Racing at Chepstow will go ahead next week after the racecourse passed an inspection today.

Officials from the British Horseracing Authority found that the round course has sufficiently recovered from damage caused by nemotodes, a parasitic microscopic worm, which feeds on the grass roots.

It is now full steam ahead for Ladies Evening on Thursday 14 August, one of Chepstow’s most popular meetings of the year.

Chepstow’s Executive Director Phil Bell said: “It’s fantastic news that Ladies’ Evening is going ahead next week and we look forward to welcoming customers back to the racecourse. It will be a great evening with racing, a fashion show, live music and a £1000 cash prize for the Best Dressed Lady.”

The last two meetings at Chepstow, on July 25 and August 6, had to be abandoned after nematodes were discovered in small of areas of the racecourse. The affected areas were treated by mowing, harrowing and re-seeding. The organisms feed on the roots of grass and therefore had the potential to create a safety issue, making the racing surface unstable.

Customers wishing to book for Ladies Evening can view all of the packages available at www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk or call the racecourse office on 01291 622260.