A personal note from Kristian

This weekend marks a rather special moment for me, and one that feels, in many ways, like things coming full circle.

On Sunday, we are sponsoring the Oliver Brown Pretty Polly Stakes, the 1:45 race at Newmarket and the opening race of Betfred 1000 Guineas Day.

To see our name there, at the very start of such an important day, gives me a great deal of pleasure. If you are not joining us at Newmarket, I do hope you might tune in and watch.

Oliver Brown began, quite simply, with a handful of top hats while I was at university. I spent my time buying and selling them, and in doing so found myself drawn into the world of racing. It led to friendships in Newmarket that have stayed with me ever since, and which have quietly shaped the business over the past twenty-seven years.

Newmarket has remained close to us throughout. The trainers, jockeys and friends we came to know there are a large part of why we chose to open our Cambridge shop earlier this year. Being just down the road from the heart of British racing, in a city where tradition and occasion are still very much part of everyday life, felt entirely natural.

Many of you have been part of this journey with us, which makes this moment all the more meaningful. I know some of you will be there on Sunday, and many more watching from home.

As for me, I shall be in something suitably appropriate. A bespoke suit made in our Lower Sloane Street flagship, cut from a breathable high twist wool in a traditional chalk stripe. The sort of thing one ought to wear for racing, I have always thought, and finished, of course, with a proper racing lining. If you are there, do come and say hello.

With my very best wishes,

Founder, Oliver Brown