BIG PRIZEMONEY ATTRACTS QUALITY ENTRIES FOR FAKENHAM’S NATIONAL DAY
TWO high-quality steeplechases close Fakenham’s Norfolk National Raceday on Tuesday with big prizemoney of offer for the winners.
The 4.50pm finale is the class three Norfolk National over three miles and five furlongs worth £20,000 while 35 minutes earlier, the David Keith Memorial Veteran Chase over three miles (Leg Five of the Stayers Veteran Chase Series) is a class two contest worth £30,000.
Thirteen entries have been made for the Stayers Veteran Chase with both Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton represented. Henderson has Will Carver, a 10-year-old runner-up behind Skelton’s Riskingtheground at Ayr in April, while Skelton has Le Milos, last seen at Haydock in April.
Tommy Beau, a Fakenham regular and former winner, has been entered by Seamus Mullins and although recently running below his best, could return on the back of a 101-day break. Kim Bailey has Two For Gold, a runner-up at Ascot in leg four of the series in March.
Digby won at Bangor in April and has been entered by Dermot McLoughlin, Peter and Michael Bowen have Siberian Star and there are a host of other old favourites possibly taking their chances in what should be a classy affair.
The Norfolk National has attracted a dozen entries including last time out winners. Shaun Harris has Craig Nichol booked to ride Ali Star Bert, a Southwell winner while Jack Tudor partners David Pipe’s Chemical Warfare, successful at Sedgefield three weeks ago.
Ben Case’s Fern Hill was a winner over course and distance in December while Christian Williams has Fever Dream, another Southwell winner in April.
Olly Murphy loves winners at Fakenham and has Gold Clermont, a former victor of the race when trained by Andy Irvine among the entries with James Owen also represented by a Fakenham regular, My Gift To You.
Racing starts with the 2.15pm Regency Security Hurdle and among 11 entries is Archie Watson’s Collingham, formerly with Donald McCain. A three-times flat winner, the gelding has won seven of 25 hurdle starts, scoring at Catterick when beating Owen’s Honneur d’Ajonc, also entered.
Seven are entered in the Alan Boswell Group Mares’ Chase at 2.45pm including Kate Madik, a grey twice a winner in France before joining Peter Bowen’s stable.
Claim Du Brizais, trained by Skelton, beat Last Note from Nick Littmoden’s yard, at the last Fakenham meeting and both are entered in the 3.15pm Racing TV Mares’ Maiden Hurdle while Pep Talking, winner of his last two chase, reverts to hurdles if taking his chance for trainer Billy Aprahamian in the 3.45pm Racing TV Novice Hurdle.
