Top jockeys and Strictly stars ready to strut their stuff at Classic ball

The Guineas Ball will make a welcome return to racing’s social calendar in 2018 after an eight-year hiatus.

The charity event, hosted by the National Stud on Saturday, April 28, will be held in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund’s Sir Peter O’Sullevan Rehabilitation Centre project, St Nicholas Hospice West Suffolk and a £500,000 appeal fund that has been established to build a new cardiac centre at West Suffolk Hospital.

Frankie Dettori and Jamie Spencer are among the big names already scheduled to attend, with former England rugby player Ben Cohen and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff also set to strut their stuff on the dancefloor.

Tables of ten can be reserved at a cost of £1,500, which includes a champagne reception, three-course dinner with unlimited wine and breakfast. Email guineasballreserve@hotmail.co.uk or Juliethompson1204@gmail.com for more information.

BHA adviser honoured

Anthony Stirk, the BHA’s senior veterinary adviser, received an award for outstanding veterinary achievement at the 29th Animal Health Trust UK Equestrian Awards Dinner on Tuesday.

Anthony Stirk: dedicated to equine welfare

Presented by AHT president The Priness Royal and named in honour of Dr Reginald Wooldridge, founder of the first Veterinary Education Trust, the award recognises a sustained and exemplary contribution to the work and understanding of equine vets.

On collecting the award, Stirk said: “I feel a bit like Aidan O’Brien must after one of his Group 1 successes – though I somehow doubt I will achieve another 25! Anyway, like him, I must stress I’ve had the cooperation and support of a wide range of people in the racing industry.”

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