VIDEO - Racing season begins at Thirsk Racecourse today

An exciting 17-day season for Thirsk gets underway on today with three £15,000 races on a seven-race card.

The ebfstallions.com Michael Foster Conditions Stakes, commemorates a former Thirsk chairman and is always a competitive event. It is also a regular early season target for top trainer Richard Fahey.

The Musley Bank handler has an interesting record in the race in recent years, having saddled either the winner or the runner-up in each of the last six seasons in the perfect sequence of 212121 since 2012.

Rene Mathis, the runner-up in 2016 went one better last year for the Fahey stable and if the sequence continues expect him to have the runner-up in Saturday’s seven furlong race!

The JW 4x4 Northallerton Handicap should be another competitive contest over a mile and a half, while the sprinters will be on show for another £15,000 prize in the five furlong Watch Racing UK In Stunning HD Handicap.

Off the track, the on-going project of the new Owners and Trainers Suite with its head-on views of the action is expected to be completed this year, adding to the recent developments which have completely upgraded the facilities at the course.

This weekend, there will be live music throughout the day supplied by Rockin’ Deke Rivers, who will be playing before racing and between races throughout the afternoon, while there will be lots for younger racegoers to enjoy, including a bouncy castle, in the Family Enclosure.

VIDEO - Opening meet at Thirsk Racecourse:

The sun is shining and we are just 1 day away from Opening Meet. Are you #ThirskReady? #ThirskRaces pic.twitter.com/rvRJnuBoR9

— Thirsk Racecourse (@ThirskRaces) April 20, 2018

Entry to the Premier Enclosure costs £27 (£24 if booked online ahead of the day), while Paddock admission can be obtained for £17 (£15 online). There are also great reductions for group bookings while, as always, adult accompanied children under 18 get in free. For more information go to www.thirskracecourse.net.

Gates open at 11am ahead of the first race at 1.55pm.

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