Randox Horse Tales | Sir Anthony McCoy on Don’t Push It
Randox Horse Tales | Sir Anthony McCoy on Don’t Push It
There are few partnerships in sport that compare to that between the jockey and their horse.
To celebrate these incredible animals, Randox is launching a new series in which well-known equestrians share their memories of their favourite horses.
This week, we hear from the legendary Sir Anthony McCoy, 20-time Champion Jump jockey.
In 2010 he won the Grand National on Don’t Push it – a victory he credits with transforming the rest of his career.
For more information about Randox Horse Tales please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Recruitment drive for Randox operations in China launches with student event in partnership with Ulster Universityās Confucius Institute
Following the launch of a new market expansion initiative in China, global healthcare diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has this week marked the beginning of its recruitment drive in China with a student event in partnership with Ulster University and its Confucius Institute.
100 Chinese students currently studying business or science at Ulster University have come together this afternoon at Asian cuisine restaurant Zen Belfast to hear from a number of key speakers from the University’s Confucius Institute and the careers team at Randox.
Linda Magee, Head of Human Resources at Randox Laboratories, welcomed the students to the event and said;
“We are delighted to partner with Ulster University and The Confucius Institute to create a platform to raise awareness of the current and future job opportunities within our team based in China. Our increasing range of high quality products are in high demand in growing and dynamic markets such as China and we are therefore actively growing our market presence there and subsequently our team.”
Randox’s expansion in China means the recruitment team is actively seeking Mandarin speaking graduates in Northern Ireland who can join their dedicated Sales, Marketing and Scientific team in China.
Linda continued;
“Our workforce of 1400 continues to expand across the globe as we increase the output of our R&D programmes, enhance our manufacturing capabilities at the Randox Science Park, and excitingly, showcase our offering of Randox products and services to the 600 million viewers of the Randox Health Grand National.”
Ulster University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement Professor Ian Montgomery said:
“As a global Confucius Institute of the Year award winner, Ulster University has an international reputation for its exceptional commitment to the growth of Chinese language learners in Northern Ireland as well as the development of academic, cultural, economic and social ties with China.
“In the spirit of our Confucius Institute, Ulster University’s support today enables Randox to access some of the best university-level Chinese speaking graduates currently available and more importantly offers students studying Chinese in Northern Ireland access to a unique career pathway with an exciting international employer that’s breaching new horizons.”
For more information about this event or about Randox recruitment in China please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
The making of the Randox Health Grand National Trophy, with Silversmith Shannon O’Neill
Last night at the Weights Evening Reception in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the highly coveted trophy for the Randox Health Grand National was unveiled to the public for the first time.
We caught up with Silversmith Shannon O’Neill, who designed the trophy, to better understand what goes in to making such an iconic piece of art…
The making of the Randox Health Grand National Trophy
By Silversmith Shannon O’Neill
I think of myself as more design lead rather than process lead, because I don’t like the idea of limiting my designs to my own level of experience. I like to let the ideas flow and a design develop, before I start to think seriously about how the piece can be made, which puts me on the road to constant discovery and learning.
This is by far the biggest commission I have ever worked on and required me to incorporate the skills of other smiths with a wider skill base, for the various techniques that I wanted to utilize and not least, due to the time scale and gravity of the commission.
It was thanks to The Goldsmiths’ Company and Padgham and Putland that I’ve been able to work alongside and be mentored by some of the very best and most experienced silversmiths in the country. This piece would not exist without their immense input and for that I’m hugely grateful.
- With something of this size, it made sense to have the main body of the trophy spun from a flat disc. Spinning is one of the oldest techniques of forming circular metal components, dating back to the Egyptians. It’s a highly specialized skill, requiring a 5 year apprenticeship and is not for the faint-hearted, especially when you consider that the disc of silver needed to be over half a meter wide, whilst spinning at super high speed. Specific chucks were made and the whole process took more than 6 days to form.
- The top sweeping line of the trophy was marked out, before being pierced and a round wire was then rolled, shaped and fitted to the top edge, so it could be soldered into place. The main body was then planished to remove any visible spinning lines.
- While the main body was taking shape, work on the base section began. The curve of the lettering was first worked out on the flat and then modelled using CAD CAM, to create three flat sections of 3D printed wax, that were then cast in silver. Once cast, they were formed into the round, cleaned up and soldered together. The top wire was first rolled out from a large round wire and fabricated to fit, then soldered into place and finished on the lathe, while the base wires were rectangular.
- In addition to the base section that you see from the outside, a couple of beautifully engineered parts were needed, to enable the top and bottom sections of the trophy to be screwed together. Given the time factor, this was a huge help, enabling us to work on both sections of the trophy simultaneously, whilst also making it easier for the gilding and polishing process, as well as future restorers.
