Last updated at 16:31, Thursday, 13 November 2008

One of the most important races on the Hexham National Hunt calendar takes place at Yarridge Heights on Wednesday.

The 'Totesuper7 Northumberland National’ is run over four miles at 2.10pm.

The feature race has been organised at the request of owners and trainers who think they may have a horse with Grand National potential.

In previous years the race has attracted quality jumpers from leading stables throughout the country.

The stiff, undulating four miles plus is a real test of a horse's stamina and race goers may enjoy a preview of next year's Grand National winner.

The race offers prize money totalling £12,500 and is one of four on the card sponsored by Totesport.

The 'Toteswinger Novices Chase' at 1-10pm offers prize money totalling £10,500.

At The Races, the satellite television racing channel which televises all race meetings from Hexham, is sponsoring two other feature races, the 'At-the Races Sky 415 Juvenile Maiden Hurdle' which gets the meeting under way at 12.40pm., and the 'At-the-Races Virgin 534 Novice Handicap Chase' at 3.10pm.

The last race on the seven race card is at 3.40pm.

As usual a courtesy bus service will leave Hexham railway station at 11.40am, calling at the bus station at 11.45am.

Hexham has another Sunday addition to its programme next year. An extra meeting on January 25 has just been fitted into its busy 2009 programme.

First published at 13:12, Thursday, 13 November 2008
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk