BE FIRST OUT OF THE GATE FOR HAMILTON PARK

MASCOT COMPETITION

The Hamilton Advertiser has teamed up with Hamilton Park Racecourse to launch an exciting competition that invites kids across the whole of Lanarkshire to let their imaginations run wild.

The renowned racecourse wants youngsters to take the reins in a creative drawing competition that will bring to life Hamilton Park’s first ever mascot.

The top racing venue is calling on school pupils across the area to come up with original creations, with the winning design taking pride of place as Hamilton Park’s official mascot.

The first place entry will be turned into a life-sized character that will make its debut appearance at the racecourse during the action-packed, upcoming 2015 season. Its creator will win an iPad mini and be invited along for a special meet and greet with the character. The winner and their family will also receive free membership to the racecourse for the year with VIP passes for the Princesses and Superheroes Holiday Raceday in September.

Pupils are being asked to dust off their pencils, pens and paint this Easter break and submit a picture of their mascot idea. To be in with a chance of winning, the completed entry should come with a description of the mascot’s defining characteristics and a suggested name.

Vivien Kyles, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “Every year we welcome hundreds of families to our venue and they always have a spectacular day out. This year we wanted to get them involved more than ever before and the creation of our first mascot provided the perfect opportunity. We are encouraging children across the whole of Lanarkshire to put pen to paper, have fun and get creative!  Racing has had a home in Hamilton for centuries and we thought it only right to find inspiration for this new champion from within the community. We know there’s a wealth of talent out there and we’re looking forward to seeing the entries galloping in over Easter.”

Hamilton Park Racecourse’s new season will begin on 3 May with a Festival of Food and Drink featuring top chef James Martin. A host of follow-up spectacular events are planned, including the 50^th anniversary of the famous Saints and Sinners Racenight, Alea Casino Ladies’ Night with TV star Mark Wright, and the celebrated Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell Racenight.

Entries should be posted to Hamilton Park Mascot Competition, 18 Glasgow Road, Uddingston, G71 7AS or emailed to [email protected] no later than Monday 20^th April.