- Before the chasing could commence, both the top and bottom sections were pre-polished. This is an important step, which avoids any potential damage, caused by the later polishing, so no hammer marks or subtle lines would be lost.
- Next came the transfer of the design onto the form. Since the shape contracts significantly in the middle as well as being concave, it was necessary to make sure that the integrity of the illustration was not lost in the process. Having unsuccessfully tried to use a computer adapted version, I reverted to an old method of cutting the illustration into hundreds of strips and tailoring it to the shape. This was then combined with drawing of a grid onto the form, to keep the lettering in proportion. A white primer provided the ideal surface to sketch onto and the lines were scribed into the metal, in preparation for the chasing.
- Chasing is such a wonderful process. Unlike engraving which can look similar to ‘flat-chased’ pieces, the process doesn’t just leave a blank surface on the inside. Personally, I love the way that chasing moves the whole surface of the metal, as it bends and curves in response to your marks and then right at the end, when all the pitch is emptied out, you see the reversed illustration, as the pattern is echoed inside.
- The trophy was filled with hot, molton ‘pitch’ (like bitumen), which was then allowed to cool overnight. This provides support for the form, to stop it from denting while creating the low-relief process. The chasing tool is held in one hand and a ‘chasing’ hammer in the other, as multiple hammer blows allow the chasing tool, to glide over the surface of the metal, so creating an impression.
- All the lines were chased twice over, before the pitch was melted out in preparation for the ‘repousse’ of the lettering – basically the same process, but tapping on the tool from the inside and supporting it from the outside, to create the embossed surface.
- At the end of the repousse work, the trophy was again loaded with the molten pitch, in preparation for the final round of ‘chasing’ to create further definition and ‘matting’. The ‘matting’ created the sparkly texture on various details in the design. The whole process is quite physical, when you consider how heavy the piece was, once it was filled with pitch and this entire process took over four weeks.
- Meanwhile, the base section was also ‘matted’ to create the texture behind the lettering. It then went to the stone setters, to have the red crystal mounted in the center of the ‘O’, to replicate the drop of blood Randox’s logo.
- The final stage in the fabrication followed, as the engineered section, which fits into the base of the trophy, was soldered onto the main body.
- Both sections were then given their final polish, with a high-polished finish on the base and the inside of the trophy, with a much softer brushed sheen, to maximize the visibility of the illustration on the outside. It’s so important to get a great polish, because it’s like framing a work of art – it can either make or break a piece of work.
- Almost finished and onto the ‘platers’. The inside was given a first layer of hard-gold plating and a second lemon yellow top-coat, to create the perfect shade. The base section was plated with ‘black-gold’, around all the lettering.
- Finally the two sections were assembled!
For more information about the Randox Health Grand National 2017 Trophy please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
AP McCoy unveils 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy at Weights Event
It stands at 45 centimetres tall, is solid silver gilded with gold, and depicts horses galloping through strands of DNA – and in just over 50 days will be presented to the winner of the 2017 Randox Health Grand National.
The sought-after trophy was unveiled by Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder of Randox, and 20-time Champion Jockey Sir Anthony McCoy at the annual Weights Reception, held this year in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The Northern Irish sporting legend won the Grand National in 2010 and has now joined Randox Health as a brand ambassador.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, said,
“To win the Grand National is one of the crowning achievements in sport and in this our first year of sponsorship, we sought to commission a trophy which would complement this tremendous success. I am delighted with the result, as the trophy captures the heart of both the race and Randox – in the speed of the horses and the strands of DNA. I look forward to the moment this trophy is presented to the winner of the 2017 Randox Health Grand National and wish everyone taking part the very best.
“As sponsor we sought to further recognise the achievements of the winning team, which will join a cast of legends. This year for the first time and for every year of our partnership, the trainer, jockey and groom will receive a scale representation of the trophy, as we pay tribute to the teamwork that goes into achieving such monumental success.”
As the trophy was unveiled on stage in the V&A its designer, Silversmith Shannon O’Neill, explained to the audience the thinking behind her design and the work involved in creating such an iconic piece of art.
“As an artist, you search for that foothold of inspiration in every commission. With Randox, that came immediately. I wanted to depict the pursuit of glory in the race with the pursuit of health. For me, nothing is more positive than encouraging people to take control of their lives in order to achieve greatness – in whatever field they choose.
“Months of hard work have gone in to designing and creating the piece of art that will this year become the trophy awarded to the first ever winner of the Randox Health Grand National. I look forward to seeing this trophy put into the hands of the victor!”
