Market Rasen Racecourse news release: 'Hero' of 2010 set to defend his crown

Tuesday 12 July: The 2010 winner of the major race at Market Rasen Racecourse returns this Saturday (16 JULY) to defend his crown.

Grand Slam Hero was the 'hero' of the Totesport.com Summer Plate 12 months ago.

Now he's back for more in the £50,000 steeplechase run over two and three quarter miles.

However, the 10-year-old trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies will face a strong challenge in what is always a highly competitive race.

Several of his potential rivals from an initial entry of 29 horses have run up sequences of victories.

The German-bred Ostland has won three races in a row, including one at Market Rasen.  Sonny Mullen is also aiming for a four timer, while Rebel Du Maquis - from the stables of champion trainer Paul Nicholls - has won four times since last autumn.

Welsh handler Peter Bowen has a record that is second to none in the Summer Plate.  One of his entries, Sun Tzu, has been first in its last five races.  Another of his horses, No Panic, was third in the race two years ago.

The major supporting race on Saturday is the first - the £30,000 Totescoop6 Summer Hurdle at 2.05pm.

The highest rated horse in the race is West Country trainer David Pipe's Street Entertainer, which provided him with his first ever winner in Ireland two months ago.

Local horse Laterly is also an entry from Steve Gollings's stables at Scamblesby near Louth.

As for punters looking for a tip in the major races, racing presenter Mike Vince will be hosting his punters panel - including Tote PR manager George Primarolo and one of the jockeys in the feature steeplechase - in the winners enclosure before racing begins.

Admission

Admission gates at the racecourse will be open at 12.05pm for Totesport Summer Plate and Ladies' Day, supported by The Journal magazine.  The first race of seven is at 2.05pm.  Premier Members - £28; County Enclosure £21; Tattersalls £16; Family Enclosure £10; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult.  Accompanied children under 18 are admitted free of charge.  Parking free.  More information at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk.

A special Posh & Becks admission package is available for £23, including a Tattersalls enclosure ticket, Chicken Caesar wrap or hog roast, a glass of Pimm's or a pint of beer, a raceday programme and a discounted Tote bet.  It can be booked online at www.marketraseraces.co.uk or by telephone on 0845 579 3009.

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For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434 or 07796 996081, or email pip.kirkby@jockeyclubracecourses.com.