Hexham lands prime time slot as One Show presenter Matt Baker wowed by racing

Matt Baker is the latest convert to the delights of Hexham racecourse, as prime time viewers will see on television on Wednesday night.

The final episode of a More4 series, Matt Baker: Travels With Mum And Dad, in which the Countryfile and former One Show presenter spends time with his parents at famous locations and landmarks in his native north-east, takes him to the course that prides itself as one of the most scenic in Britain.

Viewers will also get an insight into racing with visits to the yards of Ann Hamilton and Ruth Jefferson.

Hexham: will be showcased on More4 on Wednesday at 9pmCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Baker, who won two BAFTA awards in seven years presenting Blue Peter, also got hands-on riding experience on Jefferson’s gallops and was thrilled with his encounter with racing.

He told the Racing Post: "It was the final programme and what a way to have wrapped it up. We saw everything that was involved in the racing world.

"Robert Whitelock at Hexham was so accommodating and he made everything happen. We even had a race named after us, the Matt Baker Travels with Mum and Dad Maiden Hurdle, which was such a wonderful surprise.

"Ruth was fantastic and she allowed me to ride an ex-winner at Hexham and it was brilliant to feel the power and to get up close to these incredible animals.

"Mum and Dad had a fantastic time and it was a brilliant way to wrap up the series. We’re so grateful to everybody that was involved and I’m sure the viewers are going to love it.”

Hexham manager Robert Whitelock is delighted to see the track on non-specialist television and said: "I'm looking forward to seeing the course showcased. It was a good day when they came last month and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves."

Matt Baker: Travels With Mum And Dad is on More4 at 9pm on Wednesday

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