Hamilton’s richest race takes centre stage on Friday night

May 12 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Park will hold their richest race of the season today (Friday), the William Hill Braveheart Stakes.

The fixture, one of Hamilton Park’s Super Six, now becomes The William Hill Braveheart Night and is worth £75,000 in prize-money across six races – the most lucrative meeting of the season.

The feature race among those is The William Hill Braveheart Listed Stakes, worth £45,000, making it the richest single race being run at the Lanarkshire track in 2011.

The race was previously run on the same night as The Glasgow Listed Stakes that has been moved to July and opened up to fillies.

This is the first time the racecourse has run seven races on this evening meeting including five handicaps and two maiden races.

The William Hill Braveheart Stakes has attracted a competitive field of nine quality horses, including Brian Ellison’s highly regarded Saptapadi, formerly trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

Vivien Kyles, chief executive of Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled to have William Hill on board as lead sponsor for Braveheart Night, which brings one of the biggest brands in UK racing together with arguably our top race and meeting of the season.

“This year The William Hill Braveheart Listed Stakes will benefit from taking centre stage at Braveheart Night and this invaluable sponsorship, supported by an increase in Hamilton Park's own contribution, can only help us to attract the top names in flat racing on the night.

“It maintains our proud tradition of top-quality racing and Scottish entertainment, and will help us as we aim to continue to take that offering to wider audiences.”

Apart of top-class racing, the fixture offers free Scottish-themed entertainment throughout the evening including pipers, Highland Dancers and battle re-enactments.

After racing, punters can head towards the venue’s Ceilidh Marquee and enjoy live music from Scottish folk band, The Midges.

Hazel Peplinski, clerk of the course, added: “I am looking forward to seeing so many quality horses tomorrow night and anticipate some competitively run races.”

Gates open on Friday at 3.50pm and the last race is at 8pm.

Tickets are available in advance from www.hamilton-park.co.uk or at the gate on the night.