MORE than 10,000 jump racing fans are expected to descend on Haydock Park on Saturday (November 22) for the first day of the Northwest Racing Masters.

It's a weekend when Haydock Park and Aintree racecourses come together for a showpiece event in horse racing's calendar.

Among the equine stars on show will be former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, Kauto Star in the £225,000 Betfair Chase which he will be aiming to win for the third year in a row.

Kauto is likely to face up to half-a-dozen rivals, including locally-trained Cloudy Lane - a three times winner at Haydock - from the Cheshire stables of Ginger McCain’s son, Donald.

The Betfair Chase is the opening leg of the £1 million Betfair Challenge which challenges a horse to finish in the first three in the Haydock race, then to come first or second in any race at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival, and finally to go on to win the John Smith's Grand National in April.

The afternoon also features a £100,000 race over the racecourse's French-style hurdles, the Betfair Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle, which could attract a maximum field of runners.

Managing director of Haydock Park, Dickon White, said: "Betfair Chase day is the highlight of the jump racing season at Haydock Park and we're anticipating another superb occasion on Saturday. The meeting puts the racecourse in the national spotlight. Despite the tough economic times, advance ticket sales are very good as fans of jump racing prepare for a vintage day."

First race time on Saturday is currently scheduled for 12.30pm. More details are available at web site www.haydock-park.co.uk where tickets can be ordered in advance.