Gran Premio di Merano (Sept)
Italy
24 September 2010 - 27 September 2010
from £ 599
Departing from Gatwick
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Sold out - book for 2011
Join Richard Dunwoody MBE as Course & Distance offer you the chance to experience the Gran Premio di Merano in the best way possible.
Dunwoody explained: "I was lucky enough to ride at Merano on the tough and versatile Chief's Song for Simon Dow; for me it really is one of the most picturesque racecourses I've ever been to, tucked away in the foothills of the Alps.
"I also love Italy as a country and I'm very much looking forward to returning there in September."
Our gift certificates make the perfect present for the horse racing fan in your life.
SORRY THIS TOUR IS NOW SOLD OUT.
DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT WEEKEND NEXT YEAR.
CALL OUR OFFICE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2011.
Itinerary
Friday 24 September
Arrive in Verona and transfer to the three star Hotel Milano in the heart of the ancient Roman city. Friday afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy and explore the city, which was granted World Heritage Site status in 2000. The beautiful romantic streets are of course the mythical home of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and the stunning Roman amphitheatre, the Arena.
Saturday 25 September
After breakfast we will transfer by luxury coach to the beautiful spa town of Meran in the Italian Tyrol.
Upon arrival check in to the three star Steiner Hotel, then enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while we run through the form guide for the Gran Premio di Merano and supporting races and enjoy an exclusive Q&A with Richard Dunwoody.
This really is the ideal way to get into the mood for the 71st Gran Premio di Merano.
Evening at leisure, choose to relax in the surroundings of the hotel and simply take in the mountain air and stunning scenery, or visit the old town and experience the vibrant restaurants and bars in and around Meran.
Sunday 26 SeptemberAfter breakfast you will be transferred by luxury coach to Meran racecourse, where the feature race is the Gran Premio di Merano Forst.
Why not take the opportunity to 'walk the course' with Giancarlo Fochesato and Richard Dunwoody, who will be able to offer an exclusive insight on the various obstacles that horse and jockey will face in the Gran Premio di Merano Forst.
After racing we will transfer back to our hotel by luxury private coach.
Evening at leisure in the town.
Monday 27 September
After breakfast you will be transferred by luxury coach to Verona airport for your flight back to the United Kingdom.
All prices are based on two people sharing a twin/double room.
Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis unless otherwise stated.
There is a single supplement for this tour of £69 per night.
Flight details
Departure times on 24 September 2010, three-night tour - outbound flights:Depart from Gatwick 09:10
Arrival times on 24 September 2010, three-night tour - outbound flights:
Arrive from Gatwick 12:10
Departure times on 27 September 2010, three-night tour - inbound flights:
Depart for Gatwick 16:05
Arrival times on 27 September 2010, three-night tour - inbound flights:
Arrive at Gatwick 17:00
Telephone booking: call 01427 839468
Please telephone our office for details and prices for other UK airports
History
The Gran Premio di Merano was first staged at Maia racecourse in 1935, and is run over a trip of three miles and 193 yards.
The course follows a figure-of-eight circuit requiring horses to run in both directions, and the brush fences, while large, are comprised of soft privet, designed to be jumped through, rather than over.
The valuable prize money on offer always attracts plenty of runners from other countries including France, Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
It is claimed that the original course layout was designed to confuse the French steeplechasers. However, they have enjoyed an outstanding record in the race in recent years, none more so than three-times winner Or Jack in 1994, 95 and 96.
Previous British runners have included Paddy's Return, Docklands Express and The Outback Way - the last two were both placed.