Catterick'S 2004/05 jumps season begins on Wednesday - the first of nine scheduled days' jumping at the North Yorkshire track during the campaign, which concludes in early March.

The action on Wednesday afternoon is due to start at 12.50 with The Richmondshire Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle over 2m 3f, while the programme features The Askrigg Handicap Chase over two miles and The Pepper Arden Handicap Chase, a contest for stayers over the extended 3m 1f.

Tim Easterby and Russ Garritty were the leading trainer and jockey respectively during Catterick's last season over jumps, while Padge Whelan was the course's top conditional rider in the competitions sponsored by The Nag's Head at Pickhill near Thirsk.

It is hoped that presentations can be made to the respective winners on Wednesday