Rebecca Davies, chief executive of Hereford Racecourse, tells Philippa May what she loves about Herefordshire

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE COUNTY ON MOVING HERE?

I was actually born in Hereford and used to live in Clehonger until I was eight, when we moved to farm near Ledbury. It is a beautiful county with stunning countryside and I have always thought of Herefordshire as home. The countryside takes some beating and can be truly breathtaking. My drive to work some days includes lanes from Brampton Abbots to Fownhope where, in parts, there is only a verge between the lane I’m driving on and the River Wye and I defy anyone to have a more stunning commute to work than I do!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HEREFORDSHIRE TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW IT?

I would say that Herefordshire is an innovative and creative county with agriculture and food at its heart with a significant number of businesses at the cutting edge of these sectors.

AND IF A STRANGER ONLY HAD TIME TO VISIT ONE PLACE, WHERE WOULD YOU SUGGEST?

It would have to be Hereford Racecourse – where else could you enjoy fabulous grass roots jump racing at the heart of its industry with stunning views of the city, its cathedral and commerce with the Black Mountains in the background too!

WHAT MAKES HEREFORDSHIRE PEOPLE SPECIAL?

I think many people have a shared love and passion for the county and countryside, which Hereford people are proud to be part of. Champion Jockey Richard Johnson is born, bred and lives in Herefordshire and I know many people feel a real sense of pride towards him and his tremendous achievements.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN THE COUNTY ON A DAY OFF?

I tend to spend days off at home (Gorsley) with my husband and young family, we have two boys aged five and three. They love the outdoors and we are developing our farm at home where we have a small pedigree flock of Lleyn sheep. I always book Cheltenham Festival week off in March, but that’s for lambing rather than racing! Otherwise, Goodrich Castle is a good local day out with the boys.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?

The Penny Farthing near Ross-on-Wye; a traditional, family friendly pub. The food is delicious with a varied menu and great service. The views from the beer garden are stunning and inside it’s cosy with a roaring log burner. Helen the manager is fantastic and you’re always made to feel very welcome. We love it there! For a special occasion, No 3 in Ross-on-Wye is a treat.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR A DRINK AND A CATCH-UP?

Again, we tend to meet friends at the Penny Farthing as it’s so good! Whether it’s an early dinner or quick bite with the boys to a party of 15+ in their private room you are always made to feel welcome and nothing is ever too much trouble. It’s a very relaxed style which we like!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WALK – OR VIEW?

We used to farm below the Hollybush (Ledbury end of Malvern Hills) and the Rugged Stone looks down over our old farm. Dad’s ashes are spread there and it’s a walk we do a couple of times a year. The views are stunning once you reach the top and it holds special memories for us. You get a great view of Eastnor Castle up there too!

WHAT’S THE VERY BEST THING ABOUT THE COUNTY?

Westons Cider! I am a cider drinker through and through. We work very closely with Westons at work and I love their business, style and tone. I also happen to love their product too!

WHAT WOULD MAKE HEREFORDSHIRE AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?

Improving the traffic. It can take me 27 minutes to get to work or 90 mins and there is never any logic or pattern to it. I don’t have the answer but it’s so frustrating. We do quite a bit of business in town and I have to leave 40 minutes to drive less than three miles to allow for the traffic which is ridiculous when you think of it!