TBA and Warwick racecourse combine for Breeders' Day in November

Warwick racecourse and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) have announced that the second day of Warwick's winter festival will become Breeders’ Day, with the race programme for the afternoon and supporting activity centering around breeders and the breeding sector.  

Taking place on Thursday, November 21, it will start with an educational forum for TBA members and non-member breeding enthusiasts, covering a range of topics with expert panels and Q&A sessions. Full details of the panels and speakers will be revealed in the coming weeks, with a Breeders’ Package available to purchase.  

Following the forum, attendees can look forward to a seven-race card in the afternoon, when the feature is a class 2 veterans' chase. The programme has been put together to highlight breeder-friendly races, including four mares’ only contests, as well as a junior National Hunt hurdle. Each race will be sponsored by organisations in the bloodstock industry, while additional prizes will be awarded to the breeder of each winner.  

The afternoon will also provide racegoers with insight into the sector, with breeder interviews and opportunities to learn more about how to get involved.

Simon Cox, chairman of the TBA National Hunt Committee, said: "Warwick approached us earlier in the year about the concept of a Breeders’ Day and we were delighted to come on board. The decisions that breeders make are instrumental in the creation and early development of racehorses and they should be celebrated in the same way that owners, trainers and jockeys are. 

Simon Cox (right): "we were delighted to come on board"Credit: SARAH FARNSWORTH

"Ahead of racing we will host a forum aimed at educating both members and non-members about what can be done to develop young horses, before an exciting afternoon’s racing which has been designed with breeders in mind."

Thomas Williams, general manager at Warwick, added: "Here at Warwick, we are extremely passionate about British breeding and rewarding those that put so much into the sport. 

"We are delighted that the TBA have supported our inaugural Breeders’ Day with their effort in pulling together an insightful agenda for breeding enthusiasts. We have altered the racing programme to enhance the attractiveness for breeders and our aim is to establish this day firmly in the calendar over the next few years.” 

The Breeders’ Package costs £35 for TBA members and £55 for non-members. It includes a general admission ticket, all-day access to private facility The Pavilion, refreshments on arrival prior to the forum (9am-12pm), a one-course buffet lunch with a glass of wine and pay bar, as well as a racecard. 

TBA members can book by visiting the events page of the TBA website, www.thetba.co.uk, while non-members can book the Breeders’ Package by visiting warwickracecourse.co.uk  

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