IN all sporting disciplines, the start of a new season nearly always brings with it a new-found sense of confidence.
Beverley racecourse are no exception as they begin a new page in their long and proud opus.
For all associated with the East Yorkshire circuit, 2012 was a challenging year in many respects.
Although the course again made a tidy profit, nationwide cuts in prize-money witnessed a slight dip in the usually high standards of thoroughbreds in action on the Westwood.
More damaging, though, was the abhorrently wet summer, which had an obvious impact upon attendances at Beverley.
Even if gambling upon the Great British weather is a fraught business, the track's hierarchy is rightly optimistic this season can herald a mini-renaissance.
Wholesale refurbishments have given the track a facelift in time for this Wednesday's curtain-raiser, while a new £300,000 watering system should provide greater consistency of irrigation on the actual course.
But of most importance for racing purists is a 28 per cent increase in prize money due to a rise in revenue from the picture rights partner, Turf TV.
This puts Beverley in an excellent position, as at least one race at each of the 19 meetings will be worth a minimum of £10,000.
Little wonder Beverley chairman Charles Maxsted cannot wait to get down to business.
He said: "We are full of optimism for the year ahead.
"Last year wasn't the greatest of seasons, what with the atrocious weather, but there is a lot of reasons to be confident this time.
"A significant rise in prize-money will hopefully help to attract a better calibre of horse, while we have done a lot with the aesthetics of the track to make it a more enjoyable day for racegoers.
"Only time will tell whether the continuing recession will continue to affect us, but last year we still managed to be a profitable racecourse – and long may that continue.
"All we require now is a sizeable helping hand from the weather.
"That really is the key to the fortunes of the entire year."
Ironically, one of the slight gripes in anticipation of the first meeting has been a lack of spring rainfall.
But with old favourites like Hilary Needler Trophy night on May 29 – one of three evening meetings – the Beverley Bullet fixture in Augus, and the ever-popular Journal Ladies' Day two weeks earlier, Maxsted appreciates Beverley is again in rude health.
"It's extraordinary to think that what with all the rain we've had, the going is currently good to firm," said Maxsted.
"There is also the added issue that because of how cold it has been, the grass hasn't grown as we would have liked.
"Our new 'pop-up' watering system will help in that respect, though, as it should give better irrigation for the track.
"We will water the track if necessary, so hopefully we should have fine conditions for Wednesday.
"Our team have put in a lot of hard work this winter and we very much hope their efforts will be rewarded with another fine campaign of sport."Race days• Wednesday, April 17• Thursday, April 25• Monday, May 6• Tuesday, May 14• Wednesday, May 29 Hilary Needler Trophy• Saturday, June 8 • Wednesday, June 12• Tuesday, June 25• Friday, July 5• Saturday, July 6• Tuesday, July 16• Monday, July 22• Tuesday, July 30• Wednesday, August 14 Journal Ladies' Day• Thursday, August 15• Sunday, August 25• Saturday, August 31 The Beverley Bullet• Wednesday, September 18• Tuesday, September 24
