AULD ALLIANCE TO ADD SOME GALLIC CHARM TO BRAVEHEART NIGHT AT HAMILTON PARK RACECOURSE

The bonds of friendship between Scotland and France will feature heavily at the Hamilton Park Racecourse Braveheart Night this Friday, (15 May).

Proving that the Auld Alliance is alive and well in Lanarkshire, the people of Bothwell will welcome their counterparts from twin town in France, Jouy-en-Josas, and mark the occasion with a special night at the races.

And they couldn’t have picked a better night to attend than the first Super Six fixture of the Superseal 2015 Season at Hamilton Park.  A patriotic theme will be running throughout the evening with pipers and highland dancers entertaining the crowds.

The “twins” have been nurturing sport related exchanges since the 1970s with football and golf being particular favourite pastimes. They have two veteran football teams (over 35s) who have played each other for the Russell Thomson Cup, alternating between Scotland and France, and this year the “grande match” is being hosted by Bothwell.

Hearing of the long standing friendship between the two villages, Hamilton Park Racecourse decided to mark the occasion by hosting a special reception for the visitors on Braveheart night.

Vivien Kyles, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “When we were made aware of the visit and the strong bonds of friendship that had been forged by these close communities over the years and in particular with the sporting connections we were absolutely delighted to be involved in their weekend of activities. Scotland and France have been firm friends and close allies for centuries so it seems very appropriate that we are welcoming our visitors on our Braveheart night.”

Darrin Rooney, one of the organisers from the Bothwell side of the exchange said: “Bothwell has enjoyed a long standing friendship with Jouy-en-Josas and both towns share uncanny traits. They are thriving villages on the outskirts of big cities and with strong historic identities. The football match is something everyone looks forward to on the exchanges and the match will be the centre piece of a weekend of activity. Being welcomed at Hamilton Park Racecourse will be a real highlight for the guests and hosts alike.”

Jouy-en-Josas is home to both traditionally French small businesses and to artisans. It is also home to a number of eminent higher education and research centres such as the National Institute for Agronomic Research.

 The guests can look forward to a warm Scottish welcome and a great night of racing and entertainment with the featured race being the £25,000 Braveheart Handicap Stakes which is the highlight of a racecard worth over £60,000.

The community celebrations also mark the night that Hamilton Park Racecourse holds The Racing Together Handicap Stakes.

Racing Together celebrates the community work undertaken by racecourses up and down the country

Following the racing visitors will be treated to a rockin’ experience with nine-piece soul legends Big Vern and the Shootahs providing the music with their own unique twist to well-known covers with a funky vibe.

Tickets for the Super Six start from £17 and are available to book online or by phoning 01698 283 806.