THE hot weather has helped swell attendances at Salisbury Racecourse with clerk of the course Jeremy Martin reporting a 22-per cent increase on last year after the opening eight meetings of the 2003 season.

Saturday's meeting produced another bumper crowd of just over 5,000, which delighted Martin.

"The season is going very well for us and we are hoping the next seven continue in the same fashion."

He added that Saturday's meeting was a particularly special one for several individuals: "We had Peter and Sarah Grubb of Anna Valley, sponsoring a race for their 12th wedding anniversary, Andrew and Emma Malcolm from Woodfalls, sponsoring one for their marriage which took place in April, and the popular South Western Hotel at Tisbury, also sponsored a race, the winner of which, Gracefully, looks to be a talented little two-year-old filly."

Trainer Nerys Dutfield enjoyed two winners on the day. Martin added: "She and her husband, Simon, who is boss of Axminster Carpets, are great sponsors and supporters of the course. Their second winner, Royal Axminster, won the Carnarvon Cup, the last race of the day, and it was the first time the eight-year old gelding has won a race, previously being placed in 8 of his 29 starts."

The next meeting at the Nether-hampton course is on Friday, July 25 with the first race at 6.05pm. For admission details ring 01722 326461.