THE countdown to the John Smith’s Grand National began in earnest with the announcement of the horses entered for Haydock Park Racecourse’s Betfred Grand National Trial next month.

They include the 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs as well as last year’s Haydock race victor Giles Cross who beat the subsequent Aintree hero Neptune Collonges.

Haydock Park’s £75,000 three-and-a-half mile steeplechase on Saturday 16 February is seen as a key indicator to the possible outcome of the Aintree showpiece in April.

In the last two decades four horses that went on to win the Grand National – Party Politics, Earth Summit and Mon Mome as well as Neptune Collonges - took in the Grand National Trial. And the legendary Red Rum ran in the race each year during his golden era in the 1970s when he won the Grand National three times and was runner-up twice.

No fewer than 39 horses are engaged in the 2013 Haydock Park race on 16 February, always one of the most popular days of the year at the North West racecourse.

Other entries of note are the Welsh National first and second, Monbeg Dude and Teaforthree, trainer Venetia Williams’s Aintree and Cheltenham hope Katenko and Silver By Nature, the winner of the race in both 2010 and 2011. There are also three entries from Ireland.

John Baker, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “These are really excellent entries for the Betfred Grand National Trial. What particularly delights us is the return of two previous winners of the race as well as interest from trainers in Ireland. It all adds up to what is set to be a superb day’s racing on Saturday 16 February at Haydock Park.”

The afternoon’s racing on 16 February also includes the Grade 2 Betfred Mobile Lotto Hurdle (registered as the Rendlesham Hurdle) and the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (registered as the Prestige Novices’ Hurdle). The first race is at 1.45pm.

On-the-day admission: Premier £45; County Stand £30; Tattersalls £20; Newton Enclosure £13. Discounts are available for advance ticket purchases.

Accompanied children under 18 are admitted free of charge. More information is available at www.haydock-park.co.uk where tickets can be bought online. Telephones bookings can be made on 0844 579 3006.