DON'T be surprised if there are a few more Irish accents than usual at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse for 'Celtic Day' on Saturday.

And those racegoers may be celebrating as they call in at the course on their way back to Holyhead after the Cheltenham Festival.

Expectations were high for the Irish-trained runners going into the first four-day festival. They will certainly be cock-a-hoop if Friday's showpiece - the Cheltenham Gold Cup - is won by Ireland for the first time in nine years.

Beef Or Salmon is Ireland's big hope for this year's race, and he may be sent off favourite after the unfortunate setback that last week ruled out three-times winner Best Mate.

Pizarro is a longer-priced Irish shot while Kicking King, the hero of Boxing Day's King George VI Chase, has recovered from an infection and is ready to take his chance.

The 'home' front is led by Strong Flow, Grey Abbey and Celestial Gold. It's the most open Gold Cup since 1997, and steeplechasing's crown is there for the taking.

Meanwhile, with three weeks to go, another piece has been placed in the Grand National jigsaw for the Forest Gunner team at Little Budworth. Amateur rider Carrie Ford has now received her riding licence for Aintree.

The partnership won the Martell Fox Hunters' Chase over the Grand National fences last April and aim to follow up in this year's main event.

The first race at Bangor on Saturday is at 2.20pm. Gates open at noon. There will be a Guinness bar and an Irish band. A free bus service runs from Wrexham station 90 minutes before racing and returns afterwards - racegoers with rail tickets have priority.

Admission to the Course Enclosure is £7 while the Paddock Enclosure is £14. Accompanied children enter free. See website www.BangorOnDeeRaces.co.uk or contact the racecourse on 01978 780323.