HORSE RACING: Sly aiming for big race success at Huntingdon

Thorney trainer Pam Sly will bid to land her biggest success of the jumps season so far in the latest high-class contest at Huntingdon Racecourse on Sunday (March 5).
Pam Sly's Actiinpieces (the grey) in action at Cheltenham.Pam Sly's Actiinpieces (the grey) in action at Cheltenham.
Pam Sly's Actiinpieces (the grey) in action at Cheltenham.

It’s 188Bet Cambridgeshire National day at the racecourse, with the racing action boosted by the rescheduling of the £30,000 188Bet Lady Protectress Mares’ Chase which was lost to Storm Doris last week.

It’s this race into which Sly pitches Actinpieces off the back of a victory in another mares’ race at Catterick last month, with the trainer’s horses currently in sparking form.

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The six-year-old grey, set to be partnered by East Anglian jockey Gina Andrews, will face up to seven rivals in the Listed race over just under two and a half miles.

They include Desert Queen, who is seeking her third mares’ chase victory of the season; Irish raider Colla Pier; Kassis, who won on Ladies’ Evening at Huntingdon last May; Kilronan High who was third in the inaugural running of the race 13 months ago; while Paul Nicholls sends out Antartica De Thaix with the assistance of stable jockey Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle.

Sunday is a bumper day of racing, including the 188Bet Cambridgeshire National. First run in the autumn of 2013, this will be the fourth £25,000 188Bet Cambridgeshire National, a race run over three and three-quarter miles. Nineteen entries have been made, including four horses which are also engaged in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree in April.

There’s fun for all the family on Sunday, with Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day, plus lots of other free entertainment, including a face painter, large bouncy castle, large inflatable slide, giant game sets, bungee run game and soft play.

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The afternoon out is value for money for families, with an advance £20 ‘Big Family Fun Package’ offering two adult and four child tickets into the Main Enclosure along with two sweet bags.

Liam Johnson, general manager at Huntingdon Racecourse, said: “Visitors to the opening Sunday fixture of 2017 at Huntingdon Racecourse this weekend will really get to enjoy the best of both worlds – tremendous jump racing plus lots of off-course family entertainment, highlighted by Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol.

“We’re delighted to be hosting the fourth 188Bet Cambridgeshire National which will whet the appetite of spectators for the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree in April. And there is the bonus of the high quality Lady Protectress Mares’ Chase which is rescheduled from last week.”

Adult tickets bought in advance are just £12 (£16 on the day). Tickets are on sale at http://huntingdon.thejockeyclub.co.uk or on 0844 579 3007. Accompanied children aged 17 years and under are admitted free of charge. Young adults, aged 18 to 24 years, can get half-price admission by registering at RacePass18to24.co.uk to receive a free RacePass membership card. Senior citizens can obtain discounted admission by joining The Diamond Club, with details available online.

Racing is between 2pm and 5.30pm, with gates open from 12 noon.

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