The official reveal of the trophy has come after a number of weeks of teaser images released to the public, following its hallmarking at the Goldsmith’s Assay Office in London on the 24th January.
Guests were also given an exclusive viewing of Randox’s virtual reality film which stars Sir Anthony McCoy and reveals what goes on inside a Randox Health clinic, including a look at its revolutionary ‘Evolution’ blood screening machine.
The full virtual reality video will be displayed at the Randox Health Grand National on Thursday 6th April.
Randox are rolling out additional clinics across the country including in Liverpool and Manchester, and internationally including Dubai and in the USA.
For more information about Randox Health please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
20-time Champion Jockey Sir Anthony McCoy partners with Grand National sponsor Randox Health for new campaign to transform the health of the nation
In advance of the highly anticipated Randox Health Grand National 2017, the race’s new sponsor is launching a nation-wide campaign to encourage people to take control of their health and wellbeing, with the help of legendary jockey AP McCoy.
Global healthcare company Randox Health is offering one lucky winner the chance to join AP on its elite team of brand ambassadors, which also includes Olympic Sailor Matt McGovern. The winner of the competition will receive the world’s most advanced personalised health check – the Randox Health Signature Programme, as well as tickets to the Randox Health Grand National 2018, and an iPad Pro.
Via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, entrants have to submit a photograph and accompanying text to tell the world’s greatest jockey why they want to #FeelLikeAP and enjoy a healthier future.
AP McCoy has encouraged others to start thinking about their health and commented;
“I’m delighted to be involved with such a positive campaign, asking people to think about their health and why it is so important to them, and to take preventive action to secure it. The information I got from my Randox Health check showed I was on the path to getting diabetes and needed to address low calcium levels and malnutrition among other things which could – if left untreated – have been big problems. But I can take action now to prevent this.
“Some people may be inclined to wait until you feel ill before going to the doctor but it’s better to do what you can to prevent it from happening, if you can.”
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, launched the new health campaign by saying;
“AP McCoy has a special place in the hearts of millions of people across the world – those who shared his passion and were inspired by his commitment and drive. By spreading the Randox message of preventive health, he is giving back to those supporters by giving them the tools to live not just a long life but a healthy one too.
“Right across society, too many people suffer from preventable illnesses, and almost a quarter of all deaths under 75 in the UK are avoidable. The solution is to reduce the risk of becoming ill and we achieve that through preventive health. It’s no longer enough sto say you’re healthy today. The diagnostics exist and are being used in our Randox Health clinics to tell you how to be healthy in the future as well.
“This is not just a competition we are launching with AP, but a nationwide campaign which I hope will create a sea-change in how we view our health.”
To enter the #FeelLikeAP competition and be in with a chance to join AP as a Randox Health brand ambassador, win a Randox Health Signature Programme, 2 tickets to the Randox Health Grand National 2017, and an iPad Pro, you must:
- follow Randox Health on either Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
- upload a photo
- tell AP and Randox Health why your future health matters to you. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #FeelLikeAP.
More information about the #FeelLikeAP competition visit http://www.randox.com/feel-like-ap-mccoy/
For more information about Randox Health please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Randox success celebrated at community Farmers’ Breakfast
This weekend we held our annual Farmers’ Breakfast, which recognises the continued support we receive from the local community. We brought local farmers, friends and neighbours together to share breakfast in our Randox headquarters in Crumlin, to look back over our organisation’s history, and to look forward to our future.
Seventy local Antrim and Crumlin residents attended the event on Saturday 4th February, during which breakfast was provided by Big Occasions Catering, based in Antrim near the new Randox Science Park.
The Randox Science Park’s £161 million investment, with 540 new jobs, will enhance Randox’s R&D and manufacturing operations, increasing global competitiveness.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“The annual Randox Farmers’ Breakfast has become a highlight in our events calendar and every year is enjoyed by farmers, friends and neighbours in the area. Whilst a global company, Randox is rooted in the local community and we believe it is important to show our appreciation each year for the support we have received. This year, as we look to the future, and in particular to our first year of sponsorship of the Randox Health Grand National in April, we are delighted to share this event with those who are closest to us. A hearty breakfast, in the beautiful South Antrim countryside, provides a great platform to build and sustain friendships.”
For more information about the Randox Farmers’ Breakfast please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Tantalising first images of 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy released
For the first time in the Grand National’s history a new trophy will be designed every year during the sponsorship with the global diagnostics company Randox Health. The first of the five new trophies will be unveiled at the highly anticipated Weights Evening Reception on Tuesday 14th February.
