A night at the races

The racing fraternity gathered, the crowds thronged, the horses ran. And that was before the Cheltenham Festival had even begun. On 10 March, the Markel reception at 49 Leadenhall Street was transformed into a sporting arena where more than 70 guests listened to the views of a distinguished panel and watched film of this year's Cheltenham contenders.

Sam Thomas (Markel International's sponsored jockey), renowned trainer Tom George and Racing Post's Lee Mottershead assessed the field, while Derek 'Tommo' Thompson, the face of Channel 4 racing, added his insights and hosted the event with his unique brand of banter and improvised humour.

Horses for courses: (l-r) Lee Mottershead, Sam Thomas, Tom George and Derek Thompson discuss racing form

There was also a charity element. By auctioning Chelsea tickets, days out with Tommo, use of Tom George's private box at Cheltenham and race tours with Lee Mottershead, Markel raised over £7,000 in support of the Riding for the Disabled Association (£3,500 raised on the night and the rest matched by the Markel charity-match scheme).

The response from brokers was extremely encouraging, and similar events are now planned for the future. World Cup preview anyone?