World’s first horse race run to live music
Beautiful music will accompany the sound of cantering horse hooves this July as players from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra gear up to play one of their most unique recitals – the world’s first horse race run to a live musical soundtrack.
Members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the adrenalin-inducing William Tell Overture during an official Kempton Park race meet on Wednesday 8th July 2009. The live music will echo around the Surrey racecourse as part of its Best of British Gala Night celebrations.
Dr. Roger Mugford, psychologist from the Animal Behaviour Centre, comments: “Science and practice show that music affects the emotional states of animals just as it does in people. It will be interesting to see whether the musical experience lifts the performance of the horses as well as race-goers. Whatever the outcome we will be monitoring the horses’ reactions with great interest.”
Ian Maclay, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, comments: “We’ve played some unusual recitals before but this one has to be one of the most exciting. We know that rousing music can motivate humans to run faster, but we have no idea how the horses will react to the ‘classical canter’. We have chosen this particular piece of music, which will be played in time with the race, due to its ‘galloping’ rhythm which will hopefully inspire both horses and jockeys to cross the finishing line.”
The unique ‘Classical Canter’ race will be run over a distance of one mile three furlongs.
Amy Starkey, managing director of Kempton Park racecourse, comments: “We’re really excited to be hosting the world’s first horse race run to a live classical soundtrack. Not only will the finest musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra inspire the race horses, but they’ll also provide great (if unusual) entertainment for race-goers, complimenting our racing and providing a great night out and an opportunity to see history in the making.”
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For further information, images and to set up feature opportunities on the event please contact the Kempton Park press office at Mischief PR on 020 7100 9999 / kemptonpark@mischiefpr.com
Notes to Editors
The Best of British Gala Night is part of Kempton Park’s Wednesday Summer Series evening racing. Gates open for the event at 4.30pm. Adult admission from £15. Tickets can be booked online at www.kempton.co.uk or over the phone on 0844 8480176.
Full commentary will be provided for race-goers on the night should they want it. All off-course commentary will not be affected.
Kempton Park is London’s closest racecourse set in Sunbury-on-Thames (nr. Richmond) and stages both Flat and Jump racing throughout the year on its Jump and all-weather tracks:
• Jump Track
Kempton Park’s jump track is right handed with the hurdle course on the outside, grandstand side.
• All Weather Track
Kempton Park’s state of the art polytrack is right handed with two bends. It runs on the inside of the jump track.
Please note: The Royal Filly-monic Orchestra performance will involve members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.