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SJA and Ladbrokes are off to York Races in May

Musidora

The Sports Journalists’ Association is continuing to take its events around the country, after partners Ladbrokes confirmed their generous support for our annual Race Day in 2015.

And as with the highly successful SJA Race Day this year, we will be staging the event at York Racecourse at the Dante Festival in May.

“We want as many of our members from across the country to have an active part in all our activities,” said David Walker, the SJA chairman. “This includes social events such as the Race Day, and we are delighted to be working with Ladbrokes and returning to York, where so many of us were able to get together with old friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere this year.

“The SJA tickets are about one-quarter of the cost you would expect to pay for a day’s hospitality at one of the top race meetings in the world, so it is exceptionally good value for our members. And this year, some of us even managed to pick a couple of winners.”

The 2015 SJA Race Day will be a benefit exclusive to SJA members, and will held in a hospitality suite in the Ebor Stand on Wednesday, May 13, the day of the Musidora Stakes, the Oaks trial. Tickets are strictly limited, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-reserved basis. Fully paid-up SJA members and associate members are limited to booking two tickets each.

Tickets for this outstanding SJA deal are £25 each.

SJA members will receive entry badges, a buffet lunch and half a bottle of wine each, altogether with a chance to enjoy a day’s sport and outstanding company, plus the possibility of a couple of special guests from the world of racing.

The committee is also seeking a discount deal with one of the best hotels in York for members, which would allow some to stay in the city on the evening after the races. Details of the offer will be included in a future members’ email.

In 2014, the SJA has staged major events at York and an international media reception in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games. In 2015, in partnership with sponsors BT Sport, the Association will be staging a special welcome event for the international media working at the Rugby World Cup.

SJA-Ladbrokes_logo_thumbThe renewed agreement with Ladbrokes also involves their sponsorship of the SJA Sports Betting Writer of the Year Award, one of the dozens of awards presented at the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, which will be held in central London on Monday, March 24, 2015.

Further details of the Sports Journalism Awards, which recognise the best in sports photography sports broadcasting and sports writing, in print and online, will be announced shortly, including the release of the entry forms.

For those planning on coming racing, they should not that there is a dress code (of sorts).

York Racecourse’s website states: “Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie in County Stand. Most gentlemen would choose to wear smart trousers and formal shoes to complete the look. So whilst there is no formal restriction on wearing jeans and trainers, these are rarely seen in the County Stand. In a similar vein, whilst we encourage a sense of style in the County Stand, if gentlemen believe the weather warrants shorts then there is no formal restriction to them being worn.

“Ladies are required to dress in a suitable manner, many ladies opt for a hat, although it is not compulsory. Imagine you are going to a smart wedding is our tip.”

To book, please send cheques, made out to “The Sports Journalists’ Association”, and name, address and membership number details to:

Randall Northam
9 St Aubyns Place
York
YO24 1EQ

For queries, email: randall@sportsbooks.ltd.uk

First posted on September 20, 2014

All details subject to change


UPCOMING SJA EVENTS

Thu Dec 11: SJA British Sports Awards, sponsored by The National Lottery, at the Grand Connaught Rooms

2015

Mon Mar 23: SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, sponsored by BT Sport, at the Grand Connaught Rooms. Entry forms will be available in October 2014

Wed May 13: SJA York Races Day, sponsored by Ladbrokes, at the Dante Festival

Mon Sep 14: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill Golf Club