Hereford’s Season Re-opener Cider & Sausage Raceday earlier this week got off to a tremendous start when Champion Jockey Richard Johnson rode his 100th winner of the season.

Coming to the meeting on the 99 winner mark with six rides, racegoers didn’t have to wait long until he booted home Arty Campbell in the first race to notch his maiden century of the season.

It was fitting for Johnson that he achieved the landmark at his local track with parents Sue and Keith and brother Nick there to share in the special moment.

Johnson won’t be going thirsty soon as he won his height in Westons Cider to celebrate the milestone, taking home no less than eight trays of Herefordshire’s finest tipple!

It was encouraging to hear so many positive comments about improvements that have been made at the racecourse over the summer.

Whilst more can always be done, a number of small projects have been undertaken to improve the customer experience on racedays.

Our next fixture sees the official opening of The Major, a new outdoor bar prominently positioned overlooking the finishing straight, whilst other enhancements include refurbished and increased capacity of toilet facilities and a new presentation podium designed and built by former Jump jockey Tony Evans and his company www.equestrianprojects.co.uk

New menus in the popular Rusty Bridge restaurant and hospitality boxes were created over the summer by new Head Chef John Williams and they proved very popular. Why not treat yourself to a VIP day in the restaurant where you’re assured of a friendly welcome and warm hospitality as you enjoy a three course lunch and table base for the day.

Monday, November 5 is the next fixture, Locals Raceday, when anybody with an HR postcode can apply online at www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk in advance for two for one tickets.

We race again then on November 13, before the inaugural Countryside Raceday on November 28 when there will be plenty of entertainment. Start your Christmas Shopping with our heated Shopping Marquee after taking in various countryside themed entertainment before racing including the hilarious Quack Pack, a demonstration from Retraining of Racehorses and displaying of vintage tractors and Birds of Prey amongst other things.

All roads then lead to our busiest raceday of the season, Christmas Jumper raceday on Saturday, December 15 when there will be plenty of fun and festive cheer.

www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk.