Newmarket's big names on what makes their local bash so special

The July meeting at Newmarket is a particularly special occasion for the town's racing community, and here they tell Racing Post reporter David Milnes just why . . .

John Gosden
The July meeting is at a key time of year as it's the mid point of the season with four of the five Classics run and Royal Ascot behind us. It's Newmarket's answer to Ascot but in a more relaxed atmosphere, and it has a nice garden feel to it. It's a busy time with the sales on at the same time, but it's a great three days.

Hugo Palmer
Newmarket comes alive at the July meeting and the July course is as pretty a racecourse as you would find anywhere in the world. The three days showcase what a wonderful place Newmarket is, and it's as popular as ever.

James Doyle
The July course is a compact venue where you seem closer to everything and there's always a buzz about the place, particularly at the festival meeting. Both Newmarket tracks ride great and are just generally great to ride at, but at the July course there's a better chance of interacting with the crowd when you walk from the weighing room to the paddock. There are usually plenty of people wanting pictures and autographs, and hopefully it will be the same this year!

Sir Mark Prescott
The July meeting is an excuse for Newmarket to look at its best and the track is in magnificent shape, as is the surrounding heath. They have done a great job tidying up the roadside hedges which line the entry to the town and make it a great place to be.

Marco Botti
July week is the best week of the year to be in Newmarket with the racing, sales and parties like the one at Dalham Hall all going on. It's a busy week but it's nice to be busy and the July meeting is particularly liked by the owners as they can all dress up and have a great three days.

Ed Dunlop
The July meeting is a great three days' racing which is close to home and it's at a great racecourse.

Michael Bell
The July meeting has a great atmosphere, with the added bonus that it's right on our doorstep. The weather is invariably nice which, combined with top-class racing, makes for a great three days.