ONE of the biggest events on the North-East horseracing calendar is to be run on a Friday night for the first time.
Normally a Saturday event, the John Smith's Durham National will take place next Friday, at Sedgefield Racecourse.
Now in its 39th year, at three miles and four furlongs, the National is the longest race run at Sedgefield and brings the curtain down on the National Hunt season in Britain.
The race has a long Grand National tradition with both Red Alligator, who won at Sedgefield in 1967, and Rubstic, winner from 1978 to 1980, going on to win the Aintree race. Jim Allen, Sedgefield Racecourse's general manager, said "We're delighted that Newcastle Breweries and John Smith's are once again supporting the race.
"Without their support it would not be County Durham's greatest horse race."
Admission next week is £6 for the course enclosure and £12 for the grandstand.
Gates open at 4pm and the first race is at 5.55pm. Accompanied children under-16 enter free and car parking is free.
For more information contact the racecourse office on (01740) 621925.
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