A BUSY month at Hexham Racecourse kicks off on Saturday evening with a seven race card featuring the prestigious Maiden Hunter’s Chase for the coveted Heart of All England Trophy.

Entries are set to include some of this season’s leading point-to-point horses from across the North.

Tynedale Maiden winner Beyond Gold and dual Friars Haugh scorer, Costly Dream are the pick of the Scottish entries, while Dee Star and Fair Exchange represent the Cheshire yards of Gary Hanmer and Joe O’Shea respectively.

Thropton trainer Jimmy Walton has entered Cudgel and Frankies Fire. The latter has plenty of stamina and made it three wins from her last four starts at Balcormo Mains 12 days ago.

The Yorkshire raiders include Buck Dancing, Hafajay, Path To Freedom, Royal Chant and Snow Castle. Jessica Bedi’s mount, Buck Dancing was very impressive at Corbridge and Sheriff Hutton, recording quick times on both occasions, and lost nothing in defeat when beaten a head by 126-rated chaser, Meldrum Lad in the best Ladies Open Race of the season at Hornby Castle last month.

Racecourse manager Robert Whitelock said a total of 109 horses had entered the seven races, with an encouraging weather forecast for Saturday.

Th event is sponsored by J.S. Hubbuck Ltd, and also supported by Solar Signs. The first race starts at 5.40pm, and the last race at 8.40pm.