REBECCA Davies looks towards the return of jump racing in Hereford.

Since the announcement earlier this year that jump racing would return to Hereford at the beginning of this year, the team have been working tirelessly to ensure that the site is ready for our reopening next Thursday.

I joined Hereford Racecourse as executive director in June following 17 years at Cheltenham Racecourse.

My passion for jump racing, along with the overwhelmingly positive feedback and enthusiasm for our reopening from literally everyone I have come into contact with, makes me feel hugely honoured to be leading the racecourse’s reopening.

The level of interest has been huge.

We sold out of our restaurant and private boxes a few weeks ago and advance ticket sales are strong.

We’re delighted that Bet365 have agreed to sponsor our historic reopening fixture and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Hereford for our historic reopening.

Local companies have been fantastic in their support, with Kidwells Solicitors, Cotswold MINI and The Verzon Hotel already joining as commercial partners.

I’d like to thank them for their early support and look forward to unveiling some exciting initiatives with them over the next few weeks.

I am particularly proud of what we will be offering stable staff this season thanks to Chase Vodka and their tasty Fit Popcorn.

The nine steeplechase fences are in place.

Significant investment has been made in the facilities, with considerable refurbishment of the facilities.

We have renamed our main restaurant ‘The Rusty Bridge Restaurant’ in honour of Herefordshire based champion jockey Richard Johnson.

Richard and his family have been tremendous supporters of Hereford and Rusty Bridge was his first ever winner, ridden at Hereford in 1994.

Richard is the epitome of a professional sportsman and you could not wish to meet a more happy, humble or helpful sportsman.

He deserves every success that has come his way through hard graft and we were delighted when we agreed to us renaming the restaurant in his honour.

All of us at Hereford and Arena Racing Company are looking forward to welcoming racegoers back to the Racecourse.

I would also like to thank everyone that has taken the time to contact us with good wishes for our reopening, particularly the local community.

As a welcome back present from us, the first 2016 tickets bought in advance online will receive a drink on us, so log on to hereford-racecourse.co.uk to secure yours now.