Horse Racing
Bookies backing popular meeting

LEADING bookmaker William Hill is strengthening its racing sponsorship portfolio over the festive period with its first ever partnership at Warwick Racecourse.

The New Year’s Eve fixture, at which all seven races will be sponsored by William Hill, is the most popular jump racing occasion of the year at the Hampton Road racecourse.

The first race is due off at 12.30pm and the gates open at 10.30am.

There will be plenty of entertainment laid on for visitors in addition to seven jump races.

Artists Andrew James and Paul Johnston, who have been on BBC national radio and television, will be performing their eclectic musical blend of piano, vocal, acoustic guitar and Peruvian cajon outside the main grandstand.

For the younger at heart – and all accompanied under 18s are admitted into the racecourse free of charge - there is a circus workshop indoors in the Castle Bar.

Huw Williams, managing director of Warwick Racecourse, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome William Hill for what will be a superb afternoon of sport, and our most popular jump racing day of the year.

“The crowds come out in big numbers every New Year’s Eve, and it brings down the curtain on the year at the racecourse in a memorable way.”

Jennie Prest, William Hill’s PR manager, said: “We are delighted to be ending 2011 on a high by putting our name to a great day’s racing at Warwick Racecourse.

“ It is our first time sponsoring at the racecourse and we are very much looking forward to working with the team there and to a successful race day.”

A special William Hill Fizz admission package is on offer to visitors. Booked in advance for £28, it includes admission to the racecourse, a seafood or meat platter, a glass of Champagne and a racecard, representing a saving of £5.

Tickets, including the William Hill Fizz package (quoting WHNYE), can be booked in advance at www.warwickracecourse.co.uk or by telephone on 0844 579 3013.

Advance adult bookings get a ten per cent reduction on at-the-gate prices - £18 instead of £20. Bookings for the William Hill package close at midnight on Thursday, December 29 and other advance bookings close 24 hours later.