HORSERACING fans are heading to Salisbury Racecourse on Sunday where a huge crowd is expected for its maiden meeting of the new season.

The bank holiday weekend is being marked at the Netherhampton course with the BetFred Family Raceday, which is the first of 16 meets on the racing calendar this summer.

The feature race on Sunday includes one of the country’s most historic races, the £22,000 Betfred City Bowl.

At the equivalent meeting 12 months ago, star of the show proved to be Tiggy Wiggy, trained by Richard Hannon near Marlborough.

Total prize money at the course will exceed £1m for the first time in its history as a consequence of increased media rights payments and sponsorships.

Jeremy Martin, clerk of the course and executive director, said: “All profits get ploughed back into the business at Salisbury Racecourse and during this past winter we have completed an £80,000 refurbishment of the restaurant.”

There are seven races in total.

Gates open at noon, with the first race starting at 1.35pm.

Admission on Sunday costs £20.70 for access to the Bibury Enclosure or £13.50 for Grandstand and Paddock.

For information, visit www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk.