racing_news/

16 for Betfair Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle
20/11/08

The main supporting action at Haydock Park on Saturday is the £100,000 Betfair “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle (1.40pm), which has received 16 declarations.

Run over three miles, the contest has attracted a high-quality field headed by top-weight Souffleur, successful in the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury last season.

Paul Nicholls is represented by high-class chaser Star De Mohaison, who was victorious in the Grade One SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham and the Grade Two John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase in 2006. The champion trainer also runs Oberon Moon.

Star De Mohaison’s owner Sir Robert Ogden also has the Keith Reveley-trained Ungaro whose finest hour came when landing the Grade One Feltham Novices’ at Kempton in 2006.

Other interesting contenders including According To Pete, who was placed at both the Cheltenham Festival and the John Smith’s Grand National meeting last season and is unbeaten in two outings during the current campaign and Aldeburn, a decent handicap chaser who is making his seasonal reappearance for trainer Henry Daly.

Dickon White, Managing Director at Haydock Park, commented: “The Betfair Chase has once again attracted a superb field for its fourth running.

“All eyes will be on Kauto Star as he renews rivalry with his old adversary Exotic Dancer and another fascinating contest looks guaranteed.

“The Betfair “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle should be a highly-competitive affair with several old favourites set to clash with some rising stars.”

The declarations for the remainder of Haydock Park’s card on Saturday will be made tomorrow, along with the declarations for day two of the Northwest Racing Masters at Aintree on Sunday, November 23, when the highlight is the £120,000 Listed totesport.com Becher Chase over the famous Grand National fences.

About the Northwest Racing Masters
The Northwest Racing Masters offers the ideal opportunity to experience the tremendous atmosphere of a day at the races on a great winter warming weekend. On the second day of the Northwest Racing Masters, Aintree will mark the start of the festive period when Father Christmas will pay a visit to the famous racecourse with REAL reindeer! An ice rink with free boot hire is guaranteed to add magic sparkle ahead of the Christmas countdown

Located in one of the most vibrant regions in the country, the Northwest Racing Masters meeting offers a great opportunity to discover England's northwest. It is an ideal time to combine a love of racing with a visit to Liverpool and the rest of the region.

Haydock Park, St Helens, one of the most visited racecourses in the UK, offers first class racing all year round. It is located half-way between Liverpool and Manchester, just off junction 23 of the M6 motorway.

Aintree Racecourse is home to the John Smith's Grand National and is between Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, and Southport - the perfect destination for a weekend break with beautiful beaches, great attractions and superb shopping.