Season winds up but not long to wait for next

1:24pm Friday 25th April 2008

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WHEN Paul Nicholls is crowned Champion jumps trainer for the third time in a row on Saturday, it will be after accumulating more prize-money than his equivalent on the Flat has done for years.

More than £3.5 million has been won by his horses – a demonstration not only of how well he trains, but also of the rude health of National Hunt racing at present.

The ‘winter game’ certainly doesn’t play second fiddle to the summer sport any longer.

Herefordshire’s Venetia Williams is the ‘leading lady’ of jump racing once again, comfortably finishing in the top 10 training yards.

The highlight of the last few weeks has been the form of Stan who, after winning the Grade 3 Red Rum Chase at Aintree, went on last week to record victory in a Grade 2 chase at Cheltenham, making him the highest paid earner in the Kings Caple yard this term.

Stable mate Flintoff also rounded off his season with credit, finishing third in the Scottish Grand National at the weekend.

Less than 24 hours after the 2007/8 jumps season ends, the 2008/9 one begins!

And it isn’t long before there’s action at Hereford Racecourse - Thursday, May 1 to be exact when it’s Wye Valley Brewery raceday. As one of the major sponsors at the racecourse, the local brewery’s name is associated with six of the races.

The day could see another run for racecourse regular Tyup Pompey, a winner at Ludlow Races earlier this month, for owner/trainer Ann Price, a very hard-working lady in jump racing and one who deserves every success.

The May 1 fixture is the start of a series of interesting – and varying kinds of – racing days over the spring and summer.

The major meeting of the year is on Sunday, June 22 – Ladies’ Day which this year is supported by Heros Racehorse Rehoming.

During the summer break in thoroughbred racing, there are two Arabian Racing days – on Saturday, June 28 and Saturday, August 2 – while the first ever harness racing at Hereford will be held on Sunday, July 13.

*The first race at Hereford Racecourse on Thursday, May 1 is scheduled for 2.25pm. Grandstand admission is £14. Accompanied children aged under 16 enter free of charge. More information can be found on web site www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk or by telephoning the racecourse on 01432 273560.