WETHERBY racecourse attempts to make a belated start to the 2003 campaign with a meeting on Monday, when racing is scheduled to begin at 12.45.
The longest and most valuable race on the programme is The Rocom Handicap Chase over three miles and one furlong - a contest supported by regular Wetherby sponsors, the Rocom Group of Thorp Arch.
The Jim Dent 'Lifetime in Racing' Novices' Chase over two miles is named in honour of Jim Dent, who has spent more than 50 years in racing, mainly as headman for trainer Mick Easterby at Sheriff Hutton.
This is one of a series of races organised mainly in the north by Racing Welfare in recognition of stable staff who have given a lifetime to the sport.
Three of Monday's race titles draw attention to regular events on non-racedays at Wetherby - The Jaguar Antique Fairs (the first one this year is on April 12 and 13), The Wetherby Sunday Market (which begins on May 4) and The Royal Pigeon Racing Association.
The opening race is The Wetherby Racecourse and Conference Centre Handicap Hurdle.
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