SALISBURY Racecourse is holding a seven-race card today as the flat season draws ever closer to its finale.

The big story ahead of Friday is that Richard Hughes, Salisbury’s former leading jockey, now trainer, will have his first runner at the track (second runner as a trainer) as Bank of Gibraltar contests the closing Breeders Backing Racing EBF Maiden Stakes under the guidance of Pat Dobbs.

Elsewhere on the card, the feature EBF Stallions Fillies’ Conditions Stakes has attracted a select field of three runners. Shwaimsa for the Hannon yard is well regarded as an entry for next season’s Irish 1000 Guineas would suggest, whilst Ralph Beckett’s Flying Empress is entered in Newmarket’s Rockfel Stakes in a fortnight’s time. A small field but lots of talent and potential on show.

Waseem Faris returns to the scene of his first victory of the season and heads the field for the Bathwick Tyres Handicap Stakes but will face stiff opposition from Richard Hannon’s Sunset Sail, who is bidding to push Hannon closer to Richard Hannon Senior’s record of 23 wins at Salisbury in a season; he currently sits on 17 with three meetings to go.

Gates open at 2.30pm and the first race is at 4.10pm.