All eyes on forecast as Warwick prepares for flat season opener

Although most of the weekend snow had melted by Monday, with temperatures forecast to go down to minus five overnight, officials face a battle to get the meeting on.

Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma reported on Tuesday that the going was heavy, adding: “Although 90 per cent of the snow has now thawed, this has left the track waterlogged in places.

“The forecast is that it will remain cold into the weekend with a chance of a snow flurry on Thursday.”

As well as the racing action, there will be a circus in the course enclosure, with performances throughout the meeting, and live music from rising local musician Matt Bate, who has just been to Barbados to record his debut EP.

“This is our first Bank Holiday race fixture of the year and it promises to be a great day out for all the family,” said general manager Huw Williams.

“Highlights of our new season include Ladies’ Night in May, our Alternative Ascot in June and Gentlemen’s Day in July. It’s a packed calendar, with something for everyone.”

Marco Botti and David Evans had a close battle for the trainers’ title through the winter and Botti’s expanding Newmarket yard looks set for an equally good summer with Moohaajim and former Elite Racing Club group winner Dandino likely to be to the fore.

Monday’s six-race card starts at 2.20pm with the TurfTV Selling Stakes over five furlongs and the highlight is the third, the class 3 Follow Us OnTwitter @WarwickRaces Conditions Stakes. The racinguk.com Handicap over one mile and 22 yards brings the curtain down at 4.50pm.

Adult tickets cost £10 for the course enclosure and £20 for the main enclosure. Children aged 17 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult.