Hunter Chase evening at Fontwell - preview and tips

Racegoers are invited to join in the action as point-to-point horses and amateur jockeys look to bathe in the limelight on the major National Hunt stage.

Point-to-point races are often used as significant stepping stones for up-and-coming jockeys. Many learn the ropes in these exhilarating and often treacherous races before they become amateur jockeys on national courses across the UK.

Fontwell Park’s raceday tonight is no exception and is one to watch for the stars of the future.

Simon Williams, Fontwell Park executive director, said: “The United Hunts raceday is a favourite in the National Hunt calendar and, who knows? Perhaps the AP McCoy of the future will be with us, working his or her way up the ranks.

“We’re excited to invite a buzzing crowd through our gates next week top enjoy the thunder of hooves on our unique Sussex track. The forward forecast even promises a pleasant spring day.”

Racing begins at 5.05pm with the racebets.com Claim Your £50 Welcome Bonus! Novices Hunters’ Chase for the Guy Peate Memorial Challenge Trophy and continues until the Cuckoo Maiden Hunters’ Chase for the Cuckoo Maiden Challenge Cup.

There were 78 entries across the racecard after final declaratrions.

Our tips: 5.05 A Country Mile, 5.40 Here I Am, 6.15 Cygnet, 6.45 Sir Du Bearn, 7.15 Caulkin, 7.50 Kimora, 8.20 Full Trottle

Meanwhile on Sunday, May 24, Fontwell Park stages its annual big bank holiday family fun day with special guests Peppa Pig and George.

Peppa and George appear during storytime sessions throughout the day. There will also be photo opportunities.

Other activities to entertain the children include a fun fair, traditional rides, bouncy castles and face painters. Fonty the Fontwell mascot will be on hand to meet children smile and help them in joining the Young Hooves Club on the day, which is free to join and offers a host of benefits for children visiting Fontwell.

All the children’s entertainment is free and starts at 12.30pm, just under two hours before the first race.

A seven-race card of National Hunt racing will start at 2.20pm with the last race at 5.35pm. Children under 18 go free so it’s a great value family day out for all the family.

Simon Williams, Fontwell Park executive director, said: “The Big Bank Holiday Family Fun Day is one my favourite events at Fontwell Park as it offers something for people of all ages.

“This year will be extra special thanks to Peppa and George and we’re really looking forward to welcoming the crowd through our gates and hope our event ensures they have a memorable bank holiday weekend with their families.”

For more, visit www.fontwellpark.co.uk. Keep up to date with news and events at www.facebook.com/FontwellParkRacecourse or follow @FontwellPark on Twitter.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!