THE Totesport Chester Cup hero of the last two years Anak Pekan has another great staying handicap, the Northumberland Plate, in his sights.

Four horses in the last 10 years have attempted to pull off the Chester-Newcastle double in the same season.

Anak Pekan last year came closest to succeeding, finishing third in the North East at the end of June.

The same route is preferred by trainer Michael Jarvis in 2005 as the horse has found the more exalted company of Group races too much.

Going on to Newcastle for that race-course's principal event of the season has been the more common campaign for Chester Cup winners in recent years after several failed to follow up at Royal Ascot.

There is one horse that did achieve the 'double'. That was Bangalore, the Chester Cup winner of 2000, but he waited two seasons before his win in the race popularly known as the 'Pitmen's Derby', which is run over two miles, 440 yards shorter than the race around The Roodee.

Meanwhile, congratulations to Cheshire handler Pat Thompson who has just sent out his first winner at a British racecourse.

He has a team of point-to-point horses at Nantwich and saddled Raiseapearl to win a hunters' chase at Uttoxeter last weekend, with Cheshire amateur jockey Tessa Clark in the saddle.

Racing at Bangor-on-Dee wrapped up for the summer break last Saturday with a crowd of 6,600 - the second highest of modern times. The seasonal top trainer and jockey awards went to Jonjo O'Neill and Tony McCoy.

National Hunt resumes at the race-course on Friday, July 29.

Admission to the Course Enclosure is £7 while the Paddock Enclosure is £14. Accompanied children enter free. More information is on the website www.BangorOnDeeRaces.co.uk or phone the course on 01978 780323.

The next racing at Chester Race-course is Ladies Evening on Tuesday, June 7 when the first race is scheduled for 6.45pm. Admission: County Stand £26; Tattersalls £18; Dee Stands £8; Open Course £6. Car parking is £6.

As well as via the website (www.chester-races.com), badges can be bought on the racecourse's credit card hotline on 01244 304610, which is open between 9am and 4.45pm, Mondays to Fridays. General e-mail enquiries to sales@chesterraces.com.