Great gifts for racing revellers

Looking for that gift for the person who has everything? Why not sponsor a race in their name and enjoy a fantastic day out at the races as part of the package. Sponsorship and hospitality packages start from as little as £500 for a minor race at a provincial racecourse. As well as being able to name the race, the lucky recipient of this unusual gift will take part in the prize giving in the winner’s enclosure. You could also choose to give a best turned out prize as part of the sponsorship package, which gives the opportunity to judge the turnout of the horses, with assistance from a racecourse executive, while rubbing shoulders with owners, trainer and jockeys in the paddock.

For more details on the wide range of packages available at courses around the country contact Mary-Ann Sandercock at the Racecourse Association (tel: 01344 626067 or email: maryann@rcarcl.co.uk).

If you know someone who would love to own a racehorse, but isn’t quite in the financial position to do so, then membership of the Elite Racing Club would be in ideal present to give them this Christmas. The club has 21 horses currently in training including their star filly, Soviet Song. It also has its own training yard in Lambourn, which members are welcome to visit as often as they like. Every new member receives a starter pack, which includes a member’s handbook, membership card, list of horses in training and an update of the club’s breeding programme. A weekly newsletter is sent to all members, to keep them up to date with the latest news. Members also have the opportunity (at cost) to attend racecourse hospitality with their guests. A year’s membership costs £169. For more details contact (tel: 01380 811699) or visit: www.eliteracingclub.co.uk

If someone you know would benefit from a practical present this Christmas, then Barbour’s weekend/overnight bag for the races could be the answer to their prayers. This fabulous 100% cotton bag with leather trim, shoulder straps and hand carriers comes in Barbour’s stylish “Dress Tartan” and is an ideal size for packing all those overnight essentials. This great gift can be bought online at www.olneysaddlery.co.uk for £69. For more information on the Barbour range visit: www.barbour.co.uk

Racing art always proves popular with enthusiasts, so a framed limited edition racing print from Farasi is bound to be a winner this Christmas. Bright Colours is a deceptively simple pen and ink sketch, painted in watercolour, by Pat Owen, whose empathy with all aspects of rural life is reflected in her work. This picture beautifully captures the racing action. Only 250 individually numbered prints have been produced and they are mounted in a gilt frame. This 32cm x 25cm (12.5″ x 10″) framed print costs £39 online at www.farasi.co.uk

Every racing enthusiast will appreciate a gift that goes some way towards helping horses whose racing careers have come to an end. The Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) in Lancashire specialises in rehabilitating and re-homing retired racehorses and has a variety of branded clothing available for purchase this Christmas. The lightweight golf umbrella is just one of the many items available that will make a practical Christmas gift and will give you the chance to give a little financial support to this very worthy cause. This 50″ diameter umbrella is available in stylish dark green, with the TRC logo in gold, and costs £17. To order contact (tel: 01995 605007)