event to raise money for ‘Have a Heart’.

Kimberley Green, Kempton Park’s Marketing Manager, commented: “We are delighted to be bringing the Mascot Grand National to Kempton Park and are thrilled so many mascots are coming to take part”.

“The Mascot Grand National is great fun and we are pleased to be able to showcase it in the London area.  We hope the race will catch the imagination of the general public who will come to Kempton to cheer on their favourite mascot and help raise money for charity” Kimberley continued.

Gates on Bank Holiday Monday open at 12:15pm with the first horse race on the all-weather track at 2:15pm.  The Mascot Grand National is scheduled to take place after the third race and the final race of the day takes place at 5:15pm.

Book tickets now to take advantage of special online advance booking discounts!  Tickets for all Kempton Park’s special events can be bought online at www.kempton.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008.  Tickets for the family fun day on May 7th cost just £12.80 for adults if booked in advance or £16 each on the gate on the day. Remember, KIDS GO FREE, so bring the whole family for a day of great value entertainment.

Calling all Mascots!  Be part of a Guinness World Record breaking attempt by taking part in the Mascot Grand National at Kempton Park on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7^th.  If your local town or club has a mascot get involved, have some fun and raise money for some worthwhile causes. 

To celebrate the inaugural running of the Mascot Grand National Kempton Park is delighted to announce that the Sunbury racecourse is working in partnership with Heart FM to raise money for the nominated charity of this year’s mascot race -  ‘Have a Heart’.

‘Have a Heart’, the charity set up by Heart, the UK’s largest commercial radio network, aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children living in our local communities.  Supported by a whole host of celebrities such as X Factor winner Matt Cardle, Girls Aloud band member Kimberley Walsh and Only Way is Essex star Amy Childs, the charity provides much needed funds to make a child’s life brighter.

The hilarious, madcap mascot race attracts a worldwide television and online audience for the crazy antics of the participants.  Mascots the length and breadth of the country will be stepping up their training as they prepare for the big day.

Heart FM DJ, Toby Anstis commented “The Mascot Grand National at Kempton Park will be a great day out for all the family.  The hilarious, wacky race attracts mascots from all over the country”.

“Heart FM is delighted to be partnering with Kempton Park on this unique annual event to raise money for ‘Have a Heart’ Toby continued, “I appeal to all mascots to take part in the race and for their supporters to come to Kempton to cheer them on”.

Established in 1999, the Mascot Grand National has been run 12 times at Huntingdon Racecourse which, like Kempton Park, is part of Jockey Club Racecourses.

Kimberley Green, Kempton Park’s Marketing Manager, commented: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Mascot Grand National to Kempton Park and attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the amount of Mascots gathered to take part”.

“We know how much fun the Mascot Grand National is and how much the public love it.  Moving to Kempton Park will be a new era for the race when we will showcase how much enjoyment there can be when mascots from all over the country get together to have fun and raise money for charity.

All mascots, big or small, short or tall are welcome to enter the race, and to raise funds for their associated charities as well as Have a Heart which all mascot entry fees will be directly donated to. Visit www.kempton.co.uk to download an entry form or call 01932 782292 for more information.

Kempton Park has teamed up with the Daily Mirror to offer every Mirror reader and Punters Club member free admission to all Twilight and Evening fixtures in April which includes Wednesday 11th, Wednesday 18th and Wednesday 25th April.

Simply cut out the Free Entry coupon printed in the Daily Mirror on various dates up until 25th April and present it at the Premier Entrance to receive free general admission.

Mirror Punters Club members can also pre-register for an exclusive Mirror Punters Package which includes free admission, a complimentary racecard, drink voucher and discount admission voucher to return to Kempton Park for just £5, details of which can be found in the weekly Mirror Punters Club newsletter. To join the Mirror Punters Club visit www.mirrorpuntersclub.com

For further details about the offer visit http://www.kempton.co.uk/Raceday-offers

PUNTERS shouldn’t have too much trouble spotting Modern Society in the paddock at Kempton Park on Saturday (7 APRIL) as he’s one of only two ‘painted’ racehorses in Britain.

The two-year-old thoroughbred is a skewbald, meaning his body is made up of white and brown patches.  This type of pattern is extremely rare in racehorses, although much more common in non-thoroughbreds.  However, the father of Modern Society, I Was Framed, who is an American stallion, is also ‘painted’ and has passed this very rare trait on to some of his progeny.

