A NEW season of racing at Huntingdon gets under way this Bank Holiday Monday. After the summer break, the tapes will go up once again for the traditional curtain raiser to the season. The 12-month redevelopment of the racecourse is well under way and visi

A NEW season of racing at Huntingdon gets under way this Bank Holiday Monday.

After the summer break, the tapes will go up once again for the traditional curtain raiser to the season.

The 12-month redevelopment of the racecourse is well under way and visitors to the site will notice improved viewing facilities for watching the closing stages of each race and a designated area for children's entertainments.

All work at the Brampton racetrack is expected to be completed by November, when the racecourse stages its principal meeting - the Peterborough Chase.

The course will also stage the annual running of the mascot grand national in October.

Monday's Bank Holiday fixture will feature pony racing, showcasing the potential jockeys of the future.

The pony races are part of the qualifiers for the series final at the home of the Grand National - Aintree racecourse.

There will also be family and children's attractions, trampolining, giant games, inflatables, balloon modelling and the chance to win a Sony PlayStation 2.

Two pounds from each discounted ticket purchased in advance will be donated to the Papworth Trust.

Huntingdon racecourse manager Amy Starkey said: "The experience for the youngsters will be as near to 'real racing' as possible.

"The riders will wear silks and body protectors, weigh in and out, and parade in the paddock before the race.

"It will be a great spectacle for the crowd who I'm sure will be most supportive."

INFORMATION: Tickets to the race day are £15 for the main enclosure, or £7 for the picnic enclosure. Accompanied children under 16 are admitted free, and parking is free. Advance tickets cost £12 and can be booked by calling 01480 453373, quoting PAP07. Gates open at 12.05pm and the first race is shortly after 2pm.