RACEGOERS at Beverley can expect to enjoy improved facilities and more good quality racing in 2008, course officials have promised.
Final preparations for the new season on the Westwood are well underway following a substantial investment in off-track facilities during the winter.
Around £140,000 has been spent on a full refurbishment of the conference and restaurant areas, in
cluding new technology and lighting, plus an upgrade of the toilet facilities in the Premier Enclosure.
Racecourse manager Sally Iggulden said: "We normally try to do something. It is important to keep the facilities up to scratch."
Finishing touches are still being made to the new facilities ahead of the track's opening meeting of the season, which takes place on Wednesday April 16.
The meeting is the first of 20 scheduled race days this season and will be a charity day in aid of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
Miss Iggulden reported that sales for the meeting had been steady, but admitted they were being affected by this year's early Easter holiday.
"Hopefully it will be a good day for them. We have sold some tickets, but we're not expecting an Easter bonanza."
Among the planned on-course highlights will be the Hilary Needler Trophy on May 28, the Ladies Day card on August 13 and the Beverley Bullet sprint on August 23.
And advanced sales for the season as a whole had been strong, with the Premier Enclosure for Ladies Day sold out at the start of February.
Efforts have also been made to spread some of the more valuable contests throughout the season.
Miss Iggulden revealed that the fixture on May 7 will now feature a race carrying total prize money of £20,000.
"It's just to try to keep the quality going throughout the year. The entertaining side during the week is very important to us."
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