Friday at the races

George Bowie to mix it

Historic racing is the focus of Hamilton Park Racecourse’s final Friday evening meeting of the season, the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Racenight featuring GBX Anthems.

The venue will be hosting the twelfth running of the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Handicap.

Won last year by Archi’s Affaire for trainer Michael Dods, the exhilarating £36,000 feature race is the richest race of its type in the UK.

Before the racing action, the popular evening will get under starter’s orders with the return of the Ladbrokes SPFL Mascot Race – and Dougie the Doonhamer for Queen of the South FC will be going for the hat-trick this year.

Vivien Currie, chief executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “The historic Lanark Silver Bell Trophy is incredibly significant to the local area, and is believed to date back to 1165 when it was gifted to the people of Lanark by King William ‘The Lion’.

“We’re honoured to once again be displaying the ancient relic which represents Scotland’s prestigious sporting heritage.

“Also, racegoers will have the unique opportunity to be pictured alongside the famous SPFL trophy.”

Sulekha Varma, racing manager at Hamilton Park Racecourse, added:“since successfully re-creating the Lanark Silver Bell Handicap in 2008 at Hamilton Park, there have been some significant achievements.

“Mark Johnston, Britain’s winningmost trainer, has won five out of the 11 races, including breaking the course record in 2009 with the aptly-named Record Breaker.”

Away from the track, DJ George Bowie is returning for another energy-filled set of GBX Anthems after the racing, and the Hamilton Park team will have glowsticks ready for the partygoers.

Reality TV star Georgia ‘Toff ’ Toffolo, who performed a DJ set at last year’s Ladies’ Night, will be returning to Hamilton Park as an ambassador and roving reporting for Great British Racing.

Gates open at 2.30pm, with the racing getting underway at 4.55pm.

Advance purchase tickets for Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Racenight on Friday, August 30, are on sale from £20, saving £5 when booking in advance.

For more details, visit www.hamiltonpark.co.uk or call 01698 283806.