Newcastle's gears up for the Eider

Thu, Feb 25, 2010

The first Saturday meeting of the year and one of the most important races of the jumps season gets underway at Newcastle Racecourse this weekend.

The totesport.com Eider Chase Raceday has attracted significant advanced ticket sales and thousands of punters are set to flock to the course for a race that is known as the warm up to Aintree's John Smith's Grand National in April.

With a prize fund of £60,000 up for grabs in the days' feature race, the 3:20pm totesport.com Eider Chase Handicap, a field of talented runners is expected to take on what will be a gruelling marathon course of 4m1f.

Last year's winner Merigo, trained near Lockerbie by Andrew Parker, bids for back to back victories and has been installed as joint favourite at 6-1 along with Ferdy Murphy trained Galant Nuit. A famous old stager making a comeback appearance in the race is the 14 year old former Eider winner and Grand National placer Philson Run.

The day will also see Onajet make his Newcastle bow to become the first Australian horse to take to the course. The Anthony Cosgriff trained horse last ran in very different conditions on fast ground ‘down under' and it will be intriguing to see how he fairs on the heavy turf of the North East. Connections are keen for him to run at Cheltenham in a few weeks time, so a respectable run is required here if he is going to compete at Prestbury Park.

Newcastle's Clerk of Course, James Armstrong, said: "Ahead of the Eider, which is a key race in our calendar, we shall be covering the entire course to protect against any frost that may occur. The entirety of the back straight is due to be covered with heavy duty black plastic sheets and the less vulnerable home straight with fleece. The temperatures have now risen from last week's chill and conditions are expected to stay above freezing between now and Saturday. However, with such an important race in the offing and a good crowd anticipated, we're not taking any chances."

Mark Spincer, executive director of Newcastle Racecourse, said: "The Eider is always a great event at Newcastle Racecourse and it has been no surprise to see our advanced ticket sales doing well. Our reasonably priced hospitality deals have done exceptionally well this year. Our £65 package of a three course carvery lunch and reserved restaurant seating with a view of the course has been especially popular.

"As the current economic conditions continue to be tough for many people, it is crucial that we offer excellent value and a comprehensive leisure experience at our racedays. It is encouraging to see that advanced sales for our St Patricks' Day meeting on 20 March are already doing very well and to date we have already sold 20% of our capacity for Ladies Day in July. Long may that continue, and we're looking forward to another thrilling Eider Chase on Saturday."

For more information or to book tickets, call Newcastle Racecourse on 0191 236 2020 or visit www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk.

Author:  A Skelton

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