Cheltenham Racecourse has teamed up with local Cheltenham resident Dom Joly to film a four-part series where he discovers how to get ready for The Cheltenham Festival™ which takes place on 13th – 16th March.
Best known as the star of Trigger Happy TV, the comedian has consciously avoided what is known as the “Olympics of jump racing” since moving to the Cotswolds nearly 15 years ago. However, he has decided that if you can’t beat them join them and has embarked on a quest to become “Cheltenham Ready” ahead of attending this year’s Cheltenham Festival™ for the first time.
CSM Sport & Entertainment helped Cheltenham to come up with the idea and delivered the content of the four part series. The first episode follows Dom to London where he visits bespoke tailors, Dress 2 Kill, who are on hand to advise on what Dom should wear to the races. With the help of presenter Rachel Wyse (no less!), he chooses his tweed outfit that he will wear on Cheltenham’s Ladies Day, Wednesday 14th March.
The second episode sees Dom visit the yard of trainer Fergal O’Brien. Getting up ridiculously early (his words!), Dom has a tour of the yard and watches the horses on the gallops, while Fergal chats to him about life as a trainer and most importantly the chances of the three horses running that afternoon. He also chatted to jockey Sam Twiston-Davies who gives Dom an insight into life as a jockey.
For the third episode, Dom attends Cheltenham Racecourse on Festival Trials Day on 27 27th January where he meets bookmaker, Simon Wallis, jockeys Sam Wayley-Cohen and Nick Schofield and BBC Racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght. The day proves to be very insightful and Dom admits that he is actually starting to enjoy himself and getting into the swing of The Festival™.
The final episode will be filmed at the Cheltenham Festival™ on Ladies Day. Dressed in his new racing outfit, Dom will get to walk the course before racing and even try and enter the #ColourMeMarch competition to win a Mini (this is only open to Ladies!). Dom will get tips on the best places to eat and drink, where to watch the races and enjoy the start of the day in the Guinness Village.
Dom Joly, says, “Living so close to The Festival, it’s great that I finally get a chance to get an insider’s view of the affair. I’m enjoying the experience greatly.”
Tickets are still available to The Festival – to book visit www.thefestival.co.uk or call 0344 579 3003.
To watch the full series, please visit www.thefestival.co.uk/domjoly
Release dates:
Episode 1 – released on 9 February – To watch please visit www.thefestival.co.uk/domjoly
Episode 2 – released on 16 February – View & Download from here: https://vimeo.com/255767648/e3a3cb612c (embargoed until 16 Feb)
Episode 3 – released on 28 February – View & Download from here: https://vimeo.com/255888728/19d0dacdb6 (embargoed until 28 Feb)
Episode 4 – released on 21 March – To be filmed at Cheltenham on Ladies Day
–ENDS–
For further information please contact:
Sarah-Jane Muirie, Communications Manager – South West region of The Jockey Club, on 01242 537 683/07973 749952 or sarahjane.muirie@thejockeyclub.co.uk