Longsdon collaborates with Hook Norton Brewery for racecourse ale

Chipping Norton jump trainer Charlie Longsdon joined forces with Hook Norton Brewery to create a new beer for Warwick Racecourse ahead of this weekend's meet.
Cheers! Jamie OSullivan from Hook Norton Brewery, Charlie Longsdon and Andre Klein with a pint of The Kingmaker Ale. Photo: Warwick RacecourseCheers! Jamie OSullivan from Hook Norton Brewery, Charlie Longsdon and Andre Klein with a pint of The Kingmaker Ale. Photo: Warwick Racecourse
Cheers! Jamie OSullivan from Hook Norton Brewery, Charlie Longsdon and Andre Klein with a pint of The Kingmaker Ale. Photo: Warwick Racecourse

The Kingmaker Ale will be launched at the Gentlemen’s Raceday, featuring The Agetur Kingmaker Chase, on Saturday (February 9).

Plus the new ale will be at the centre of The Hook Norton Race Day Beer Festival, featuring the extensive range of Hook Norton beers alongside a selection of guest ales from local breweries.

Charlie Longsdon, Andre Klein and Jamie OSullivan at Hook Norton Brewery. Photo: Warwick RacecourseCharlie Longsdon, Andre Klein and Jamie OSullivan at Hook Norton Brewery. Photo: Warwick Racecourse
Charlie Longsdon, Andre Klein and Jamie OSullivan at Hook Norton Brewery. Photo: Warwick Racecourse
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Longsdon said: “The brewing experience at Hook Norton is certainly something different, we’re usually working with our horses 24/7 so this was a nice break.

“It’s an amazing old fashioned process at the brewery, a lot of the work is still done by hand and I’m looking forward to trying our new beer at the raceday.

“I’ve always loved Warwick Racecourse as a track, not only is it local for us but it’s always been looked after and is a proper racecourse.

“We’ve had plenty of winners there down the years and if the right race is there, we’ll always be there.

Charlie Longsdon at Hook Norton Brewery. Photo: Warwick RacecourseCharlie Longsdon at Hook Norton Brewery. Photo: Warwick Racecourse
Charlie Longsdon at Hook Norton Brewery. Photo: Warwick Racecourse
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This year we’ve had a few horses place there and we’re more than likely to have horses there on Kingmaker Chase Day – we’ll definitely be there to try the new beer too.”

The new beer was brewed in tribute to The Agetur Kingmaker Novice’s Steeple Chase, which is one of the racing highlights of the season at Warwick and will take centre-stage on Saturday.

It was established in 1991 and the race is named after the 16th Earl of Warwick, who was known as ‘kingmaker’ during the Wars of the Roses.

The fixture will feature a packed afternoon of racing, with seven races taking place and live music from local Irish Band ‘Lampa’ who will be playing at intervals throughout the day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Racegoers are invited to dress to impress on the day, with a Best Dressed Gent competition running throughout the day.

Prizes include a free weekend hire of a BMW from Rybrook Warwick BMW, a night stay including bed and breakfast and a round of golf for two people at Ardencote Manor, two tickets to Ladies Day at The Festival™ presented by Magners and four Hook Norton brewery tour vouchers and 12 Hooky Gold Beers.

Racecourse general manager Andre Klein added: “We would like to thank Charlie for visiting the team at Hook Norton Brewery and we’re all looking forward to sampling The Kingmaker Ale on the day.

“The Agetur Kingmaker Chase is a racing highlight at Warwick, but away from the action on track the day provides a great opportunity for gents to dress their best and win some great prizes.

“We are always looking to expand our raceday offering at Warwick Racecourse and we are confident The Hook Norton Beer Race Day Festival will be a hit with racegoers too.”