PREPARATIONS for the first point-to-point race meeting of the Welsh Border season at Garnons on Sunday, March 18, are well under way.

Clerk of the course, Chris Hooley and his team of Ross Harriers supporters have been busy siting the steeplechase fences in the parkland at the Byton venue, and are crossing their fingers for kinder weather ready for race day.

The seven races on the card will include a Timico Mixed Open, which qualifies placed horses for Finals at Stratford or Cheltenham, and a Jockey Club Mares Maiden, among others.

Many local trainers and riders have been travelling widely to meetings since the season began at the end of November. Bridgenorth-based handler, Phillip Rowley has been particularly successful, and has helped amateur jockey Alex Edwards, who partners most of his runners, to the impressive milestone of 100 winners in his career recently.

The meeting on March 18n at Garnons (HR9 7QU) will be as popular as ever with spectators, and the first race will be due off at 1.30 pm.

Entrance to the course, on the A4438, six miles west of Hereford, will be £10 per person, children under 16 and car parking free.