A celebration of Warwick and the history of Warwick Racecourse represents the final instalment of the popular May Racing Carnival. 

The Proudly Warwick Celebration Day on Thursday, May 25 will close a highly-successful 2016/17 season at the racecourse, and is also the final fixture of the campaign for the South-West region of the Jockey Club, which Warwick is part of and also includes Cheltenham, Exeter and Wincanton.

Each of the seven races will carry a new race name associated to the history of Warwick Racecourse, and prize money has been substantially increased to help attract some of the best horses and riders in the country to the finale.

The Carnival Chase - sponsored by The Wigley Group - is the new feature race of the May Racing Carnival and will carry prize money of £30,000.

A Jockey Club Challenge Charity Race, which features Jockey Club employees take to the saddle to raise money for the Air Ambulance Service is also returning for a second year. The inaugural race raised more than £20,000 for the charity last year.

The second annual May Racing Carnival has already seen big crowds for the Kids Carnival Day and the Think Pink Ladies Night, and more of the same is anticipated for the Proudly Warwick Celebration Day, which will also feature live music to welcome the crowd.

General Manager Andre Klein said: “We have high hopes to establish the Proudly Warwick Celebration Day as one of our top fixtures in the racing calendar.

“As the name suggests, this raceday highlights all that is great about Warwick, and of horse racing over the years at this fine racecourse.

“We’ve upped prize money across the programme by close to £30,000 and we hope to end the season at Warwick on a big high.

“I’ve been extremely buoyed by the continuing growing support of local residents and businesses towards the racecourse this season.

“We were delighted Warwick was recognised as having the biggest like-for-like growth in attendances of any racecourse in the country in 2016, and while it’s difficult to sustain growth on this level in the long-term, we’ve been extremely encouraged by the way this season has gone.

“A lot of local businesses are coming along on May 25 and we look forward to celebrating the day together with everyone that can join us.

“I’d like to thank everyone that has contributed to the success at Warwick Racecourse over the last 12 months and for those who are unable to be here for the Proudly Warwick Celebration Day we hope to see you at the races again from September.”

Leading commercial property, investment and construction company, The Wigley Group will be among the businesses at the raceday as new sponsor of The Carnival Chase.

James Davies, director at The Wigley Group, said: “The Wigley Group is proud to support Warwick Racecourse and its ambitions to be recognised as one of the UK’s premier jumps courses.

“Having operated in Warwickshire for the last 50 years, we are delighted to be part of the season finale which celebrates the county and raises funds for our local Air Ambulance Service.”

A Proudly Warwick Celebration Luncheon is being hosted in the Paddock Pavilion, and includes a sit down meal, tipping session and magic performance with Jester Styles. Tickets are on sale from £85 at www.warwickracecourse.co.uk.

Advance tickets, starting from £12.50 when booked before midnight on May 19, are also available from the website.