ONE of Haydock Park's biggest meetings of the year takes place this week - with the highlight seeing Britain’s top jump racing stars competing on Saturday in the £200,000 Betfair Chase.

Among the entry confirmations are defending champion Silviniaco Conti and the favourites for the only two races later in the season which match the quality of the Betfair Chase -  Cheltenham Gold Cup holder and market leader Bobs Worth and King George VI Chase market leader Dynaste.

The trio are among ten horses remaining in the race which is the opening Grade 1 contest of the British jump racing season of 2013/14.

Former champion trainer Paul Nicholls – who could be doubled-handed with Tidal Bay - has booked jockey Noel Fehily to ride Silviniaco Conti, while trainer David Pipe says the Haydock Park race should be ideal for Dynaste who won on his only previous visit to the racecourse two years ago this month.

There are two potential Irish raiders in Prince de Beauchene and Roi du Mee, while trainer Nicky Henderson has the option of running Long Run, a past winner of both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase, in addition to Bobs Worth.

Betfair Chase – Betfair Sportsbook: 2-1 Bobs Worth; 9-4 Silviniaco Conti; 6-1 Dynaste; 8-1 Cue Card; 11-1 Tidal Bay; 12-1 Long Run; 14-1 Roi Du Mee; 20-1 The Giant Bolster; 33-1 Prince De Beauchene; 50-1 Cloudy Too.

The Betfair Chase is the climax of a two-day festival of racing at Haydock Park on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23.

During the two days, over £500,000 in prize-money will be won. As well as the Betfair Chase itself, among other valuable races is the £80,000 Grade 3 Betfair Cash Out “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle.

Garry Fortune, general manager, at Haydock Park Racecourse, said: “We are set for two fantastic days of racing on Friday and Saturday – and the showpiece race, the Betfair Chase, just couldn’t be better.

"Followers of jump racing who haven’t already booked their tickets are urged to do so as soon as they can this week. It’s going to be an occasion not to be missed.”

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: “It’s fantastic that all the big guns have stood their ground and it is shaping up to be a real cracker.

"Bobs Worth is still our market leader but we have seen plenty of money ante-post for Silviniaco Conti who has been backed at 3-1 and he could dispute favouritism come Saturday.”

Since the inaugural Betfair Chase in 2005, the winners have included the greatest staying steeple chaser of the 21st Century, Kauto Star, whose statue now stands in the racecourse, and former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander.

Betfair Chase roll of honour

  • 2005: Kingscliff
  • 2006: Kauto Star
  • 2007: Kauto Star
  • 2008: Snoopy Loopy 2009:
  • Kauto Star 2010: Imperial Commander
  • 2011: Kauto Star
  • 2012: Silviniaco Conti

Tickets are on sale for both days at www.haydock-park.co.uk. They can also be bought in person at the racecourse or by telephone on 0844 579 3006 in advance at the following prices. Friday: £11.70 (combined Newton and Tattersalls Enclosures); £21.60 (County Stand); and £32.40 (Premier). Saturday: £11.70 (Newton); £19.80 (Tattersalls); and £31.50 (County Stand). Advance purchase of tickets saves ten per cent on on-the-day prices.

First race times: Friday 22nd November 12.50pm; Saturday 23rd November 12.10pm.