Horses

Cool Roxy aiming to take centre stage once again

Course-specialist Cool Roxy and jockeys Richard Johnson and Barry Geraghty will all be vying to grab the headlines as Fakenham Racecourse stages its opening National Hunt meeting of the season today with a cracking seven-race card.

Cool Roxy, who made Fakenham history in March when he won his 11th race at the track, lines up in the feature race of the day, the Norfolk County Handicap Chase (2.35).

This gutsy little horse has won this race for the last two seasons and warmed up for the contest with a run over hurdles at Huntingdon last week. Roxy - to be ridden byChris Honour - will be tested all the way, having to give weight and age to the rest of his five challengers, with the main danger looking to come from Winsley Hill.

It could be a good afternoon for Johnson, who could well land a four-timer aboard Baily Storm (3.10), Doctor Robert (4.20), Chapel Flowers (4.50) and Brackloon High (5.20).

Forever playing second fiddle to Tony McCoy in the jockeys' title race, Johnson is an excellent horseman and looks to have a good set of rides today for trainers Tim Vaughan and Noel Chance.

Remember Johnson had a double at this meeting last year.

Geraghty is a welcome new face to the North Norfolk track when he rides Busker Royal, his only ride of the day, in the Northern Norfolk Novices' Chase (3.45).

This six-year-old gelding was a decent hurdler but chasing was always going to be game. Hopefully, with Geraghty in the saddle, Busker Royal can make it count on his chasing debut in this competitive event.

The afternoon gets under way with the Prince Of Wales Stand Conditional Jockeys' Selling Handicap Hurdle (2.00), in which the Richard Ford-trained Royaltea is the tentative selection.

This eight-year-old mare has good form over the summer since joining his new stable, including a success at Hexham back in June. With conditions in his favour expect another bold showing today.

After a couple of months of largely dry weather the course had to be watered on a regular basis to ensure safe racing conditions - but Wednesday's downpours came as a welcome bonus, with the official going now good to firm, and good in places. Entry prices: Adult day member £18, grandstand and paddock £13, course enclosure £8. All children 17 years and under get in free. Parking is free except in the member's car park (£8).

Card: See Page 55