A NATIONAL sporting event returns to the region this weekend when racing enthusiasts will battle to become top dog.

The Chudleys Classic English Whippet Derby is the premier event in the sport's calendar.

Organisers were so delighted by the response to last year's event in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, that they have decided to return.

Hundreds of owners and spectators from around the country are expected to visit the Oak Leaf Sports Complex, now rated the best track in the country, for the four-day meeting.

A packed programme gets under way at 2pm today with a children's sports day, followed by pool, darts and other competitions in the evening.

The racing starts tomorrow with all of the class finals, and more games and competitions in the evening.

The big race day, which includes the derby itself, is on Sunday when the biggest crowds are expected.

Organiser Chris Cornish, from Whippet News, said: "We had tremendous support from the whippet racers last year and we're expecting at least a 25 per cent increase in entries this time.

"I think the derby is more open than ever this year because there's a lot of up-and-coming youngsters making their way through the ranks."

Top fancies for the big race this year include Legs and Lips, from Cheshire, and Scottish bitch Biddy.

The best North-East bet may be Lauranna from Stockton, which recently won a big race on the bends but is unproven on a straight course.

The racing will continue on Bank Holiday Monday when the National Whippet Racing Federation stages a meeting.

Alan Courtney, of Great Aycliffe Town Council, which is helping to organise the event, said: "I'm very keen to make this the home of the whippet derby.

"We're in our second year and if it goes well I don't see why they can't keep coming back."