SEDGEFIELD racecourse is gearing up for one of the highlights of its national hunt season with the John Wade and Collins Seafoods Ltd Class 2 Novices Handicap Hurdle Final getting underway.

The qualifiers have proved extremely popular with over 150 horses competing.

Sedgefield is set to host the culmination of its Hurdle Series tomorrow, with a prize fund of £18,500 on offer. There were 19 horses at the entry stage with final declarations due to take place this morning.

The race day, which starts at 12.20pm, will see seven races in total with the pinnacle race, the Class 2 Hurdle Final getting underway at 4pm.

Jill Williamson, general manager of Sedgefield, says that the racecourse is grateful for the continued support of local businesses John Wade and Collins Seafoods Ltd, both from Newton Aycliffe, for their support of the Hurdle Series which has included all Novice Hurdles held at Sedgefield this season.

She said: “We’re getting ready for what we’re sure will be a very popular fixture, with the culmination of the Hurdle Series attracting large numbers of entries due to an attractive prize fund.

“We would like to thank John Wade & Collins Seafoods Ltd for their ongoing support, which is invaluable in ensuring the success of what is expected to be a popular race day.”

Although ground conditions are heavy, the racecourse is optimistic that the meeting will be a success despite its last meeting, the Cheltenham Festival Raceday, being abandoned due to adverse weather conditions.

Williamson added: “We hope that race-goers will turn out in force to enjoy one of the highlights of our racing calendar.”

Grandstand and paddock admission tickets are available for £13 when booked in advance. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit sedgefieldracecourse.co.uk or call 01740-621925.