Redcar'S 18-day 2001 Flat season begins on Thursday, May 3 with the racecourse executive committed to a substantial investment in prize money for the new campaign and with a new logo emphasising vibrancy and optimism.

The most valuable race of the season, the Betabet Two-Year-Old Trophy on October 6, now has guaranteed prize money of £150,000 - an increase of £50,000 - confirming its status as one of the most valuable races in Europe for juveniles.

Dim Sums, trained near Thirsk by David Barron and ridden by the champion jockey, Kevin Darley, was the well-backed winner of this race last year.

The Zetland Gold Cup, one of the north's most competitive handicap races, is run on bank holiday Monday, May 28 with a new sponsor in Stanley Racing and an increase in prize money to £25,000-added from £15,000. Nobelist won last year's race in the colours of Sheikh Rashid al Maktoum.

On May 3 all the racecourse catering outlets will be offering their usual selection of food at half the normal price.

This is to celebrate the commendation received by Redcar's caterers, Romfords, in last year's Boursot Racecourse Catering Awards covering all Britain's racecourses.

Once again Redcar stages two Sunday meetings in the season.

On Sunday, July 22 all the races will be supported by the National Joint Pitch Council, representing the on-course bookmakers, while The Northern Echo Family Funday on Saturday, August 12 will include a host of attractions for the whole family.

The only evening meeting of the season on Saturday, August 25 is once again Ladies Evening, with prizes for the best-dressed ladies during the meeting.

Redcar is now in the Back A Winner By Train promotion, which enables racegoers travelling to the course by train to obtain a discount of £3 into the Tattersalls Enclosure at seven northern racecourses from selected stations.