Racecourse enters final straight for £450,000 revamp of stand

Freezing winter weather has delayed 450,000 work on the Minster Stand but race organisers hope it will be ready for May's first meeting.

The grandstand, which has been there for at least 100 years, is being reclad, with the interior opened up to accommodate new bar facilities.

Despite fears about the impact of the recession numbers were up 6,000 last year and managers are optimistic about this year and have added an extra race day to the calendar on June 17.

The "Lucky In Love" event will see racegoers given either a padlock or a key and challenged to spend the rest of the night matching them up, with prizes worth 2,000 in total at stake.

Racecourse manager Sally Iggulden said: "We have got to recognise that people want more than just the racing when they come to one of our race meetings now.

"Although there will always be a strong following of people who have a passion for the horseracing itself, racecourses all over the country are looking at how they can tap into new markets and keep the younger generations interested too."

She added: "Last year exceeded all expectations... if it's anything like last year we will be really pleased."