Our London Gold Cup Lunch will once again be taking place at one of the world’s most famous and iconic cricket grounds, The Oval, where we will be located in the luxurious 175 Suite.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most important steeplechase in the world, with the names of some of racing’s greatest equine superstars etched on the coveted trophy.
This year we are delighted to welcome as our special guests two sporting legends! One of English football’s finest goalkeepers of recent years, former England, Liverpool, West Ham and Man City star David James, will be joined for the day by one of English cricket’s greatest characters, the hugely entertaining Phil Tufnell! Our professional tipster will also be giving his thoughts on a cracking card at Cheltenham. This all-inclusive package includes a three-course meal, six hour complimentary bar of beers, wines and soft drinks, big-screen coverage of the racing, and the chance to hear from these two sporting icons.
David James
In a career spanning an astonishing 26 years, David James amassed 958 club appearances with a further 53 caps for England, placing him amongst the select band of players who played over 1000 times as a professional. Eighteen of those seasons were spent in the Premier League, representing Watford, Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Man City and Portsmouth, and his 572 appearances are the highest by a goalkeeper in the history of the competition, and fifth in the all-time list behind Gareth Barry, Ryan Giggs, James Milner and Frank Lampard. David won the League Cup whilst at Liverpool in 1994/95, and famously, the FA Cup whilst at Portsmouth in 2007/08, with Harry Redknapp at the helm. He was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in 1995/96 and 2007/08. David was capped 53 times by England between 1997 and 2010, being first choice goalkeeper during the team’s Euro 2004 and the 2010 World Cup campaigns. He was appointed an MBE in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to football and charity, the latter through the David James Foundation which has supported a diverse range of projects to help young people.
Phil Tufnell
One of the UK’s best loved sporting characters, former England cricketer Tuffers is a Radio and TV personality, including his infamous win on ‘I’m A Celebrity’! Affectionately known as ‘The Cat’, (found asleep in the dressing room on more than one occasion!), Phil has combined his cricketing expertise with his mischievous persona, to become a highly regarded media and corporate entertainer. During his illustrious sporting career, Phil took more than 1,000 first class wickets. He played 42 Tests (121 wickets at 37) and a further 20 One Day Internationals for England. His autobiography “What Now?” was published in 1999, as was his ‘A To Z of Cricket’ which he co-authored with cricket journalist Adam Hathaway. Phil retired from professional cricket before the 2003 season so that he could take part in I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! and They Think It’s All Over, on which he was a team captain. He also co-presented the game show Simply the Best and is perhaps best-known as a team captain on the BBC One panel show A Question of Sport.
Pete Graves
A passionate Newcastle Utd fan, Pete has enjoyed a swift rise through the broadcasting ranks to become one of the most recognisable faces on Sky Sports. After leaving university, Pete started his broadcasting career with the hospital radio show Radio Tyneside, before working in the local Metro Radio, and then ITV Tyneside as a sports reporter. Since 2009 he has worked at Sky Sports, mainly as a presenter, where his passion for sport and all-round knowledge are amongst his greatest assets. Over the past few years Pete has become a great asset as a regular host of our events, and we are delighted to have him as always!
175 Suite at The Oval
One of the world’s oldest and most iconic cricket grounds, The Oval has been the home of Surrey CCC asince 1845; it was the first English ground to host Test cricket, and internationals have been played here ever since. The brand new 175 Suite is within the Kia Oval’s recently opened Galadari Stand; situated on the second floor it offers a fantastic view of the famous Oval wicket and abundant natural daylight. Food and service are of the calibre you would expect from the premium facility at a world class stadium. Fully air-conditioned, the Suite has high ceiling so is perfect for a giant screen event, and with easy tube access from the Northern and Victoria Lines, this is the perfect setting for our event!
