Newbury Racecourse-Juddmonte Lockinge Meeting May 20, 2006

The Juddmonte Lockinge
Expected to be another Cliffhanger
20th May 2006

Prize money of ?200,000 will be awarded to the winning connections of The Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes - the feature race to be held at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday 20th May. It is expected to be another cliffhanger following Rakti?s heroics of 2005. This race is highly contended and is often won by a real Champion, guaranteed to ensure a highly charged and electric atmosphere at the beautiful Berkshire course.

The Juddmonte Lockinge was upgraded from Group Two status in 1995 and is the first Group One of the 2006 British flat season for horses over four years old. It is sponsored by Juddmonte Farms, the breeding operation of Britain?s leading owner and breeder, Prince Khalid Abdullah.

James Fanshaw, trainer of Elite Racing Club?s star mare Soviet Song, has confirmed that the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes remains the immediate target for the horse that has won eight out of her 18 races, including five Group One races.

Amongst recent memorable highlights was the 2/1 favourite, Hawk Wing winning the 2003 Lockinge by 11 lengths. The race was judged by many as the best performance of any horse in the world in 2003 and saw him top the International Classifications with a rating of 133.

In 2004 Russian Rhythm, 3/1 favourite, trained by Sir Michael Stoute won the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes and was only the second filly to win the Lockinge after Cormorant Wood in 1984.

Rakti, 7/4 favourite; trained by Michael Jarvis won the 2005 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes by five lengths and lowering Newbury's mile course record by no less than 1.04 seconds.

Newbury Racecourse is delighted to announce that the exclusive ?Mega May? package will be available for this top class flat race meeting to include; Premier Enclosure Entrance, a ?2 totepool betting voucher, a complimentary racecard and a smoked salmon sandwich to be enjoyed with either a large glass of wine or beer. This exceptional ?all inclusive? package is excellent value for money at ?30. To book the ?Mega May? package call 01635 40015

-Tickets start from only ?18 in the Grandstand; to buy tickets call 01635 40015 or visit www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk
-Gates open 11.30am with the first of seven races scheduled to run at 1.35pm

Mainline train services will be available with direct connections to London Paddington and the West Country. Details of transport and directions can be found on the web site.

Official Website: http://www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk