HORSE RACING: ANDRE Klein is General Manager at Warwick Racecourse. In his latest column with the Observer he looks back on the Grand Season Opener.
Last Tuesday, Racing UK’s Grand Season Opener at Warwick took place under perfect blue skies and no doubt the ideal weather and the promise of quality jump racing attracted our largest first day crowd for a very long time, with more than 2,000 people in attendance.
Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come as we try to match the huge 28 per cent increase in attendance we achieved last year.
Dan Skelton, our local leading trainer, was on-hand to open the new Coronation Club and whilst he was there his horses gained him yet another race day double.
No question he is a man to follow at Warwick and at The McCoys Awards, held at Cheltenham last Friday, Paul Nichols, Dan’s former boss and the country’s number one trainer, stated during his acceptance speech that a small wager on Dan taking his crown this year could be worth a small investment at good odds.
A few ears pricked up at that remark, which is essentially a glowing endorsement for the growing reputation of Dan Skelton.
Warwick featured heavily at the gala occasion, which celebrates the best of jump racing in the South West.
Our most significant sense of pride was seeing our track up in lights when the biggest prize of all, Horse of the Season, fell to the Betfred Classic Chase winner One For Arthur, who of course went on to win the Randox Health Grand National.
The connections present on the night re-confirmed their intentions to return to Warwick in 2018 and what an attraction this wonderful horse will be if he makes the line up in our thrilling race in January.
Talking of attractions, in November, we have secured the presence of the outstanding rugby star Mike Tindall as our guest speaker for Business Networking Race Day on Friday, November 10.
Anyone is welcome to purchase a ticket for this event and at £35, for course entry, a hog roast lunch and the company of Mike Tindall, it’s a true value for money offer.
And in racing it’s all about getting a good price and securing value, so I expect to see you there.
For more information about Warwick Racecourse visit warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk
