Family night at Hamilton Park this Saturday

Jul 10 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

THERE may be seven races on the card at Hamilton Park this Saturday evening, but the children’s fancy-dress contest will be the most keenly-fought competition on the night.

A family holiday is up for grabs for the lucky winner during Sunday Mail Family Night.

As in previous years, the Daily Record’s Tam Cowan and his wife, Sunday Mail magazine editor Liz, will be the judges.

Punters will be entertained by the usual mix of top-class racing, with £33,500 of prize money on offer, while fun for all the family is available away from the track.

A range of activities include inflatable paintballing, a puppet show, face-painting, hair-braiding, a bouncy castle, and Laser Quest will be available, while local band the Rhythm Kings will play throughout the racing.

Gates open at 4.10pm with the first race two hours later. The standout is the £10,000 Sunday Mail Handicap Stakes at 8.15pm.

Hamilton Park chief executive Vivien Kyles said: “Sunday Mail Family Night provides the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the racing experience.

“Horse racing is traditionally perceived as ‘for adults only’, but at Hamilton Park we’re trying to change that by offering lots of fun and activities for families, especially children.”

Following Family Night Hamilton Park hosts two meetings on consecutive days – Daily Record Punters Club Day on Thursday, July 17, and John Smith’s Fair Friday the following day.

For tickets call 01698 283806 or visit www.hamilton-park.co.uk