Disappointment over entry levels for Fontwell's big race

The racecourse has come under fire recently for the level of prize money on offer, and general manager Phil Bell said with that in mind he expected better backing for this Sunday’s £20,000 Totesuper7 Southern National. Now the future of the race could be in doubt.

The standard of entries is okay but it’s the number – 15 – which has left track officials downcast. By the weekend, the number who will race will reduce and Bell said he wouldn’t want to see fewer than eight to ten racing.

“If we end up with only six or seven, we will have to review the race and we may not run it again. We’d be better off putting the prize money elsewhere,” Bell said.

“Having said that, there are some good-quality horses entered and we’re hopeful of a competitive race.”

It looks like David Pipe’s Peut Etre Sivola faces a real battle to win the Southern National for a second year running.

The highest-rated horse is Bench Warrent, trained by Charlie Mann, which has had a victory and three places in its last five outings. Noel Fehily is set to be on board.

Local interest is headed by Martys Mission, trained by West Sussex handler Richard Rowe and owned by Hove-based Andy Stewart, one of jump racing’s leading owners, whose wife Judy was one ofthe guests chosen to open Fontwell’s new Premier Grandstand in September.

It is believed Martys Mission is being aimed at the Welsh National at Chepstow just after Christmas.

Another Sussex trainer in contention is Suzy Smith, who has entered Pass Me By. She is perhaps best known in these parts for having trained the now-retired one-eyed National Hunt stalwart Material World, who is owned by Witterings-based Robin Smith.

The Southern National, which is off at 3.10, covers three miles and four furlongs and is Fontwell Park’s longest race of the year.

In one of the other races – The John Rogerson Memorial Beginners’ Chase – Nick Gifford has entered one of his top hurdlers Tullamore Dew for his debut over fences.

The second feature race on the card is the Tikram Handicap Hurdle, named after one of Gary Moore’s most famous horses.

A crowd of around 4,000 is hoped for and there will be a wide array of family entertainment on all afternoon. The first race is off at 12.20.