THE national hunt season is under way, and Hexham Racecourse is preparing for one of it’s long-standing national events.

Weatherby’s Raceday will take place at the prestigious venue on Friday, November 8, with the six race card set to attract a sizeable crowd of enthusiasts.

It’s a big day for Weatherby’s, the family-run firm dating back to the 18th century, which administers racing on behalf of the British Horseracing Authority.

“This will be the first meeting of November for many a year,” said racecourse manager Robert Whitelock.

“Weatherby’s play a key role in British racing, and it will be great to welcome them back to Hexham as the national hunt season gets into full swing.”

Race meetings at Hexham during 2019 have attracted big crowds, approaching the 3,000 mark, and there’s still much to look forward to in the weeks and months before the end of the year.

The winter raceday will take place on Wednesday, November 20, and preparations are also under way for the Christmas raceday, on Wednesday, December 11.

“It has been a good year,” said Robert. “Ladies’ Day, in the summer, was a success. We’ve had some of the leading names in racing here.

“Quite a large population of the runners have come over from Ireland. The Irish trainers like the course, and we’ve also had very good support from London and elsewhere.”

Trainers including Alan King, Paul Nicholls, and Nicky Henderson have all been to Hexham this year, which has made the most of a mixed summer in terms of weather.

“Some days have been lovely,” said Robert. “Other days have started not too great but have brightened up in the afternoon. It’s weather dependent but people know we have a lovely racecourse here.”