It is not often that members of the public get the chance to take part in one of the world’s great sporting events, but at the Royal Show (5th†_x0013_ 8th July at the NAC, Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire) visitors to the BHB Racing Village will be able to do just that.
For the first time, Aintree’s Grand National Simulator will be visiting the Racing Village, offering visitors a virtual reality experience of the thrills and spills of riding in the world’s greatest steeplechase.
Those inspired by the experience – from youngsters to grandparents – will then be able to hone their riding skills on the Racing Village’s two mechanical racehorses, under the watchful eye of resident experts from the British and Northern Racing Schools. Top jockeys will be on hand to pass on expert advice and the Racing Village’s team of compères – Derek Thompson, Richard Pitman and Gee Armytage – will be on hand for the post-race interview.
Also new to the BHB Racing Village this year is an interactive exhibition from the National Horseracing Museum. The exhibition will give visitors an insight into the everyday world of horseracing – from feeding a racehorse to protecting a jockey from injury. It will be strictly ‘hands on’, with visitors encouraged to tack up, bandage and groom the resident ‘racehorse’.
Other attractions at this year’s BHB Racing Village will include prize draws, live racing on the big screen, a full-sized replica of Becher’s Brook and free copies of the Racing Post. Among those organisations exhibiting at the Racing Village will be the Tote, Weatherbys, the TBA and a cross-section of the country’s 59 racecourses.
Commenting on the 1999 BHB Racing Village, Ginny Lemarie, Marketing Executive for the BHB, said:
“”The BHB Racing Village is an important part of our campaign to bring horseracing to a wider audience. Our aim is to promote a better understanding of the sport and to try to convey – through encouraging visitors to participate at every level – some of the fun and excitement of horseracing. This year the Racing Village is bigger and better than ever, and we are looking forward to welcoming even more visitors through our doors.””