CATTERICK'S seven-race programme tomorrow begins at 2pm with The European Breeders Fund Novice Stakes, a contest for two-year-old sprinters over the minimum distance of five furlongs.

The catterickbridge.co.uk Nursery Handicap Stakes is also a race for juveniles, over the longer distance of seven furlongs, while there should be an exciting dash to the line in The Parade Ring Bar Handicap Stakes over five furlongs.

The giant ToteVision screen situated opposite the stands will enable racegoers to see even more of the action, while the Rugby Union World Cup match between England and South Africa, which kicks off at 1pm in Perth, will be shown on television in a designated area.

* Today's seven-race programme at Redcar is scheduled to begin at 1.30.

The Weatherbys Insurance Services Handicap Stakes over a mile and three-quarters is the longest race on the card, which also includes The skybet.com Handicap Stakes and The Pickering Maiden Fillies' Stakes, a race for two-year-old fillies which once again enjoys the support of the European Breeders Fund.

The Racing Welfare Maiden Stakes over six furlongs draws attention to the national charity which represents the interests of stable staff in the racing industry.

l Wetherby's traditional two-day Christmas meeting has received a major boost from leading bookmaker Sky Bet, who are to extend their sponsorship of the fixture to include the 2003 and 2004 meetings.

Based in Harrogate, the company first supported the Christmas fixture last year and their commitment for the next two years will further raise the profile of the popular meeting, which features The skybet.com Castleford Chase on Boxing Day and The skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase on the second day.

This year's fixture takes place on Friday, December 26 and Saturday, December 27, while the first day of the 2004 renewal will break new ground when it is staged for the first time on a Sunday.

Tim Betteridge, Wetherby's chief executive, said: "Our Christmas meeting has always been an important fixture for our racegoers and the continued support of Sky Bet will enable us to raise the profile of the meeting even higher, with the Sunday involved in the 2004 running a welcome innovation."