THE point-to-point racing community is eagerly anticipating the opening Flint and Denbigh meeting at Bangor-on-Dee on Sunday.

A new track, inside the race-course used by the professionals, has been constructed over the last two years and will be used by two local hunts - the Flint and Denbigh and the Sir WW Wynn - in coming weeks.

It has been developed with the aim of being one of the fairest and best point-to-point courses in the country. For both the Flint & Denbigh and Sir WW Wynn meetings, Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse will be their new surroundings following the closure of the Eaton Hall course.

Visitors on Sunday will have all the usual racecourse facilities available to them. The jockeys will certainly notice a few differences too. The average amateur rider is more used to changing into their riding gear in draughty, damp marquees. At Bangor-on-Dee Race-course, they'll enjoy the luxuries of hot water and heating!

Unlike professional races at Bangor-on-Dee, the one mile and three furlong point-to-point track will be ridden right handed - a level galloping course with the finish in front of the public car park. The eight fences have been transferred from Eaton Hall.

Sunday should be a great occasion as point-to-point enters a new era in the North West.

Back with the National Hunt professionals, the 2005-6 jump racing season just gets better and better for Team McCain at Cholmondeley.

The latest three winners for Ginger and son Donald were at Uttoxeter and Haydock Park at the weekend.

The second victory at the Staffordshire racecourse - by the mare The Wife's Sister - was in the colours made famous in the 1970s by three times Grand National winner Red Rum.

Meanwhile, Amberleigh House did well enough in a race over too short a distance for him now that he's 14, but there was no alternative as the yard had to get a run into him.

Their other Grand National prospect Ebony Light did not fire on all cylinders at Haydock, and now goes straight for Aintree.

The next racing at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is on Sunday March 5. Call 01978 780323 for details.

Tickets are already selling fast for the 2006 May Festival at Chester racecourse, between Wednesday 10 and Friday, May 12.