Harry Topper heads Midlands Grand National line-up

The biggest race of the day on Saturday will be the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, with entries headed up by the Kim Bailey-trained Harry Topper.

Since 1969 the race has been the jewel in the crown of horse racing in the region and one of Uttoxeter’s biggest race meetings of the year.

Harry Topper won the Denman Chase at Newbury last time out and is expected to be among the favourites, however David Pipe has declared two horses as he attempts to win the second longest race in the country for the fourth year running with experienced chaser Junior looking likely to be his strongest chance.

If Pipe does make it four in a row, Uttoxeter Racecourse will be giving out £250,000 worth of free tickets on the day.

Pipe said: “It would be a real thrill to win this prestigious race again, but it might cost Uttoxeter a lot with their offer of free admissions if I win again this year! I am ever hopeful.”

Another horse of interest is Wyck Hill. Despite failing to complete the Welsh National at Chepstow at Christmas, David Bridgewater’s star has since gone on to win the Eider Chase at Newcastle, and is also fancied by many to put in a major challenge.

Venetia Williams is in good form at the moment having trained plenty of recent winners and she has entered the in-form pair Summery Justice and Emperor's Choice, whilst locally owned West End Rocker could also be a serious contender.

Willy Mullins will be stopping off at the Staffordshire venue on his way back from Cheltenham with his gelding Are Ya Right Chief, meaning punters will be treated to a rare opportunity of catching Ruby Walsh riding in the British Isles.

Uttoxeter Racecourse executive director, David MacDonald said: “Preparations for this year’s race started late due to the weather but I am delighted to say we have managed to get the whole course looking pristine thanks to the efforts of so many staff.

“Advanced ticket sales are slightly up on last year and hospitality sales are up by 25 per cent, so we are delighted that once again we have managed to grow this magnificent fixture.

“With the weather expected to be fine we are hoping for a good walk up and I would stress to people that have not yet bought a ticket that they can arrive and pay on the day.”

Plans for a lot of horses this weekend will rest on the events at Cheltenham with many entered at the weekend's jump meetings, particularly for the meeting at Kempton and their Silver Cups Day. Two new Class 2 consolation races will feature on a good seven race with a total prize fund of £75,000 available for horses eliminated from handicap races at the Festival.

Saturday’s programme is completed by afternoon meetings at Newcastle and Fontwell and at Wolverhampton for an early evening card, whilst over in Ireland the Tote Jackpot (C&G) Maiden Hurdle is the feature race at Limerick on the first day of their St Patrick’s Festival of Racing.

To complete a busy week, Sunday will see meetings at Carlisle and Ffos Las, with bumper crowds expected in Ireland ahead of St Patrick’s Day. There is action back at Limerick for the second day of their Festival of Racing with the EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Steeplechase being the headline race, whilst the Shamrock Festival Raceday at Navan has the EBF Novice Final Handicap Chase Final as their feature race on a promising seven race card.