HARNESS racing returns to Bitterley in front of spectators for the first time in more than a year next weekend.

Having held meetings behind closed doors in recent weeks, the Ludlow Trotting Association will welcome a crowd back for the fixture at Asbatch Farm on Saturday, July 10.

The feature race on the card, the Free For All, has been awarded a prize money bonus from STAGBI, the breed society, so competition will be fierce as the stars of the circuit, who had to miss the 2020 season, do battle and make up for lost time.

The popular meeting also boasts the first Saddle race of the season, and has been eagerly anticipated.

Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait, a trot or a pace, usually pulling a two-wheeled cart, called a sulky, which is occupied by a driver.

There will be a bar, bookmakers and catering, although social distancing is still required. Track and trace details will be gathered at the entrance.

Racing begins at 1.30pm, and entrance to the track is £8 per person to include a racecard, with under-16s and car parking free.

The Ludlow Trotting Association track is situated right on the side of the A4117 Kidderminster road, near the junction with the A49.