"The first day is known as the Free Race day and is aimed at encouraging newcomers to the sport to fully experience the joy of horse racing. The turn-out was impressive in terms of race-goers and sunshine, with a tangible air of excitement as attendees placed their bets.

As sponsors of the Ascot Free Race day, Aldermore hosted an elegant client event in the exclusive Rosettes Bar which boasted a fantastic view of the course. While guests sipped tea (and then later Champagne) and partook in a light lunch, talk centred on the Aldermore Conditions Stakes Race, the first 1000m of the day scheduled at 2pm.   The atmosphere mounted with brokers comparing chosen horses for each of the six races throughout the day, with bets ranging from carefully calculated to those hedging on beginners’ luck.

Host Steven Amos, Marketing Business Partner of the Mortgages Division, said: “We were extremely pleased with The Aldermore Conditions Stakes, and judging by the letters, emails and phone calls we have had, so were our guests! The turnout was fantastic and the sun also turning out made it a great day out to socialise and network with fellow brokers and suppliers.’’

Once in the Parade Ring, the Aldermore team unanimously decided on horse number 5, Dawn Lightning, a beautiful dark grey filly who stood out from the rest, to represent them in their sponsored race. With the horses adorned with Aldermore branding, Rob Lankey, Managing Director of commercial mortgages and colleagues wished them good luck and headed back to grab a first class spot to watch the actual race.  

While Dawn Lightning did not cross the finish line first, it was a proud moment for Aldermore as they celebrated their presence at the prestigious event. Rob Lankey presented winning owner, Mr Mel Roberts, trainer, Richard Fahey and the jockey responsible for that spectacular win, Paul Hanagan, with their prizes as first-place horse Miss Work of Art posed for photographs.

The rest of the day saw clients socialising over afternoon tea while watching the remainder of the day’s races. 

Rob Lankey said: "I am delighted how the whole day unfolded. I was honoured to present the winners award and judge the best turned out horse with a few broker partners and staff before the Aldermore race.

Relationship building is vital in the Commercial Mortgage arena, and this event is another part of the jig-saw in maintaining our strong, very personal, service with our key business .”

Guests were impressed with Aldermore’s display of hospitality and inspiring choice of venue. David Whittaker of Mortgages for Business said: ‘Wonderful weather, great company, splendid food and wine and my shirt was still on my back when I left with the sun still shining on us all.

 What particularly impressed me about the day was the easy manner with which your colleagues mingled with guests, made sure that people were introduced to one another and really ensured that we all had a great time – it really brought home to me the cultural values that you have instilled into the team and which are so important when trying to grow a successful brand – I hope that the newer parts of the business can emulate that approach as it ensures your key partner relationships (not just with the brokers but also your valuers and lawyers) are aligned with you and will join you on the journey wherever it leads’           

Further praise came from Tom Robinson of Bircroft Private Ltd: ‘Thanks very much for your hospitality at Ascot last week. It was a really good afternoon made even better by a couple of good wins.’

Steven Amos added: “There were many highlights to the day aside from the racing, food and drinks, including trumping the’ X-Factor’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in the Sponsor listings and on-course branding and Rob’s golden touch with the last minute bets - it wasn’t a fix, honest!”