Say hello to lionel & clare (From Swindon Advertiser)

Say hello to Lionel & Clare at Newbury racecourse

10:38am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

THERE’S a double treat in store for racegoers heading for the Dubai Duty Free International Weekend at Newbury next week, with two stars names lined up to make an appearance.

Soul star Lionel Richie plays live after racing on September 22, while the BBC and Channel 4’s queen of sport Clare Balding will be unveiling her book, My Animals and Other Family, on September 21.

Fresh from presenting the Olympics and Paralympics, broadcaster Clare will take part in a special Q&A session in The Champagne Hall before racing. She said: “As the daughter of a champion trainer, and with Newbury being my local track, I felt it only right to launch my first book there, surrounded by horses.” After the Q&A, which starts at 12pm, racegoers will be offered the opportunity to buy signed copies of the book, which promises a funny, brave and tender story of self-discovery.

The weekend is especially poignant to Clare as the Mill Reef Stakes, named after the legendary Mill Reef, which her father Ian trained, will be taking place during the Dubai Duty Free International Weekend. Premier Enclosure tickets for racing, to include the book launch at 12pm, on Friday, September 21, are available online at www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk or by calling 01635 40015. Hospitality and dining packages are also available.

The following day will see Lionel Richie’s first performance in the UK since 2009, including some of his greatest hits, including Dancing on the Ceiling, All Night Long, Easy and Hello. Tickets for the races, followed by the performance at Party in the Paddock, cost from £35. Call 01635 40015 or go to www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk/lionel. The concert completes the Dubai Duty Free International Weekend; the first of seven races commences at 1.25pm with Lionel Richie on stage after the final race.