As these markings are so rare, the International Stud Book Committee had to agree on a suitable way to describe horses patterned in this way, choosing ‘painted’ as the most suitable moniker.  The other 15,000 racehorses currently in training in Britain fall under one of the following colour descriptions – Black, Bay, Chestnut, Brown, Grey, Roan and White.

The sport’s administrators Weatherbys said there are just two ‘painted’ or skewbald racehorses currently in training – the other is Join The Dots.

Modern Society was purchased for 11,000 Guineas last autumn by his owner, Andrew Reid, who also trains him from his racing stables in Mill Hill, North London.  Andrew, who has trained over 200 winners, is hoping that Modern Society will add to his training yard’s tally in 2012.

He said: “He’s almost a freak of nature – thoroughbreds don’t usually come in that colour, let alone go racing.  We can’t wait to get him started.”

Modern Society might not win his first ever race - the 1.35pm at Kempton Park on Saturday - but he’s certain to guarantee a photo-finish.

The feature races on Saturday are the London Mile Handicap and the Snowdrop Fillies’ Stakes.

Tickets for all Kempton Park’s fixtures can be bought online at www.kempton.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008.  Tickets for Saturday’s Easter Family Fun Day – with Peppa Pig & George and live shows from CBBC’s Horrible Histories - cost £12.80 for adults if booked in advance or £16 on the gate on the day.  Accompanied children aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.

Make the Easter weekend extra special for the whole family by attending Kempton Park’s Family Fun day.  Popular children’s television characters, Peppa Pig and George, will be at the Sunbury Park racecourse on Saturday, April 7th to meet families and friends.

Back due to popular demand, following their appearance at Kempton Park last year, BAFTA Award winning Peppa Pig and her little brother George will be appearing at various intervals during the day, meeting and greeting their friends.  If you are looking for a great day out for your little ones, during the holiday weekend, get down to Kempton Park this Easter where you can meet the cheeky little piggies.  Don’t forget to bring your camera to snap a memorable picture of the day to show all your friends.

On Easter Saturday Kempton Park is also delighted to present the Horrible Histories with the Awful Egyptians show from the hit CBBC series.  Using actors and special effects the astounding show is guaranteed to thrill young racegoers!  The award-winning show from TV gives children some of the detail and narratives of history, letting them discover the foul facts with songs and participation.  There's no better way to learn about Egypt than with the Horrible Histories team!

As well as the fabulous TV characters children’s entertainer ‘Fairy Liquid’ will also be along to entertain the little ones from 1pm with face painting, a little magic, balloon modelling and bubbles and there will be an Easter Egg hunt for the children to take part in!

Kempton Park’s very own mascot, Kev the Horse, who is in training for the Mascot Grand National that takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7^th, will be taking time out from training to meander around the racecourse to say hello to all the visitors. 

With the children well entertained the adults can enjoy the non-stop racing action taking place throughout the afternoon, including the London Mile Handicap and the Snowdrop Fillies Stakes, whilst enjoying a drink or snack in one of the many racecourse hospitality areas.  Gates open at 11.35am and the first live race takes place at 1.35pm.

Kimberley Green, Marketing Manager at Kempton Park Racecourse, said:  “We are looking forward to welcoming Peppa Pig and George back to Kempton Park on Family Fun day”. 

“The Easter weekend entertainment, combined with some scintillating horse racing all adds up to offer a great day out for all the family” Kimberley continued.

Kempton Park, within easy reach of the capital, is London’s premier horse racing and entertainment venue and offers something for everyone throughout 2012.  The racecourse boasts its own on site station, situated 200 yards from the Premier Enclosure entrance.  Trains run from Waterloo with the journey time being just 40 minutes.  Visit the new and improved website and use the interactive route planning facility to design your journey to the racecourse or take a virtual venue tour of the racecourse to view the fantastic facilities at Kempton Park.

Book tickets now to take advantage of special online advance booking discounts!  Tickets for all Kempton Park’s special events can be bought online at www.kempton.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008.  Tickets for Family Fun Day on April 7th cost just £12.80 for adults if booked in advance or £16 each on the gate on the day. Remember, KIDS GO FREE, so bring the whole family for a day of great value entertainment.

For restaurant and hospitality options for Kempton Park please call 01932 753518 for more information and to book.