NEWMARKET 14.08.2010 RACECOURSES 16 DECLARED FOR EIGHTH RENEWAL OF RACING WELFARE GREY HORSE HANDICAP

NEWCOMBE HOPING WITCHRY CAN MAINTAIN TRAINER’S FINE RECORD IN £20,000 CONTEST



Newmarket plays host to one of the most interesting races of the season today, Saturday, 14th August, with the eighth running of the £20,000 Racing Welfare Grey Horse Handicap (2.45pm) taking place on the July Course.



The contest, first run in 2003, is restricted to horses registered as grey aged three and above. A thrilling spectacle is guaranteed as the field of grey sprinters charge their way up the last six furlongs of the Bunbury Mile.



A field of 16 has been declared for this season’s renewal and includes the first three horses home from last year, the Stef Higgins-trained Sarah’s Art as well as Zowington and Bilberry, who are both trained in Newmarket by Stuart Williams.



Middleton Grey was a stalwart in the early years of the Grey Horse Handicap for trainer Tony Newcombe, landing back to back renewals in 2004 and 2005, finishing fourth in 2006 and eighth on his final attempt in 2007.



This year Newcombe, who trains at Barnstaple in Devon, is represented by Witchry who will be making his third appearance in the race, having finished fifth in 2008 and seventh last year. The eight-year-old Green Desert gelding has had a light campaign so far this year, having made just two appearances, most recently finishing third at Bath on 22nd July.



Newcombe said today: “We have targeted the Racing Welfare Grey Horse Handicap for Witchry. We don’t run him too regularly as he is better when he is fresh and with a bit of cut in the ground. He is nicely handicapped and will like the stiff finish, while the big field will also help him as he likes coming through horses.



“I am not sure we have the best of draws (three) with the stalls positioned on the stands’ side, but we have our horse in good nick and he ran well in it last year when he was only beaten just over four lengths.



“The race offers something different and to see 16 grey horses racing against each other is something in itself. I think the race has established itself in the calendar now and offers good prize money. It is run in the middle of the summer and owners appreciate the chance to pick up some decent prize money. We are all systems go and we will have a nice day whatever happens.”



Other interesting contenders include Lady Florence, who has won two of her last three starts for local Ely handler Scobie Coogan.



The Racing Welfare Grey Horse Handicap forms part of a seven-race card at Newmarket on Saturday, 14th August.



With all the usual free kids' entertainments and the free-to-join Rowley's Kids Club seeking new members, it promises a great day out for all the family. Gates open at 11.20pm with the first race at 1.50pm. Adult admission is from just £5 and all accompanied children under 18 are admitted FREE!



For more information please contact:



Tony Rushmer, Racing PR Manager at Newmarket Racecourses, on 07702 579 382



END