The course at Ascot in Berkshire will host one of the meetings

Twenty-five of Britain's racecourses are offering free tickets to watch horse racing throughout the month of April in an effort to attract new fans.

The scheme, which is being organised by 'Racing for Change', covers 28 meetings at courses such as Ascot, Newmarket, Epsom Downs and Newbury.

Seventeen fixtures will be free in at least one enclosure, with 5,500 free tickets available at the other 11.

A week-long scheme last April attracted an extra 40,000 visitors to the sport.

Rod Street, chief executive of Racing for Change, said: "This groundbreaking move in April is being organised in a bid to attract record numbers of new customers.

"It's also a great way to reward existing fans of the sport.

"The aim is to appeal to people who have been infrequent visitors to horse racing in the past or who have never been to a racecourse.

"At many of the meetings, there will be staff, literature and displays to explain more about the sport."

There will be a mixture of afternoon and evening meetings with races run over jumps and on the flat.

Among the highlights are the opening day of Newmarket's Craven meeting on Wednesday, 13 April and the Easter Day fixture at Sandown Park on Sunday, 24 April.

The first day of the Royal Wedding meeting at Britain's most northerly racecourse Perth on Wednesday, 27 April will have limited free tickets.

Doncaster's fixture on Friday, 29 April, the day of Prince William's marriage to Kate Middleton, marks the finale to the initiative.

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