Warwick Racecourse is encouraging racegoers to bring their four-legged friends with them to the track for a family day-out on its Countryside Race Day fixture.
The family fixture on Sunday, March 8, is also the traditional fundraising day for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, a charity the racecourse has supported by fundraising close to £125,000 over the last four years.
The dog friendly race meeting is expected to attract a good crowd, especially with the entertainment planned.
There are a number of events taking place throughout the day, the highlight of which will be the inaugural Pug Gold cup, a 50-metre dash that is being sponsored by Local Parking Security (LPS).
The Pug Gold Cup will see up to 12 pugs go head-to-head down the finishing straight. Entries for the pug race are being taken in advance and can be made by contacting the racecourse.
All pugs that make the line-up will be subject to health checks from an on-site vet before racing. There is also a Silver Plate race which is open to all breeds, with entries being taken on the day.
The afternoon will also feature a Dog show, with five classes on the programme; Waggiest Tail, Golden Oldie, Rescue Dog, Young Handler and Best Trick. The event is being supported with prizes from Skinner’s Pet Foods.
William Delamore, Sales and Marketing Director at Skinner’s Pet Foods, said: “We are thrilled to be sponsors of Warwick's First Dog Friendly Race Day this year.
“With more people bringing their dogs on days out nowadays, it seems a perfect fit to allow dogs to attend this year’s Countryside Day. We trust it will be great success and enjoyed by all.”
The pooch programme will take place at intervals of seven races on the track throughout the afternoon.
Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance will be hosting a gala luncheon and The Festival™ preview in the Paddock Pavilion, with this fixture taking place just two days before action starts at Cheltenham.
Andre Klein, General Manager of Warwick Racecourse, said:
“We’re always keen to try new things at Warwick Racecourse and make race days as entertaining as possible.
“You often see people at Point to Points with their dogs in tow, so why not at the races?
“The pug race will be a lot of fun for sure and I hope we get a good attendance and that racegoers support the theme, bringing their four-legged friends along and entering them up for one of the show classes.
“The racecourse is proud to be continuing its support of the Air Ambulance for a fifth year and they have got another fantastic event lined up in the Paddock Pavilion.
“We would just ask all dog owners who bring their pets to raceday to please keep them on a lead and ensure they stay well behaved.”
Entries for the Pug Gold Cup are still being accepted, contact the racecourse on 01926 405560 for more information.
Tickets for the Air Ambulance Service Cheltenham Preview gala luncheon cost £80 per person or £750 for a table of ten and include the preview panel, two course meal, afternoon tea and drinks reception.
To book email Jo.Payne@theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 07825 840 150.
Gates open at 12 noon. Advanced tickets for the main enclosure are priced at £14, whilst children under 18 go free with a paying adult.
