Williams bemoans ‘disastrous year’ for Warwick

The writing was on the wall after heavy showers fell the previous afternoon and the latest in a string of cancellations has left managing director Huw Williams with an uphill task to balance the books and meet Jockey Club Racecourse targets.

“It’s been a disastrous year so far,” said Williams. “Our financial forecasts are pretty much shot and we are a long way from meeting expectations.

“We started the year with two fewer meetings in our fixture list and have now lost four of those scheduled, none of which will be replaced.

“When we have raced, attendances have been down because of the weather forecasts or conditions on the day, with the crowd for our biggest meeting of the year on Easter Monday 2,500 lower than expected.”

There is now a break in fixtures until August 22 when former UB40 frontman Ali Campbell will be in concert after racing.

This is quickly followed by the Bank Holiday Monday meeting, another that usually attracts a big family crowd, and Williams is in no doubt about their importance.

He said: “August is now building up to be a big month for us and we are hoping for around 8,000 people at the two meetings.

“While we are taking action to try to save money to help with the budget, we can’t replace the income we have lost already and really need the weather in August to be sunny and dry.”

Tickets for the Ali Campbell night, which start from £25, can be booked on 08445 793013.