Now this looks as if it has the makings of a cracker, with Mike Hose, Chris McGahan, Bill Swallow, Derek Whalley, Alan Oversby, Steve Elliot and John Loder all out today.

Also in the field are the likes of Paul Coward, Wattie Brown, Harold Bromiley, Luke Notton, Ivan Coates and John Leech Jnr.

Thankfully the weather is holding and the sun still shines. A great day for racing without a doubt.

They are on the line and ready to go.

Off they go with 23 starters,heading up towards Ballakeighan