8,777 spectators attended the All-Weather Championships Finals day at Lingfield Park. Pic: Courtesy ARC.

By Simon Jackson at Lingfield Park.

Horse racing executives have expressed their delight at the success of the inaugural All-Weather Championship Finals day that attracted 8,777 spectators to Lingfield Park on Good Friday.

The high attendance numbers justified the organiser’s faith in the All-Weather Championship series which commenced in October and concluded with a lucrative seven race card worth £1million that provided the foundations of a tremendous day’s racing at the Surrey track.

“We are delighted with the crowd which has lots of new racegoers among it. The racing has been top quality and thrilling,” Arena Racing Company chief executive, Tony Kelly, said.

“I haven’t had a smile this big for some time. The day has been a great success. It was very busy getting in and we will learn the lessons for next year.

“We have been really excited by this All-Weather Championships Finals Day.

“It has been fantastic. This was an innovative project and sometimes you just have to believe, push as hard as you can and go for it.”

British Horseracing Authority chief executive, Paul Bittar, added: “It is a really different crowd. There are a lot of families here today and a real mix. The atmosphere has a real buzz to it, so congratulations to Tony [Kelly] and his team.”

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.