HEREFORD Racecourse are hoping to draw in the punters for their opening meet of the season next month.

The third annual Cider & Sausage Race Day will take place on Tuesday, October 15.

Last year’s event attracted nearly 2,000 horseracing fans and the aim is to grow the local sporting event.

Executive Director at Hereford Racing & Events, Rebecca Davies said: "Racegoers eagerly anticipate the opening day, as we do, and we can usually expect horses from across the UK. "However, we also want to attract local people new to horse racing; to have a flutter, maybe - and see their own favourite across the finish line. It’s probably the best thing you can do on a Tuesday! ”

Butchers, farm shops and other producers are being invited to create a new sausage to mark the occasion and to give a taste of the buzz and excitement that always comes with opening day of the season.

Anyone from Herefordshire and the surrounding counties can participate.

Davies added: “They can be pork, beef or vegetarian, traditional or nouveau, big and fat or shaped like a horse shoe … so long as they sizzle! "Our event sponsor is Sri Lanka – the country – so maybe exotic spices are used? Or a fine local cider? We want local racegoers to enjoy the thrill of race day, whilst also supporting cider makers and sausage producers from this wonderful region.”

The Paddock Pavilion will play host to a variety of local cider producers and sausage makers offering free samples or tasting sessions and racegoers will be able to vote for their favourites, with results being posted to social media.

Ciders and sausages will be available for purchase to take home at the end of the day and the racecourse’s own swing grill will also be in action all afternoon."

Gates will open for the third annual Cider & Sausage Race Day at 12 noon, with the first race off at 2pm and the last race of seven at 5.15pm. Tickets bought in advance start at £15 and cost £18 on the day. Concessions are £16 on the day (only) and under 18’s get in free.

More information at www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk where you can purchase advance tickets, or by calling (01432) 273 560.

Traders and exhibitors interested in attending can contact Mandi Doyle or Guy Boardman at The M Partnership on (01584) 881 651.

Hereford Racecourse are starting their season of events with a 'From Start to Finish' evening on October 3, starting at 7.30pm.

Champion Jockey Richard Johnson, Grand National winning trainer Oliver Sherwood, top Jockeys’ Agent Chris Broad and leading Jockeys’ Valet Chris Maude will all be in attendance.

In Partnership with Waitrose Hereford, this will be a fun and entertaining evening with four leading jump racing personalities regaling racing tales from past to present.

Tickets are priced at £25 and must be booked in advance.