Sense of occasion as Warwick puts on its Ladies’ Day

Operations and marketing manager Melissa Stark is looking forward to this afternoon, saying: “Last year was the first time that we had held a Ladies’ Day and it was such a success that it is returning for what promises to be an even bigger occasion”.

“We’re delighted Channel 4 presenter Emma Spencer will be our host in the ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ marquee as she will bring her racing expertise and sense of fashion and style to the meeting.”

After work to realign the sprint course was given the thumbs-up by jockeys during a recent trial, trainers showed their confidence in racing resuming by making 189 entries. Safety limits restrict the number that can run but, with 77 due to line up over the seven races, there will be no shortage of excitement.

The action gets underway with the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over six furlongs at 2.10pm and, of those that have run, Pastoral Girl sets the standard after her bold showing behind Anthem Alexander at Royal Ascot. Mary McPhee may be the best of the opposition.

Next up is the Ardencote Manor Hotel, Country Club & Spa Maiden Auction Stakes, in which Epsom-trained Fine Prince has shown promise on his four starts. Paco’s Dream raced wide of the field at Lingfield last time out and may improve enough to take this.

See The Storm, trained near Alvechurch by Ian Williams, heads the weights for the Midshires Business Systems - Office Technology Handicap after a recent Chepstow win. Borough Boy has yet to win on turf, so the vote goes Spiraea, who will have the considerable assistance of Graham Lee in the saddle.

Richard Hannon has chosen Biography from his three entries in the feature £10,000 class 4 Wigley Group Handicap (Bobis Race) (Jockey Club Grassroots Flat Sprint Series Qualifier) and he shares top weight with Saakhen from the red-hot Richard Fahey stable.

Saakhen was disappointing at Bath and the consistent Don’t Have It Then may be the one to be on.

The trip is five furlongs for the Ricoh - Image Change - Use Midshires Nursery Handicap and, in a race where nothing makes much appeal, Foxtrot Knight is a tentative selection.

The smallest field of the afternoon lines up for the racinguk.com Median Auction Maiden Stakes and Eleusis can build on a promising first run at Great Yarmouth for Newmarket trainer Chris Wall.

The Nasmyth 10th Anniversary Handicap brings racing to a close and Orient Class could defy another rise in the weights after winning well at Musselburgh.

As well as seven races, Ladies’ Day will feature a shopping village, fashion shows, outdoor cocktail bars and live music from Warwick Racecourse regular Andrew James.

The gates will open at 12.10pm and standard admission is £13.50 for adults with accompanied children 17 and under admitted free.