Two beautiful bespoke carpets by Wilton Carpets Commercial have conjured an equestrian-inspired backdrop at the prestigious hospitality interiors of Cheltenham Racecourse, against which the drama and excitement of the races play out as well as major events including weddings, conferences and banquets.As a world recognised racing venue, Cheltenham Racecourse sees up to 700,000 visitors throughout the year. The course is home to some of the most famous events of the entire UK jump season, including the climactic Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, the feature race of the hugely popular Cheltenham Festival. To ensure its interiors conveyed a unique look exclusive to Cheltenham, the racecourse turned to the help of Wilton Carpets Commercial to design and provide over 1600 square metres of bespoke carpet for its busy hospitality suites.
“I heard positive feedback about the company through a business contact, after Wilton Carpets Commercial supplied carpet to Ascot Racecourse,” comments Tim Partridge, Regional Buildings and Maintenance Co-ordinator, the South West Region of Jockey Club Racecourses. “We briefed the Wilton design team on the background of our unique venue, who then came up with the final designs for us.”
Using hues from the Wilton Elements Flexiweave palette including soft elephant grey and smart black, the first bespoke design incorporates a seven studded horseshoe motif nestling amongst elegant scrolling vines, perfectly suited as a renowned symbol of good luck. The charming design stretches throughout the Hattons Grace, Crest and Sovereign banqueting rooms where events such as reception, dinner dances and conferences are held overlooking the beautiful racecourse and beyond onto the hills of the Cotswolds.
Turning to the Hall of Fame, home to the museum of jump racing at Cheltenham and hung with champion jockey silk colours, Wilton Carpet Commercial came up with a suitably glorious carpet in celebration of the prized Cheltenham Gold Cup. The second custom-made design utilised a smart geometrical print using the instantly distinguishable shape of the cup itself, brought to life in gentle gold and green tones. In a high quality weave and 10-row construction, Wilton’s carpets throughout Cheltenham Racecourse deliver comfort underfoot, yet provide the hardwearing durability required by the busy corridors and thoroughfare in and around the hospitality suites.
“We required a heavy wearing carpet that could survive the intensive levels of footfall during peak race times, which was also straightforward to care for by the extensive hospitality team working on all manner of events such as banquets, proms and weddings,” continues Tim Partridge. “Everyone is delighted with the look and performance of the new carpets.”
Wilton Carpets Commercial is scheduled to carpet the rest of the original grandstand at Cheltenham with involvement also planned as part of the new Grandstand build for 2015.
