Masters boost for the North
Two races over the Grand National fences on the same day at Aintree and Haydock’s leg of a £1m (€1.46m) bonus look certain to attract jumping fans to the inaugural North West Masters.
The Merseyside tracks have got together with their sponsors to create a special weekend of jumps racing next month.
It was launched at Henrietta Knight’s stables in Wantage, the home of triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, who is on course for the £150,000 (€218,000) Betfair Chase, the highlight of the meeting at Haydock on Saturday, November 19 and the first leg of the Betfair Million.
The track also plays host to the most valuable three-mile handicap hurdle run in Britain, the £70,000(€101,000) betfairpoker.com Handicap Hurdle, on the same seven-race card.
Aintree’s programme the following day features the £100,000 (€146,000) totesport Becher Chase and the £60,000 (€88,000) totepool Grand Sefton Chase, which are being staged on the same day for the first time.
Both races have gone up in value, with the Becher, run over three miles and three furlongs, rising by £25,000 (€36,000) and the two mile, six furlong Grand Sefton getting a £10,000 (€14,600) boost. The weekend boasts prize money of £537,500 (€783,000).
Haydock managing director Adam Waterworth said: “Haydock Park is the North’s leading dual purpose course and has a real jump racing heritage.
“We are enhancing that further by introducing the brand new Grade One Betfair Chase.
“Betfair’s backing has been crucial in creating the new race and the Betfair Million is a great incentive to run.
“This is the first time Haydock and Aintree have linked up and the result is the North West Masters which is also being generously supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, the Mersey Partnership, Sefton Council, and St Helens Council.
“A special programme of off-course activity – including a free pop concert by The Bootleg Beatles and Texas in St Helens town centre on the Saturday evening - has been organised in conjunction with the local authorities, and the whole package promises to attract bumper crowds to the North West of England for the weekend.”
Any owner having a runner at either meeting that weekend will be invited to a drinks reception in Liverpool on the Saturday night.
Charles Barnett, Aintree’s managing director, added: “Racing at Aintree is always a unique and exciting experience and the North West Masters will be no exception.
“Aintree has tremendous racing over the Grand National fences on the second day of the North West Masters, thanks to the tote’s backing.
“Sunday, November 20, will be the only day in our calendar – outside the Grand National Meeting in April – to witness races over the Grand National course.
“With Haydock Park and Aintree both putting on spectacular racing, the North West Masters will be a magnet for racing fans and newcomers to the sport.”
