SHARES are up for grabs in a chestnut filly which is the latest recruit to The Northern Echo Racing Partnership.

The two-year-old, in training with Michael Dods at Denton Hall, near Darlington, is to be named NorthernEcho Sport.

She is the partnership's replacement for Local Heroes, the filly killed in a training accident earlier this year.

Dods, who has been testing the filly for two months, said: "I have never trained a horse before which has shown me so much in a short period of time.

"It is important that I find my local paper a horse that will give them a lot of fun and, hopefully, she fits the bill."

However, the trainer said that, although she will have a couple of races towards the end of this Flat season, she is being trained with a three-year-old career in mind.

The filly is well bred by star sire Pivotal out of Crofters Ceilidh.

She was originally bought as a foal by a syndicate which included Northern Echo Racing Partnership manager Paul Clarkson for 3,500 guineas.

However, she only made 1,000 guineas at the yearling sales nine months ago when Mr Clarkson bought her himself. The main reason for her reduction in value was that she is a big, strong filly which needed time.

The majority of members of the partnership have decided to continue their association through NorthernEcho Sport but there are a few five per cent shares left.

They cost £315, which includes all training fees up to August 31. Members will then pay £65 per month towards training fees and racing expenses with no hidden extras.

At the end of the 2003 season, any funds not used, plus any prize money, will be paid out as a dividend.

Anyone interested can contact Mr Clarkson on (01995) 605790 or 07802 764094.