HORSE RACING: AFTER another exhilarating race day at Wincanton Racecourse on October 22, expectations remain high for the November 4 race day.

Seven-year-old Royal Shakespeare, winner of last year's Elite Hurdle, is reported to be on course to defend his crown. A high-class horse, trained by Steve Gollings, he went on to be crowned joint Order of Merit Champion at the end of last season.

The race day sees a full, seven strong race card with the first race at 1.05 pm. At three miles, one and a half furlongs, the feature race of the day is The Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase, with a prize fund of £70,000.

The remaining six races, five of which are sponsored by the Tote, bring the total up to just under £200,000 in prize money for the day.

Steven Clarke, managing director of Wincanton Racecourse, said: "This is one of the key race days on our calendar. Paul Nicholls has indicated he is sending a strong team and with such high quality races and a significant prize fund, the day is set to be extremely competitive."

The gates open at 11 am, with the first race at 1.05pm and the last race at 4.20 pm. Advance bookings can be made at a discounted price on 08700 115007.

The advance offer includes discounted entry, free racecard, free pint of Badgers Beer and £2 off a £5 Tote bet. Prices for the Premier enclosure will be discounted to £15 and the Grandstand to £10.

Entry for under 16s is free.