HEREFORDSHIRE trainer Michael Scudamore has urged people to turn up in their droves to ensure Hereford Racecourse will never close again after it was confirmed it will reopen in October.

Lease holders Arena Racing Company (ARC) revealed last week that the first meeting will take place on Thursday, October 6, with other meetings scheduled for Monday, October 31, Wednesday, November 23 and Monday, December 19.

It will be the first time that jump racing under rules will have taken place in Hereford for four years,

Many of Scudamore's family have either trained or ridden winners in the city and he is hopeful of being at the first meeting.

"We have seen the dangers of what may happen if people don't turn up; racing here has always been an integral part of Hereford and hopefully more and more people will turn up and support it," said Scudamore, who trains his horses in Bromsash, near Ross-on-Wye. and had a look at the course this week.

"It was great to be back there and that it will be back open in October.

"All being well, I will be there and it's been highlighted in the diary.

"I think, after the best part of four years of being shut, there was a worry if it would ever come back, and, now it has, I'm really looking forward to the first meeting in October and hopefully go back there with a few runners.

"It's a course that means a lot to our family, going all the way back to my great-grandfather, who trained winners around there.

"Just about every generation has been involved in winners and hopefully we'll have a few more.

"It's great for the city, especially with the football back up and running now and doing really well.

"That is obviously being heavily supported and hopefully the racecourse will be the same and there will be plenty of people turning up through the turnstile and supporting a lovely local course."

Leading jockey Richard Johnson, who is from near Pembridge, had his first ever winner at Hereford when Rusty Bridge stormed to victory in 1994.

The 40-year-old now has 3,000 jump winners following success at Ascot last Saturday.

"It's fantastic news, because we were all disappointed we we lost it in 2012," said Johnson.

"It's a shame for it not to be used and the whole of the racing world has come out to support it and delighted that it's reopening.

"I had my first winner there and it has always been a very good race course for me.

"There are no sharp bends and is a fair track.

"It's good for novice and young horses because it's a step on the ladder.

"I've always enjoyed racing there because it's a good course and creates a good atmosphere."

Herefordshire Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for contracts and assets, said he was delighted that racing will return to Hereford.

"It is a central part of the local community and will have a beneficial effect on the local area," said Cllr Bramer.

"In recent months we have positively engaged with ARC and welcome the investment it is making to bring racing back to the city.

"We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with ARC for the benefit of the county.”

The last race in 2012 was won by Alain Cawley, who rode Seymour Eric to victory in the Thermolast Handicap Hurdle.

And Cawley was celebrating last Saturday when he rode Dare Me to victory in the Bet365 Handicap Steeple Chase.

The horse is trained by Herefordshire's Venetia Williams, who is part of syndicate that includes county women Charmaine Boultbee-Brooks, Julie Reynolds, Sarah Chase and Debbie Holbrook.

Dare Me, which was bought by Williams three years ago, has enjoyed some great races, with his last win prior to Ascot coming at Warwick in 2014.

He was due to ride in the Welsh National, but the first meeting was postponed and he was not fit enough to compete in the rearranged fixture.

Dare Me fought off the challenge of Royal Regatta, ridden by Johnson, to claim the win and a £43,000 winner's purse.

Benny's Mist, also owned by Williams, came in third.