Evening Gazette reported that racecourse chiefs have renamed races to raise national awareness of the battle to save Teesside steel jobs. As per report, Redcar Racecourse is holding a 'Save Our Steel' event in support of those fighting for the future of the industry.

Races on the day will include the 'Save Our Steel Handicap Stakes' and the 'Redcar Racecourse Supporting Tees Valley Industry Stakes'. The racecourse lost its Family Funday to heavy rain earlier this month. But it will now host a 'Save Our Steel Family Funday' on August 9th 2009.

One of the previous day's races on August 8th 2009 will be named the 'Save Our Steel Family Funday Tomorrow Handicap Stakes'. The price of Grandstand tickets bought in advance has been halved from GBP 15 to GBP 7.50.

Ms Amy Fair GM of Redcar Racecourse said that they wanted to draw national attention to the battle to save thousands of jobs on Teesside. She added that "Being new to the area, I have been struck by the passion that there is in this community and the great coming together there has been in support of not only the steelworkers but also those people whose jobs in other industries are under threat too."

She said that the racecourse had a national platform to raise the profile of the campaign. She added that "We can shout it really loud. We are not doing anything political, we are just raising awareness that if industries start being closed the area is going to be decimated. We are a local racecourse for local people, and we want to show our support by offering a reduction in the cost of a day out at the races. I also hope it makes up for the loss of our Family Funday fixture which was a great disappointment."

The initiative has the support of Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Mr George Dunning Councilor of Cleveland said that "As leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, I would urge everyone to support the initiative of Redcar Racecourse in holding this event to Save Our Steel."

(Sourced from www.gazettelive.co.uk)