The Warwick May Racing Carnival got underway in front of a big crowd on Bank Holiday Monday and tomorrow (Saturday) sees the second meeting when the course hosts Think Pink Warwick Ladies Night, writes David Hucker. 

Warwick’s only twilight fixture of its season, Think Pink Warwick Ladies Night will be raising funds for the charity Marie Curie. Gates open at 3.30pm, two hours ahead of the first race.

The racing highlight of the evening is the Class 3 Racing UK Day Pass Just £10 Handicap Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs, boasting a prize fund of £10,000. Final event on the card is the Follow @racing_uk On Twitter Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race due off at 8.30pm.

The advance official going is good and the track has been watered throughout the week.

Entertainment will include live music throughout the meeting, which will also continue after racing, a cocktail bar and a best dressed competition with prizes including spa days for two at the Ardencote Manor Hotel, glamping for four at Warwick Castle and a brand new Audi TT to drive around for a weekend.

The two main restaurants are already sold out, but tables are still available in the Glitz and Glamour Paddock Pavilion, situated opposite the parade ring, which will feature blackjack and roulette tables before the racing begins. The package, costing £95, includes a private table, corporate admission, complimentary parking, a choice of Pimms or Prosecco on arrival, a sit down two-course meal, dessert buffet, tea and coffee throughout, tipping session and a tote betting facility.

General manager Andre Klein, who introduced the Carnival last year, said: “We’re really excited about the Think Pink Warwick Ladies Night – tickets have been selling really well, and it’s set to be a fantastic evening.

“Ladies and gents are being encouraged to dress to impress and give our judges a tough job picking the best dressed competition that we’ve lined up.

“This is our penultimate fixture of the season, and our only evening raceday of the campaign, and as such, is one of our most popular events in the calendar.

“Hospitality packages have been extremely popular, and there’s still a chance to join us in the Glitz and Glamour Paddock Pavilion.

The final fixture of the Carnival, and also the last raceday of the 2016-17 season is the Proudly Warwick Meeting on Thursday 25 May, which will decide the outcome of the annual awards for the leading trainer and jockey.

With three winners at the last two meetings, Dan Skelton is mounting a late challenge to Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has sent out six wins, for the trainer prize, but the jockey accolade looks to be in the bag for Richard Johnson, who landed his second national championship last month and is clear of his rivals with 12 wins.

For further information and tickets go to www.warwickracecourse.co.uk or call 01926 405 560.