LADIES Day at Worcester Racecourse looks set to be a galloping success next month with crowds turning out in style for the annual St Richard's Hospice special event.

Almost 170 places in the St Richard's marquee on Saturday, June 3, have been quickly snapped up this year, although there is still a chance to book the last three remaining corporate tables of 10 for £1,000 each and a handful of individual tickets at £80 per person.

It will be a day of mixed emotions for hospice supporter and racehorse owner Jim Lewis, of Callow End, Worcester.

Last year, Jim lost his beloved wife Val to cancer soon after his racehorse Best Mate, the three-times winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, had died on the course at Exeter.

The St Richard's Hospice day will be the first occasion for a Valerie Lewis Memorial Race which will take place at Pitchcroft at 4pm.

The race is being sponsored by Betfair, which are donating £1,000 to St Richard's.

Jim will be on hand to chat to hospice guests in the marquee and go through the day's race card alongside racing tipster and host Roger Hart. The famous three Gold Cups won by Best Mate will also be on display - along with tight security for the precious items.

Phillip Serrell of television's Flog It and Bargain Hunt will be running an auction with lots including racing memorabilia, visits to racing yards, spa days and theatre trips.

An on-course raffle for all racegoers will include signed racing memorabilia.

St Richard's community fund-raising manager, Tricia Cavell said: "It's going to be a fantastic event.

"Following on the success of the last three years, our tickets have been snapped up very quickly and lots of people have been extremely generous donating lovely auction and raffle prizes.

"We are hoping our special corporate hospitality packages, auction and raffle will help us to raise around £30,000 this year towards the cost of caring for our patients and families."

"It's also a great excuse for ladies to dress up for the day and there are special prizes for the best dressed lady, best hat and best little lady."

St Richard's is currently based at Rose Hill, Worcester and building work is well underway on the new hospice which is due to open to patients in October.

To book a place in the St Richard's marquee contact Tricia Cavell on 01905 763963.