Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hugh Bonneville, Judi Dench, Princess Anne: A Day At the Races

It was a joyful day, honoured by the presence of HRH Princess Anne, at Newbury racecourse for the 55th Hennessy Gold Cup.

Whilst Princess Anne lunched with Salman Rushdie, Nicholas Soames, Kathy Lette, Dame Judi Dench and Ruby Wax, we mingled in the VIP suite with the crème of society. Treated to delicious canapés and fuelled by an eclectic mix of Hennessy cocktails, certain reckless bets were placed amongst the roaring crowd of racegoers.

Shingai Soniwa at the 55th Hennessy Gold Cup (3)
It was the second time racing for Shingai Shoniwa, the lead singer of the Noisettes, and despite her losing 40 pounds on a bet, she raved to me about the marvellous time she was having at the highlight of the winter social season.

Hugh Bonneville had more luck, with him and his wife Lulu winning 40 pounds.

Jilly Cooper and Hugh Bonneville at the 55th Hennessy Gold Cup Newbury (2)

Other guests included Jilly Cooper, Flea Brudenell Bruce, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, Olivia Inge, Clara Paget, Edie Campbell, George Lamb, and Zara Martin. All dressed in a range of winter styles from the recent Royal’s favourite Beulah London to the classic tweed and Hennessy trilbies.

Congratulations are due to Carruthers for his Hennessy Gold Cup win. Carruthers, trained locally by Mark Bradstock, was bred by Lord Oaksey, who rode Taxidermist to win the race in 1958!
Read the column on Sunday for more inside news from the races.

Report by Flora Bradley-Watson

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