TICKETS are selling briskly for the Northwest Racing Masters - when Haydock Park and Aintree Racecourses come together for a weekend of the highest class jump racing action.

The major horse racing attraction of the two-day occasion is the Grade 1 £200,000 Betfair Chase on Saturday, November 24 at Haydock Park.

All eyes will be on the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kauto Star, whose victories in the race at Haydock Park 12 months ago, at Kempton Park Racecourse on Boxing Day and in Gloucestershire in March, landed a £1 million bonus prize from the online betting exchange sponsors.

The horse is on a repeat mission between now and next March, and his appearance is set to draw a large crowd to Haydock Park.

With so much prize-money on offer, the Betfair Chase is likely to bring horses from Ireland and France to the North West of England.

The major hope of victory for 'The North' will be Aces Four, from the Yorkshire stables of trainer Ferdy Murphy, while Ollie Magern - the winner of the first major three-mile steeplechase of the autumn at Wetherby - will also be running.

At the inaugural Northwest Racing Masters two years ago, the opening day attracted the biggest jump racing crowd seen at Haydock Park since the 1980s.

More than 12,000 people watched as British-trained Kingscliff defeated the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and Irish-trained Kicking King.

Last year almost as many people were present to see Kauto Star's victory.

The racecourse's managing director Dickon White said: "The first Northwest Racing Masters was a fantastic success, with more than 20,000 visitors at the two racecourses over the weekend.

"Year two was just as excellent an occasion, contributing not only to the sporting attractions of the North West but also to the region's tourism. With advance ticket sales on a par with last year, we're looking forward with great anticipation to Saturday 24th."

Half an hour before the Betfair Chase, there will be a £100,000 race over Haydock Park's innovative 'brush' hurdles.

The obstacles are designed to educate younger horses going on to steeplechasing careers, but the big prize fund on the day is also likely to attract Grand National-bound horses that are making their seasonal debuts in preparation for Aintree next April.

The Northwest Racing Masters is sponsored by a number of public and private organisations, including the Mersey Partnership and St Helens Borough Council, with support from Sefton Council, Merseytravel, the Liverpool Culture Company and the European Regional Development Fund.

The horse racing continues at Aintree Racecourse on Sunday, November 25 when the major event is the totesport.com Becher Chase, run over the Grand National fences.

RACECOURSE ADMISSION DETAILS - SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER First race time is at 12.30pm. Admission to the Newton Enclosure is £9; to Tattersalls £19; to the County Enclosure £33; and to the Premier Enclosure £43.

ccompanied children under 16 enter free. Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price.

Tickets are available in advance and on the day. Advance ticket line is 01942 402624. Accommodation booking is on 0845 601 1125 (www.visitliverpool.com/northwestmasters) Two-day tickets, for Haydock Park and Aintree Racecourses, are also available.

ORDER OF RUNNING

  • 12.30 Betfair Poker Newton Novices' Hurdle (2 miles)
  • 1.05 Reg Griffin 50 years at Timeform Hurdle (2m)
  • 1.35 Betfair "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (2m 7f)
  • 2.05 Betfair Steeple Chase (3m)
  • 2.35 Betting As It Should Be Handicap Steeple Chase (3m)
  • 3.05 Betfair Casino Zero Lounge Handicap Steeple Chase (2m)
  • 3.40 Forumites Of The Year Vote Soon Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m)