The new National Hunt season at Fakenham gets under way today with a card or three steeplechase, three hurdle races and a flat race. Fakenham chief executive and clerk of the course David Hunter has promised good conditions for the racing, even though the recent dry spell has made life tough for his ground staff.

The new National Hunt season at Fakenham gets under way today with a card or three steeplechase, three hurdle races and a flat race.

Fakenham chief executive and clerk of the course David Hunter has promised good conditions for the racing, even though the recent dry spell has made life tough for his ground staff.

"I always thrive on the excitement and buzz of preparing everything for the start of a new season, but this year that thrill has been set back by the anxiety of trying to change nature in these drought conditions," said Hunter. “It has been a particularly challenging time over the past two months as the dry summer, and continuing dry autumn, has meant my dedicated ground staff have been irrigating the course for the past five weeks, and will continue to do so right up to the race day, thus ensuring we have safe ground to racing on."

In addition to the course work, there are some changes afoot in the public enclosures. The Tote Bookmakers have moved from into a comfortable indoor facility in what was the Tote Credit shop, and their old building has been transformed into a mini farmers market.

The card offers a well-balanced mix of races from The Norfolk County Steeple Chase, with �12,000 of prize money, to the �3,000 National Hunt Flat Race. It is more than likely that this Norfolk County race will attract most attention as course favourite Cool Roxy is likely to be running in it. He made Fakenham history in February when he won his 11th race at the Norfolk track and, if he runs, will be partnered by his regular jockey Chris Honour.

t The first race is at 2pm. Adults �18-�8, accompanied under-16s and public car park free.