‘Lovers’ bench’ arrives at Newbury racecourse for Valentine’s

Romantic racegoers will be able to pop the question in style this Valentine’s weekend at Newbury racecourse.

Newbury is to site a “lover’s bench” on the lawn for amorous punters to propose to their loved ones during racing on 13 February.

The single white bench sits with Newbury’s classic benches overlooking the finishing straight.

“The White Bench proposal concept has been in the pipeline for a while, but we decided to wait for a romantic period to launch it,” said Harriet Rochester, marketing manager for Newbury.

“A day at the races is always memorable, but we hope that for some couples this idea will make the memory of that special day last a lifetime.”

There is no need to book, but to add a special touch racegoers can contact the course in advance to arrange flowers, complimentary champagne, a photographer and even personal announcements over the public address system.

Newbury is not the only racecourse to play Cupid — the first 500 racegoers at Exeter on 14 February will receive a free chocolate heart.

For more information, visit www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (21 January, ’10)

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