HORSE RACING: ANDRE Klein is general manager at Warwick Racecourse. In his latest column with the Observer he looks at the recent improvements to the racecourse.
It seems like an eternity since we first sketched plans for the new public entrance at the racecourse.
After months of planning, we finally got underway six weeks ago and by the Classic Chase fixture on Saturday, January 13, we should be welcoming our patrons through a set of turnstiles we can be proud of.
Hopefully the impressive new façade will encourage more people to sample the delights of what lies beyond, because those that have been to the racecourse know what a great experience it can be.
December is a busy month for us. We have two fixtures, the first is our Christmas at the Races meeting on Thursday, December 14. We then race again on the last day of the year, Sunday, December 31, at our incredibly popular New Year’s Eve Meeting, where we hope to attract a capacity attendance.
Just letting you know now, we could sell out, so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
I love both these events. They are colourful, fun, entertaining days at the track with a wonderful atmosphere. If you are looking for an easy-going social day out with friends, family or colleagues then I can highly recommend them both. Racing wise, I have been impressed by quite a few horses we have seen jumping around our course since the season began and although Sceau Royal, who has won twice at Warwick since the season commenced is a personal favourite, I don’t think he will be winning at The Festival, where he is best priced 20-1 for the Arkle Chase.
I’ve just got a feeling there may be a few better than him, but of course, we will be keeping our fingers crossed. His trainer, Alan King is one of the best trainers in the land, so it was so pleasing to read a quote by him in our industry paper the Racing Post, that he loves coming to Warwick.
We do our best and it’s nice that someone with the profile of Alan King likes what we do! Finally, if you are coming along to the Christmas meeting, wear a Christmas jumper. As a bit of fun we are running a competition for anyone who makes the effort.
Lots of prizes to be given away. Just a bit of side attraction to the quality jumpers on the track.
