The 50th running of the Yarmouth Championship got under way at Yarmouth Stadium on Monday, with a record entry of 36 taking part.The first three in each heat qualified for the extended semi-final stage, which takes place tonight.

The 50th running of the Yarmouth Championship got under way at Yarmouth Stadium on Monday, with a record entry of 36 taking part.

The first three in each heat qualified for the extended semi-final stage, which takes place tonight.

Newtown Scorsese scored the quickest time of the night's six heats, 28.30, to see him clear into the semi-finals.

Trainer Julie Green, from Yaxham, near Dereham, who also qualified another three of her runners into the semis, said: “Taking nothing away from my other runners, but this is the puppy of the bunch. He was brought over from Ireland and schooled at our kennels and we have been very pleased with his performances so far, having had only nine races and winning six of them.”

Ante Post favourite for the championship, HellFire Harry, trained by Norwich's Jennifer White, won his heat, but only just from the fast finishing Glenske Hayes. White said: “ He has always been sluggish at the off, and that's his only fault really.”

Hazel Kemp had three runners making their way into the semis. Ring For Quality took the first heat and was always leading from the first turn, but keeping him on his toes was James Daly's Way Hey Tom who has been showing strong form of late.

In the first of tonight's three semi-finals, Tony McDermott's Glenske Hayes should produce the goods.

Daves Nipper, trained by Michael Clare looks a threat, and has his favourite launch pad poised to the rails. Kemp brings Bodell Savings - if he secures a clear passage, expect him to be full of running coming off the back straight.

In semi-final two, ante post favourite Hellfire Harry is butter footed at the lids, and that inconsistency at the start can prove costly for him, as the opposition won't be hanging around for errors.

Newtown Scorsese faces a much stiffer task this time, but the talented youngster has been paving his way on the open race scene and won't be disappointing for Green's kennels.

Ring For Quality for Kemp moved nicely last time out, shows very best form when he can dictate matters at an early stage, and is going to be tough to strike back if out in front down the backstraight. Daly's Way Hey Tom has been scoring wins over six bend events and has the gears when things click but has his work cut out here.

In semi-final three, Riverside Lark, will be looking for a better finish on this outing, but may have a problem with Bodell Zig Zag, who has an early burst to see him ahead, and if staying wide he could sneak clear for trainer Kemp.

Ian Brown brings Michaels Boy from his Ormesby kennels. He has the red jacket again and runs the rails tight, which makes him a handful if other selections get first turn trouble, and he needs his best trapping boots on here.

Lughill Echo (Green) and Chazwick Recipe (Daly) both have consistency, but the latter gets a slight preference as a result of the better draw.