Warwick racecourse to welcome Doolittle and a talking pig

On Tuesday, there is a seven-race card starting at 5pm, which will be followed by an open-air concert by Eliza Doolittle, who burst on to the music scene with the hit song Pack Up and has been developing her live act to go alongside her recordings.

She started touring in February and is one of an increasing number of live singers and bands to appear on racecourses during the summer months.

The highlight of the equine action is the Racing UK Nursery over five furlongs due off at 7pm. This is confined to two-year-olds and should be a speedy event over the sharp sprint track. In the past, a low draw on the inside has been the best starting position, but plenty of winners have coming up the centre of the course this season.

Warwick managing director Huw Williams is looking forward to the evening.

“This event is the first of its kind for the racecourse. People can come along to enjoy an evening of racing, followed by an open-air concert with a top British artist.

“We should be in for an entertaining time and are expecting it to be a sell-out, so I would advise racegoers to book early,” added Williams.

Tickets for the racing and concert start at £20 and can be booked by calling the hotline on 08445 793013.

The August bank holiday meeting always attracts a big crowd, with more than 4,500 packing into the course last year.

As well as the usual family entertainment including fairground stalls, bouncy castle, soft play area and face painting, fans of cartoon character Peppa Pig will be able to meet her little brother George, who is making an appearance at the course.

Looking back on the season so far, Williams is pleased with the way the summer flat programme has gone.

“We have had some good racing and it was great to see Timepiece go on from winning our Warwickshire Oaks to take the prestigious Falmouth Stakes at the Newmarket July Festival.

“There is still plenty of racing on the flat for people to enjoy right up to October before we get ready for another exciting winter of jumping action.”