Champagne theft will not stop Ladies Day.

HUNDREDS of crates of champagne and spirits have been stolen from Newcastle Racecourse ahead of Ladies Day this weekend.

Caterers for the event discovered thieves had forced entry to three secure containers on the Gosforth Park site by cutting locks.

A stock take has yet to reveal the final total of stolen alcohol, but bar bosses at Gosforth Park estimate as many as 400 cases of champagne, including Heidsieck Monopole and Laurent Perrier Rose, and 100 cases of spirits, including gin, vodka, and whiskey, were taken.

Caterers fear the final bill for the stolen drinks could run to pounds 10,000.

Bill Patience, general manager for catering company CGC events, said: "It's absolutely deplorable and it's hugely inconvenient so close to Ladies Day. We've got to start re-stocking and replenishing it all.

"It was one of the security guards who patrol the area, who discovered the break-in. I was at home when I found out, I couldn't believe it.

"We haven't had a final stock-take yet but they've taken a significant amount. It's scary to think how much they could have got. We believe whoever took it must have been aware of what they were looking for."

Newcastle Racecourse executive director Mark Spincer said: "I was bitterly disappointed when I found out. You go to all this effort and all this trouble to have everything just right when the crowds arrive and it feels like you've got people working against you.

"It won't impact on Ladies Day, we won't let it impact on Ladies Day.

"Everything will be as planned when we open the gates at 11.30am on Saturday.

"If anyone does have any information relating to the theft I would ask them to contact us, or the local police."

The thieves are believed to have struck between 3pm on Friday and 8.30pm on Sunday night.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact them on 03456 043 043.