Beverley Racecourse was awash with padlocks and keys last night, when a themed race night called Lucky in Love took place for the first time and thousands of revellers descended on the venue.
The popular racecourse and events centre, based in York Road, Beverley, organised the themed race meeting to attract a new generation of racegoers, who were each issued with either a padlock or a key on arrival – with the challenge of spending the rest of the night looking for their match and the chance of winning one of £2,000 worth of prizes.
Six horse races took place on the night and organisers say the event was a great success. A group of Lucky in Love Ladies and Gents were circulating the enclosures to encourage people to try their locks and keys out with people they didn’t already know.
Sally Iggulden, racecourse manager, said: “We knew from the outset that this event was going to be incredibly popular, because it’s completely different to anything we have done in the past at the racecourse.
“Our pre-booked ticket sales were impressive for an event in its first year. I have no doubt that this is a fixture that will become as much in demand as Ladies Day is.
“Everyone had a fantastic time and the padlocks and keys theme just got people talking, whether they were single or just looking to have a good time. Lots of groups of friends and work colleagues came along too. I am extremely grateful to the 14 businesses that provided prizes for the racegoers who found their matches.”
Beverley Racecourse teamed up with 14 partners to offer prizes to racegoers on the night. These included: First Hull Trains, Cerutti’s and Sugarbird boutique, as well as KP Club, The Beverley Hat Company and Sessions Spa. In addition, Beverley Polo Club, Lily Lolo, The Peppertree Florist and Lazaat all showed their support for the event, along with Hull FC, Hull Truck Theatre, Brantingham Parks Health and Wellness Club and Muddy Matches.
The fun didn’t stop when the racing finished either, as Beverley Racecourse also laid on coach transfers to bars in Beverley town centre at 9pm – something it has never done before.
The idea for Lucky in Love came about in response to the national Racing for Change initiative, which has seen research carried out across the whole horseracing industry – its findings have informed plans to modernise the sport and widen its appeal.
Anne Anderson, owner of Lairgate-based The Beverley Hat Company – a local milliner who was once trained by Rose Cory, milliner to the late Queen Mother – judged the Lucky in Love Best Dressed competition. The winner, Beverley Gorbutt from Swanland, was given the opportunity to choose one of six of her hats as a prize, along with two free tickets to the racecourse’s hugely popular Ladies Day at Beverley Racecourse on August 11
Ashley Godber tries to unlock Beverley Racecourse manager Sally Igglulden’s padlock
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