The two day Racing TV Grand Season Opener at Warwick Racecourse (21st and 22nd September) marks the start of the new jumps season at this excellent course, which certainly draws a high level of horses, trainers and jockeys. The first stand at Warwick was built in 1808, and this racecourse is steeped in history as a National Hunt racing or Jump, course with a programme usually of 25 meetings throughout the year. For a detailed history of this popular course then The Wine Tipster highly recommends Chris Pitt’s recently published book, ‘Chandler’s Leap: and other stories from Warwick Racecourse’. Chris is a super guy to have a chat with and previously we have presented together.

Despite being one of the original racecourses planned to hold crowds again post-lockdown, the news of the Government’s decision to restrict large groups further meant changes to Warwick Racecourse’s Pilot Meeting plans for today’s meeting. As a result, after discussions with Public Health England the decision was made to reduce capacity to just under 500 for today’s meeting with owners, an agreed amount of annual members and agreed number in hospitality. Andre Klein, General Manager at Warwick Racecourse and all his team including Clerk of the Course Jane Hedley, Tommy Williams and Charlotte Parkins have worked relentlessly and enthusiastically as ever to have everything in place to trail all the health and safety procedures which have had to be put in place for this very important pilot meeting.

The Wine Tipster is excited to be attending The Racing TV Grand Season Opener Pilot Raceday and will be reading in detail the new Spectator Code of Conduct. He will also be providing tips on social media.

Here are explanations of the two types of National Hunt racing to be seen at the Racing TV Grand Season Opener:

Chase – or Steeplechase originated in Ireland in the 18th Century in which horses ran from church to church over fences and ditches of the countryside. Collectively, Great Britain and Ireland account for over 50% of all jump races worldwide. Chases are run over distances of 2–4 ¹⁄₂ miles (3–7 km) over obstacles called fences that are a minimum of 4 ¹⁄₂ feet (1.4 m) high.

Hurdle – Hurdling involves horses jumping over obstacles called hurdles or flights that are a minimum of 3 ¹⁄₂ feet (1.1 m) high and typically made of flexible panels of brush. They are run over run over distances of 2–3 ¹⁄₂ miles (3–5.5 km) and always include a minimum of 8 hurdles. Hurdle races tend to be faster than Chases as they have lower fence heights and horses can maintain momentum.

To watch the Chase and Hurdle races this meeting, check out the racecards below –

Racecard for Day 1:

Racecard for Day 2:

Racing TV will be showing every race live which you can watch on your TV, tablet, or mobile. 

If you miss any of the action, Racing Replays are available 20 minutes after winners cross the line!

To join in on the race day action, download The Jockey Club App for free, full of exclusive content, digital racecard tips and the chance to win prizes in the Raceday 5 Game. The Wine Tipster is especially excited to see the wonderful Coates & Seely, one of The Jockey Club‘s partners, featured as a prize on the app. The top scorer on the Raceday 5 Game leaderboard can win a bottle of Coates & Seely Rosé NV and potentially £10,000! This beautifully pale pink sparkling wine is made wholly from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes and lees-aged for 2 to 2 ½ years. It has won Coates & Seely numerous awards and is the perfect accompaniment to the races. Definitely worth a go to win a bottle – info and rules here.

The Wine Tipster hopes you have a fantastic Racing TV Grand Season Opener and stay safe this season. Sign up to his blog here and follow him on Social Media here.