Racecourse prepares for flat season opener

Newbury Racecourse will host a celebration of emergency services on Saturday as part of the Dubai Duty Free Weekend

NEWBURY Racecourse will open its flat season with a celebration of emergency services.

The event, on Saturday, April 16, will be held as part of the Dubai Duty Free Weekend on April 15 and 16.

During the emergency services day, there will be representatives from the police, ambulance, fire service and the mounted police section.

There will be demonstrations and interactive displays which will showcase the work of each section and include the Thames Valley Police's mounted horse section, ambulances, fire engines, police cars and specialist search and rescue units.

Taking centre stage the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance will be on site for racegoers to see, with funds raised from the day being donated to this service.

Plenty of family entertainment will also feature including special guest appearances throughout the day from children's character Fireman Sam as well as the Newbury Racecourse mascot Harry the Horse.

There will be free entry to the races on April 15 and other tickets, which start from £15, can be bought by visiting the racecourse website, which can be accessed by clicking the link below, or telephoning 01635 40015.