Warwick ready to stage ВЈ50,000 Betfair Flat Series finale

Warwick will stage the final of the Betfair Flat Series this Thursday

The Betfair Flat Series culminates with two 25,000 races at Warwick on Thursday; full details can be found below...

The Betfair Flat Series, launched this year in support of grassroots racing by Jockey Club Racecourses (JCR), the largest racecourse group in the UK*, and Betfair, will climax at Warwick Racecourse this Thursday with two 25,000 finals.

The Series, run exclusively at JCR, began at Nottingham Racecourse in May and has consisted of 32 qualifiers split into two distance categories - Sprint and 10 Furlongs. All horses that have run in any of the Class 4 and 5 handicap qualifiers throughout the Series were eligible to enter the corresponding finales; the Betfair Sprint Series Final and Betfair 10 Furlong Series Final.

Betfair has supported additional prize money throughout the Series and for the two Finales as part of a 250,000 voluntary contribution in 2012 to support grassroots racing through Jockey Club Racecourses.

To reward and celebrate the foundation levels of British racing at the Flat Series Finals, Betfair is also sponsoring the stable staff canteen, offering free food and refreshments throughout the day to those working behind the scenes, while Warwick Racecourse will provide a complimentary lunch to connections with runners in the two finals.

The Betfair Flat Series follows the highly successful 2011/2012 Betfair Jumps Series, which was won by North Yorkshire based trainer Brian Ellison. Both initiatives were created to focus on the grassroots of British racing through JCR.

Ellison, winner of both Betfair Jumps Series Finals who also has a declared runner in each of the Flat finals, said:

"Initiatives like this are valuable to support the foundation levels of British racing. With each final worth 25,000 in prize money there is a real incentive for connections to run their horse. This support can make a real difference to those operating at the grassroots level of horseracing and I am delighted they have chosen Warwick Racecourse as the venue for these finals."

Huw Williams, General Manager at Warwick Racecourse, said:

"Betfair contribute a great deal to British Horseracing and we are delighted that they have chosen Warwick to stage the final of their inaugural Flat Series. This provides us with a great showpiece with which to close our flat season and celebrate flat racing at its grassroots'"

Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director, Jockey Club Racecourses, said:

"After a very successful 2011/2012 Betfair Jump Series, I'm delighted the Betfair Flat Series has been equally well received within racing. I'm pleased that JCR and Betfair have been able to offer another successful initiative to support the grassroots of British racing."

Martin Cruddace, Betfair Executive, said:

"Betfair is thrilled to be supporting another really successful Series with JCR. The Series aims to recognise and reward the people that work in the grassroots of British Racing. Therefore, along with boosting prize money for owners we have also provided a free lunch for all stable staff in the racecourse canteen.

"Since 2010, Betfair has invested over 3m into the grassroots of racing, which along with a five-year 40m commercial deal, highlights Betfair's confidence in the future growth and success of the British Racing Industry.""

The Betfair Flat Finals is the final Flat racing fixture of the 2012 season at Warwick Racecourse. Gates open at midday with the first race at 14:10 and the last race at 17:10. Tickets are available to buy from www.warwickracecourse.co.uk or by calling 01926 491 553. Tickets cost from 13.50 for a Grandstand entry ticket.

* By turnover, attendances, quality racing (Group and Graded), contribution to prize money and total prize money