Today marks the final step of the 2017 trophy design, with its hallmarking at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, in the City of London, which has been hallmarking precious metals for over 700 years. This concluding stage in the design of the trophy has enabled its sponsor to release to the public for the first time some tantalising teaser pictures of what will be presented to the 2017 Randox Health Grand National winner.
In advance of the annual Weights Reception, over the next 14 days a series of images from the trophy will be released before the grand unveiling at the Victoria and Albert in London.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, commented;
“Given that the Randox Health Grand National is such an iconic event it is fitting that each winner will receive an inimitable trophy; their own unique piece of history. To win this event, given the demanding nature of the course and the quality of the competition, requires preparation, stamina, skill and teamwork of the very highest standard. There is no other race in the world like this and we want to ensure the winner’s trophy, which will change each year, reflects the status of the achievement.”
The trophy has been created at workshops at the magnificent Burghley House in Stamford by Silversmith Shannon O’Neill, who described the silver 2017 trophy as an ornate work of art, laced with images depicting the speed, agility and excitement of jump racing, and decorated with a red stone.
Shannon commented;
“I’m incredibly honoured to have been given the opportunity to design and create a piece of art as important as the trophy for the Randox Health Grand National. Meeting the Randox requirement has been an exciting challenge – the brief was ambitious and we’re all delighted with the final outcome. That this is a unique piece makes it even more special. I look forward to its unveil in February and additionally to seeing the next four trophy designs over the coming years.”
Additionally, for the first time in history, each member of the winning team, made up of owner, trainer, jockey and groom will receive their own version of the trophy, a decision about which Ed Chamberlin, Lead Racing Presenter for ITV is delighted;
“Nothing comes close to the immense amount of passion, dedication, and teamwork that goes in to preparing for these big races, and for the biggest race of all, the Randox Health Grand National. From the stable staff in the yard to the punter at the bookies, the jockey training for the race of his life to the ground staff tending to the racecourse and the fences, in racing everyone has a very important role to play, whether that’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes. So I’m thrilled that Randox Health is paying tribute to the fact that the contributions of each member of the winning team are equally important.”
He added;
“For ITV it’s exciting to have an ambitious and innovative partner in the form of Randox Health for the world’s greatest race. Everything we do as racing broadcaster is about making the sport much more accessible and engaging with the public, and the revamping of the Randox Health Grand National trophy with this fun, teasing roll-out is a perfect launch for this.”
For more information about Randox Health please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Visit the Randox Teoranta Open Morning to find out what you will do in 2017
This Christmas we are issuing a challenge to life scientists, engineers, software developers and software testers.
As we celebrate the achievements of our team at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, Donegal during 2016, we are asking potential employees, “What will you do in 2017?”
Our team of scientists, engineers, software developers and software testers at Randox Teoranta work in state-of-the-art facilities on pioneering research, developing innovative and revolutionary technologies that save lives, through earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
In 2016:
- Tara’s scientific team developed a revolutionary test for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Darren engineered new technologies with the ability to detect disease and save lives.
- Maryrose’s team designed drugs testing software to be used by police officers in criminal investigations.
And in 2017 our team will continue to work on cutting-edge research for key health issues including kidney disease, thyroid disease and gastro intestinal disorders.
What will you do in 2017?
If you want to truly make a difference to global healthcare in a team of the best and brightest scientists, engineers, software developers and testers then join us at the Randox Teoranta Open Morning on Friday 23rd December.
Our world-class research, development and manufacturing site in Dungloe offers unrivalled opportunities for graduates and those with industrial experience within:
- Life Sciences
- Mechanical, Embedded and Medical Device Engineering
- Diagnostics
- Software Development and Software Testing
Ciaran Richardson, Head of R&D at Randox Teoranta, commented;
“Our investment in this facility provides highly-skilled job opportunities for life scientists, engineers and software developers, and with such fantastic career opportunities available there’s real room to establish a world-class career in the thriving biotechnology industry.
“The transformative work we’re doing here in our next-generation science and engineering facility is truly ground-breaking so for those who want an unrivalled, challenging and rewarding career, they need look no further than Randox Teoranta.”
On our Open Morning you will have the opportunity to meet with current Randox members of staff, take a tour of our ultra-modern facilities and ask all the questions you’ve ever wanted to know about Randox Teoranta.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Randox Teoranta Open Morning
Friday 23rd December
09:00 – 11:30
Address: Randox Teoranta, Meenmore, Dungloe, Co. Donegal.
Tel: +353 7495 22600
Email: randoxpr@randox.com
Randox Health launches international roll-out of clinics with official opening in Holywood
The most innovative health clinic in Northern Ireland has been officially opened by the First Minister, the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster, who described Randox Health Holywood as “an example of what belief, commitment and inspiration can achieve.”
