Wincanton Racecourse's first race meeting of the new 2007/8 season gets underway on Thursday October 11 after a busy summer break, which saw the completion of a new panoramic restaurant and refurbishment to the bar and restaurant facilities.

The first runners of the new season at Wincanton will be off at 2.20pm and the day promises a six strong race card, which is supported by new sponsors Higos Insurance.

The feature race of the day is the Higos Insurance Services Handicap Chase, which runs at a competitive three miles and a furlong, with a prize fund of £5,000.

The course will be staging 17 fixtures this season and has a prize fund of nearly £1,200,000 for the meetings in total.

The course has invested in a new glass-fronted, panoramic restaurant, situated directly above the winning post and offering a premium alternative to the hospitality available in the course's other restaurants and bars.

During the summer the popular Stalbridge bar and Chaser's Bar and Restaurant were also refurbished.

Wincanton Racecourse will continue its commitment to owners and trainers with the return this season of the Bathwick Tyres Trainers' Championship.

This will be the fourth consecutive season the course has run the competition, which offers an £8,000 top prize to be awarded at the end of the season in May.

Steven Clarke, Wincanton Racecourse managing director, said: "Last season ended on a real high with the course again being voted Best Small Racecourse in the South West for the 16th time in 17 years, and also receiving the ROA's Gold Standard Award for a second time.

"We had a good turnout for every fixture, and saw strong support from owners and trainers.

"The course is in top condition. David Cartwright, who has been head groundsman here for 26 years, has done a great job again over the summer preparing for the new season, but he is now set to enjoy his retirement and we welcome his successor Jeff Green who takes over his role for the rest of the season.

"We have a strong reputation as being one of the best smaller jump racecourses in the country and hopefully we will continue to attract top quality runners and riders.

"This season promises to be very exciting and it is wonderful to be racing again after our summer break."

Gates open at 12.30pm, with the first race at 2.20pm and the last race at 5.05pm.

Advance bookings can be made at a discounted price on 08700 115007. Entry for under 16's is free and there is plenty of parking free of charge within the grounds.

For further information on Wincanton Racecourse and a full fixture list visit www.wincantonracecourse.co.uk or call 01963 32344.