Warwick Racecourse celebrate local heroes in the run up to today’s Proudly Warwick Raceday

They started with Jay from the local Post Office, an unsung hero and familiar face to so many in the local community, followed on by a visit to Warwick District Hospitality business of the year, The Chip Shed renowned for their award-winning Fish and Chips. Next saw a check-in at Torry’s D.I.Y supplies for any last-minute bits and bobs they needed ahead of the raceday.

Racecourse General Manager Andre Klein said, “He is a true local hero that gets involved in a range of projects including supporting Evelyn’s Gift formed by Helen Smith in memory of her daughter Evelyn.”

Next, a coffee at Market Place Pantry, and to round up their tour of local businesses, Operations Executive Thomas Williams took his family to the only sports shop in Warwick, for whom business is booming.

A range of local businesses are exhibiting at today’s Proudly Warwick raceday, and the day is set to celebrate the town’s rich heritage and local area. With over £100,000 on offer in prizemoney the quality of racing is fit for a celebration of the town. Last on today’s card is The Pertemps Network Jockey Club Challenge Charity Race in aid of Your Local Air Ambulance. £15,000 has been raised so far by 11 riders, who include former point to point rider and Racing Manager Camilla Cotton. Camilla works for Olly Murphy who trains her mount Oskemen.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to ride in the Jockey Club Challenge Charity Race at Warwick Racecourse on Wednesday 22nd May. The charity I shall be fundraising for is the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire air ambulance which is a charity very close to my heart.

“The work of the Air Ambulance is a vital service to rural communities and I am proud to be able to raise money for such a great cause whilst doing something I love.”

Olly also trains Nice to Sea, the mount of Rebecca Crosse, wife of national hunt jockey David in the race, with Dan Skelton, Oliver Sherwood and Dr Richard Newland represented. Other riders who have been fundraising and training for today’s race include Harriet Edmunds, daughter of trainer Stuart; GP and Racecourse Doctor Laura Davies; and Travelling Head ass Amy Deans who rides Rayvin Black on his final race before retirement.

Warwick also launch historian Chris Pitt’s new book ‘Chandlers Leap: and other stories from Warwick Racecourse’, recalling the human and equine celebrities and tells of the unusual, unique and colourful events to have taken place there.

Reflecting on the book General Manager Andre Klein said

“More than 300 years have passed since Lord Brooke, residing in Warwick Castle, donated £15 “towards making a horse race” to be run at Warwick on 16th September 1707.

“The three centuries since then have seen many great horses gallop over its greensward, partnered by the finest of jockeys. The racecourse has also been the venue for a plethora of non-racing activities, ranging from bare-knuckle boxing contests to military parades.

“The racecourse has endured its share of scandal including being on the receiving end of criticism from the clergy, the commoners and the Temperance Movement. It has suffered enough financial crises and disputes to threaten the course’s very existence. Yet it has survived all of that to emerge stronger than ever.”

Warwick team members are hosting ‘horses for courses’ tours today to learn more about the racecourse and the town, making the day truly local community event.