'We're very grateful' - Worcester ready for rare TV showing after tough 2020

Worcester will make its first appearance on terrestrial TV in decades on Thursday, a deserved reward for the jumps track after a turbulent 18 months.

Severe flooding forced all racing at the track to be cancelled last year and the course only staged its first fixture since October 2019 last week. In February 2020, however, there was racing of some kind with kayaks pictured above the severely submerged course.

But the 2m4f Class 4 handicap hurdle (2.30) is an important milestone in the racecourse's history, with ITV4 to cover one race from the track as part as its midweek coverage of Chester's May meeting.

Members of Worcester Canoe Club kayaking on a flooded Worcester Racecourse, as a third consecutive weekend of stormy weather is bringing further flooding misery to already sodden communities.Credit: Jacob King / PA

The eight-race card is also run in association with the Now We’re Talking charity, meaning all race titles are named to raise awareness for mental health.

Tim Long, clerk of the course at Worcester, said: "We were on [terrestrial TV] decades ago but not recently so it's great news for everyone at the track, especially having missed a year.

"We're very grateful for it and it's a nice opportunity to show us and our profile. ITV are doing a great job.

"We had a really successful meeting last week, we've got a good amount of runners and we're pleased with conditions.

The ground is expected to remain good for Thursday's card, which starts at 1.00.

"We've had a nice drop of rain over the last few days which has kept us around that good-ground mark, and we're maintaining conditions," Long added.

Thursday previews

1.45: Graeme Rodway crunches the numbers to see if the inside draw offers value

2.15: Can anyone stop Aidan O'Brien's recent domination of the Dee Stakes?

2.45: Pedigree analysis suggests duo will be well suited by the softer ground

3.15: Hollie Doyle and Champions Day hero Trueshan team up again in Ormonde Stakes

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