Big numbers due at Fontwell - on and off the track

There were a grand total of 76 runners across the seven races after yesterday’s final declarations, with a good number of leading yards sending contenders to the track.

A large crowd is expected after Fontwell launched two money-saving schemes to woo race-goers.

Many present tonight will get in free of charge after collecting vouchers in the Observer and some of our sister papers.

Others will get in for £10 as part of a nationwide project Fontwell Park is involved in to try to get new people to Britain’s racecourses.

Those promotions, coupled with this being Fontwell’s last race meeting before its summer break, mean officials are hoping for a crowd of more than 2,000, which would be excellent for a midweek evening.

Racing begins with the [email protected] Handicap Chase at 5.45 and ends as late as 9pm with the 888casino Free Spins To Win £1M Handicap Hurdle.

There are good-sized fields due for all seven races but none more so than the final race, which has 16 contenders.

Colin Bolger has a couple of rides that could go off as favourites.

Doctor Ric looks like being well-backed in the Platinum Lace Gentlemen’s Club Brighton Novices’ Handicap Chase at 6.15, while Beauchamp Viking is one to watch in the 1/4 Final Bets With 888sport Mobile Handicap Chase at 8.30.

Sussex trainer Gary Moore rarely leaves Fontwell without any success and has runners booked in each of the final three races.

Fontwell’s Emma Newbery said the Euro 2012 quarter-final between Portugal and the Czech Republic would be shown in the Premier Bar and on other screens around the course.

A happy hour from 4pm to 5pm with see certain pints available for £2, while music from Irish band Flash Company will entertain punters on arrival.Admission is on a ‘one enclosure’ basis tonight, meaning anynone can go in the Premier Grandstand enclosure.

OUR TIPS: 5.45 Kap West,

6.15 Doctor Ric, 6.50 Ballyhilty Bridge, 7.25 Baily Storm,

7.55 Reaction, 8.30 Beauchamp Viking, 9.00 Sunny Spells.

We’ll have a report on the meeting at www.bognor.co.uk later on tonight.