Gates open on Saturday at 16.30. First race starts at 17.30 and the last race is due to start at 21.30. For more details and ticketing information please contact the racecourse on 01902 390000. See further details at the bottom of the page..

Despite the alterations this weekend fixture will involve the most competitive racing!

The race schedule for Wolverhampton has had to be altered due to lack of entries for some of the feature races (3YO, 4YO, STAGBI Mares, FFA and 6 Furlong). In order to accommodate the racing and those that have supported the fixture, it has been necessary to allow race splits where possible for owner, trainer & driver. Despite the alterations the weekend fixture will make for the most competitive racing.

There are 8 races on the card on Saturday with 76 horses competing for a share of a massive £8,430 in prize money:

Race 1: Wolverhampton Maiden Pace
Race 2: Wolverhampton Maiden and Novice Handicap
Race 3: Wolverhampton Grade 1 Pace
Race 4: Malcolm Ali Memorial Silver Le Trot (1m440y)
Race 5: Wolverhampton Grade 1 to 3 OPH
Race 6: Wolverhampton Grade 4 & 5 OPH
Race 7: Wolverhampton Grade 6 to 8 OPH
Race 8: Malcolm Ali Memorial Gold Le Trot (1m440y)

On Sunday there are 7 more races and 59 horses chasing £8,625 prize money.

Race 1: Wolverhampton Maiden and Novice Handicap
Race 2: Wolverhampton Maiden and Novice Handicap
Race 3: Wolverhampton Grade 1 OPH
Race 4: Marie-Anh Le Trot
Race 5: Wolverhampton Grade 4 to 9 OPH
Race 6: Hippodrome D'Amiens Le Trot
Race 7: Standardbred Sale Co Battle Of The Big Guns

Big screen to aid the race-going experience!

There will be a Big Screen this year and it will be an excellent aid to the race-going experience. The organisers listened to the views of people last year regarding visible presentation, and in response implemented this feature at a cost of £1950 + VAT for each of the two days. Those of us who crave progress must understand that it comes at a cost. Furthermore, our commentator Darren Owen sensibly suggests the inside running rail should be removed from the back straight to give a clearer view and we hope this request is noted then heeded. After the races on Saturday there will be a late bar and entertainment.

Thanks!

There are lots of people to thank regarding this weekend fixture, they include Shane and Claire Fletcher, the sponsors and the connections of all horses that have entered to race. Also our  sincere thanks to the stewards and helpers who give their time for free, without them the sport could not function.

Can this equine pageant be sustained in future seasons?

The Racing Horse hopes this equine pageant, in concert with these fantastic facilities, can be sustained in future seasons. To lose it would be a heavy blow to our sport so this effort must be cherished. The promoters sincerely hope that the fixture will be widely supported by spectators, from within the sport as well as newcomers. In UK terms the venue is central and easily accessible...

So who should we look out for? 

Speaking to Huw Evans (Tregaron Trotting Club Chairman) today he said: "Looking forward to two days good racing at an excellent venue - well done the team for putting it on as I believe they have had a few problems." The Racing Horse echoes those comments. When asked about his horses he told us: "We are taking seven horses in total but best chances will be on Sunday. McCoy runs his first race of the season but is in a very competitive race with Shades of Grey a past winner here being my pick. The Big Guns Second Leg is quite an open affair especially with the absence of Stoneriggs Mystery, so will go with Saunders Mach 3 to score for the first time this year."

He continued: "Tenor Meslois has drawn the 1 hole, which although not a massive advantage on a big track like Wolverhampton it will mean he can get away in front and he seems to enjoy that way of racing so will hopefully put up a good show."

Handling the slower track conditions is key and this aspect will determine many results but when looking for other winners Sportstrick is an obvious choice - unbeaten in three this season including an easy victory in Appleby. Another Appleby winner Lyons Mischief will feature strongly and Huw’s live outsider would be Ffairrhoshillbilly who ran a tremendous race here last year. Llwyns Delight (easy winner in Tregaron) and Lyons Starlight (badly hampered at Appleby ) would be others to consider.

We are expecting 10 bookmakers to be in attendance and that will add to proceedings. It is also hoped that Marie-Anh Swartz from Le Trot International will travel over but there are travel problems in France at the moment.

If our readers have any information that might be useful please post to: paulmoon@theracinghorse.co.uk so that we can include in this piece.

4 June 2016