The two day William Hill Winter Festival is scheduled to take place At Kempton Park Racecourse on Boxing Day 26th December and Tuesday 27th December 2011 .  The racecourse, which is situated on the outskirts of London, will host the festive two day sporting extravaganza featuring some top class Jump racing.  After the excesses of the Christmas celebrations it’s a perfect way for family and friends to watch some thrilling outdoor action.  The event which attracts thousands of racing fans to the racecourse near Sunbury-on-Thames, is one of the highlights of the Jump racing season.  Seasoned racegoers and newcomers alike will thoroughly enjoy the amazing atmosphere and the chance to make the most of the Christmas Bank Holidays.

First time visitors to Kempton Park should not miss the memorial to one of the best loved race horses of all time, the legendary, Desert Orchid.  A life sized statue of him, stands by the side of the Parade Ring, where his ashes are interred and the Desert Orchid Steeple Chase memorial race is now an annual feature of the William Hill Winter Festival.  Amy Stark, the racecourses managing director said, “The William Hill Winter Festival at Kempton Park is as much a part of Christmas as turkey, mulled wine and mince pies.  Fans of the sport love Boxing Day at Kempton Park and especially the William Hill George V1 Chase, the showpiece race made so famous by the exploits of racehorse legends Desert Orchid and Kauto Star”.  The feature race on Boxing Day, the William Hill King George V1 Chase, with prize money of £180,000, it is one of the most valuable races of the Jump racing season.  The William Hill Desert Orchid Chase, in memory of the great grey who won so many races at the course, is the highlight of the second day.  In January 2011 at the rescheduled King George V1 Steeplechase, Long Run, put in a stunning performance to win ahead of Riverside Theatre and Kempton Park legend, Kauto Star.  Long Run should be back to defend his title this year but will face some stiff competition. 

Race goers already familiar with Kempton Park will see a great improvement in the facilities in the ground floor of the Main Grandstand.  The area has had a makeover during the summer months and now boasts a brand new Costa Coffee shop.  Visitors are well catered for with the ‘Kings of Kempton’ bars, the Italian Trattoria and plenty of relaxed seating areas which should ensure a more comfortable experience than ever before.  If you’re a jump racing fan, or just like the idea of a breath of fresh air and some sporting excitement after the Christmas festivities, Kempton Park will provide a memorable days entertainment.  As the Winter Festival is so popular, pre-booking is advised, plenty of good value packages are available from the racecourse.  Kempton Park Racecourse has teamed up with online Eclipse Magazine, [who focus on the social side of racing], to give two lucky readers a PAIR of Paddock admission tickets to the William Hill Winter Festival.  A pair of tickets for both days, are up for grabs, with a simple entry form available at www.eclipsemagazine.co.uk