CLASSY performers Tidal Bay and Nacarat head a host of star names entered for Saturday’s totetentofollow Old Roan Chase at Aintree.
Howard Johnson’s Tidal Bay remains a top class performer even though he failed to win in five starts last season after a pipe-opener at Carlisle.
Racing Post Chase winner and Melling Chase third Nacarat is the highest rated horse in the field and one of two possible runners for Tom George, who also has the smart novice Tartak entered.
Last year’s scorer Knowhere is joined by popular grey Monet’s Garden, who inflicted a rare defeat on Kauto Star back in 2007.
Don’t Push It, Finger Onthe Pulse, Oslot, Kicks For Free and Tamarinbleu are other interesting names involved on a day that launches British racing's £100,000 'Racing for Change' Order of Merit covering 70 races up to the finale of the jumps season at Sandown Park on April 24.
And the ‘merit’s’ opening race at the home of the Grand National is the Grade 2 Old Roan Chase over two and a half miles.
It is the day one highlight of Aintree’s autumn meeting, while Sunday sees the now traditional Matalan Freaky Family Funday, where racing is teamed with free themed Halloween entertainment.
The day includes a ‘Thriller’ performance and dance workshops by Britain’s Got Talent dance troupe, MD Productions, along with ‘Shiverpool’ tales, Halloween craft workshops, face painting, fairground rides, and magic shows.
Admission for children is free for the whole weekend.
Tickets can be purchased now and by booking online at aintree.co.uk where purchasers can avoid a booking fee.
Tickets are also available by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3001. Deals on hospitality packages are also available within the Princess Royal Restaurant, where kids eat free and hospitality is available at £79 per person. Info from 0151 522 2911.
