Two former winners and one of the sport’s rising stars are set to compete at Warwick Racecourse’s most prestigious race this weekend. Warwick is gearing up for its premier racing fixture with the McCoy Contractors Classic Chase Day on Saturday, January 11.

The eyes of the horse racing world will turn to the track with the day being broadcast live on ITV4.

It will feature a packed schedule of racing, with seven races taking place across the afternoon, with The McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Chase itself at 3pm, attracting the UKs top jockeys and trainers.

The race is considered a respected indicator for The Randox Health Grand National at Aintree in April.

Entries for the race are now in and one of the potential runners is The Conditional, trained by David Bridgewater. The eight-year-old is an exciting prospect and will come in to the race as the market leader.

Two previous winners Impulsive Star and Milansbar are also entered. Trainer Lucinda Russell, who trained 2017-winner One For Arthur, could be represented by Big River.

It is the richest fixture of the season at Warwick, with a total of £197,000 up for grabs across the card, with £75,000 the prize in the Classic Chase.

In 2017, One for Arthur won the Classic Chase and went on to take victory at Aintree, and the following year Milansbar won at Warwick and finished 5th in the iconic race later that year.

Other racing highlights on the high-quality card include the Grade 2 Ballymore Leamington Novices Hurdle and The McCoy Contractors 2020 Construction News-Awards Finalist Hampton Novices' Chase (Class 1) (Grade 2).

In the Ballymore Leamington Novices Hurdle eight of the 12 entries have won their last start.

Andre Klein, General Manager at Warwick Racecourse, said:

“This is always the standout raceday in our calendar, in terms of the standard of talent that is on show across the card.

“Year-on-year we see an increase in prize money for this raceday, allowing us to continue to attract the best jockeys and trainers from across the country.

“The McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Chase will be the highlight of the day and is set to be a scintillating spectacle, but there will be high calibre racing throughout the afternoon.

“If you love your horse racing, this really is the raceday to attend this season at Warwick.”

The Classic Chase was first held in 1974 and the steeped history of the race will be recognised on the day, with free racing heritage talks with some of the star jockeys and trainers of yesteryear.

Gates open at 10.40am, ahead of the first race at 12.40pm. The final race of the day will start at 4pm.

For more ticket information visit www.warwickracecourse.co.uk