Eight is the magic number at Fontwell Park

Named after the racecourse’s unique shape, the meeting is being held in association with 888sport and includes a number of incentives to get families flocking to see the action.

There are eight races – the second time in a few days West Sussex has staged a meeting with that higher-than-usual number of contests.

Our Fontwell tips: 2.05 King’s Wharf, 2.35 Nebula Storm, 3.05 Sadler’s Star, 3.40 Osmosia, 4.15 Shropshirelass, 4.45 Tae Kwon Do, 5.15 Doctor Ric, 5.45 Bittersweetheart.

And with the weather set fairk, it looks like attracting one of Fontwell’s largest attendances of 2012.

Fontwell executive director Phil Bell said: “This day has shown the value of coming up with a strong, simple theme. It’s grown year on year.”

A total of 86 runners have been declared across the card, which should see healthy fields throughout the afternoon.

Tom Cannon, one of the track’s leading jockeys to date in 2012, is among those booked for a number of rides. Racing runs from 2.05 to 5.45 and ticket prices start at £8.88 in honour of the day’s theme.

There will be free children’s entertainment including chair-o-planes and Austin cars, face painting and statue men. Children of 15 and under go free.

This year is Fontwell’s 88th birthday and staff will be cutting a giant cake for racegoers after the first race.

The Crawley v Pompey League One football match will be shown on a selection of TVs in the on-course bars.

The day will raise money for the Arun District Council chairman’s charities – Combat Stress and the National Osteoporosis Society.

To book tickets in advance, call 01243 543335.