With over 34 years’ experience in developing accurate and cutting-edge blood science technology, and an investment of over £225 million in Randox’s patented Biochip, Randox Health brings the world’s most advanced and personalised Health Programme directly to the public. Randox are rolling out additional clinics across the country including in Liverpool and Manchester before the launch of the Randox Health Grand National, and internationally including Dubai and in the USA.
The flagship centre features Randox’s revolutionary ‘Evolution’ blood screening machine, the first of its kind in any Randox Health laboratory. Capable of delivering accurate results from more than 2600 tests an hour including, but not exclusive to, cancer surveillance, fertility, heart, nutritional, digestive and diabetes health. Randox Health technology creates a full body health profile designed to spot illness even before it becomes symptomatic; empowering patients to take preventive action to stay healthy.
The First Minister Arlene Foster said;
“Randox occupies a special place in Northern Ireland. For almost 35 years, it has been a global leader in medical diagnostics. Dr Peter FitzGerald has dedicated himself completely to improving people’s health around the world, and we see the results of that here in this clinic, which I am delighted to open to the public. I fully embrace his philosophy of preventive health and doing what we can to stay healthy, living fuller lives for longer.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald said;
“Right across society, I see too many people struggling with preventable illness. Conditions like Type-2 diabetes, described as the fastest-growing epidemic of our time, are having a catastrophic impact on people’s lives. Cutting our risk of becoming sick is crucial, and the more we know about the state of our body, the better. I believe there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way we look at our health, with an emphasis on protecting it. We’ve developed the latest in blood science technology and using our expertise through these clinics, you can obtain all the information you need to stay well now and throughout your life.”
Make sure to follow Randox Health on Twitter (@RandoxHealth) Facebook (www.facebook.com/RandoxHealth) and Instagram (@randox_health).
For more information about the official opening of our Randox Health Holywood Clinic please contact randoxpr@randox.com
Randox launches Chinese market growth initiative in Shanghai
Following 18 months of extensive market research and infrastructural developments, global healthcare diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has this week launched a new market expansion programme in Shanghai in China, to help develop and strengthen business relationships and increase exports.
To mark the roll out of the initiative, Randox is hosting a conference in Shanghai for its most recently acquired distributor networks, who will benefit from training on Randox’s latest healthcare technologies, designed to facilitate early and accurate diagnosis to improve patient outcomes.
Susan Hammond, Global Product Manager at Randox Laboratories, commented on Randox’s Chinese expansion plans at the company’s Shanghai training conference;
“China is one of our most important markets and we have been exporting our world-class diagnostic products there for over 20 years. With increased output from our innovative R&D programmes, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities, including new facilities at Randox Science Park, we have an increasing range of high quality products, which are in demand in growing and dynamic markets such as China. We are now actively growing our market presence in order to improve our penetration and subsequent support to customers.”
As well as providing education on the latest diagnostic developments to conference attendees, Randox are also hosting over 300 guests at Camerata Ireland Concerts in Shanghai, Beijing and Wuhan over the coming week. Randox are Global Sponsors of Camerata Ireland and are delighted to showcase to Chinese audiences not only the science and innovation that come from our shores, but also the breadth of cultural talent.
Susan continued;
“Our infrastructural changes within the Chinese market have been in planning and development for the last 18 months and we are delighted that our support of the talented Camerata Ireland orchestra on their Chinese tour this month gives us the opportunity to visit key business partners while simultaneously supporting our young musicians in their careers.”
The Camerata Ireland Orchestra, whose joint patrons are Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland and Queen Elizabeth II, begin their tour on the 9th December in Shanghai, when the all-Ireland orchestra will perform a diverse tapestry of classical music, led by Camerata Ireland founder and 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition Winner Barry Douglas.
Barry Douglas, Founder and Artistic Director of Camerata Ireland said;
“Following a successful tour in China last year we are delighted to be back, and it is particularly special for our Solo Flautist Eimear McGeown as this tour marks her Chinese debut. On behalf of everyone in Camerata Ireland I would like to take this opportunity to thank our global sponsor, Randox, without whom our international touring would not be possible. We are delighted to be able to work together across the world to showcase our musical and business talent to a global audience.”
The Camerata Ireland tour of China is as follows: Friday 9th December in The Shanghai Grand Theatre in Shanghai, in the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Bejing on the 10th and for the final installment of their China tour, Camerata Ireland will perform in the Wuhan Qintai Concert Hall in Wuhan.
For more information about the launch of our Chinese market growth initiative, please contact randoxpr@randox.com
