WHAT odds six Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse winners carrying all before them on the first day of next week's Cheltenham National Hunt Festival?
Well, not as long a price as one might think.
For in the six races on Tuesday, March 16, including the Champion Hurdle, there is a Bangor-on-Dee winner in each. And four of them have been victors in North Wales in the last six months. One is favourite, two are second favourites and a further two are fourth favourites in their races.
So Bangor-on-Dee could be most relevant for punters as they study the formbook and choose their bets.
In Cheltenham racecard order, the roll of honour from Bangor-on-Dee is:
Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Garde Champetre won Edward Timpson 30th Birthday Novices' Hurdle on December 17, 2003. Fourth favourite.
Arkle Trophy: Thisthatandtother won Althrey Beginners' Chase on October 27, 2003. Favourite.
Champion Hurdle: Rigmarole won Alfa Aggregate Products Handicap Hurdle on September 13, 2003. Second favourite.
National Hunt Chase: Joss Naylor won Clwyd Novices' Chase on December 18, 2002. Second favourite.
Kim Muir Chase: Simply Supreme won Whitchurch Intermediate Open National Hunt Flat Race on December 19, 2001. Ninth favourite.
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle: Campaign Trail won Althrey Hall Hurdle Showcase Handicap on December 17. Few experts would bet against one or two of these horses bringing home the bacon next Tuesday. If a punter backed all six in an accumulator bet and they all won, he or she would take a small fortune off the bookies!
Following the meeting today, the next fixture at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is on Saturday, March 27. Admission to the course enclosure is £6 while the paddock enclosure is £13 - accompanied children enter free. More information is available on the website www.BangorOnDeeRaces.co.uk or contact the racecourse on 01978 780323.
