THE second running of the Cumbrian Challenge Handicap Chase, held to celebrate the achievements of Wetherby specialist Cumbrian Challenge, is the feature race at the course tomorrow.

Contested over the extended two and a half miles and with prize money of £15,000, the race is sure to attract a quality field. Last year's winner, Function Dream, went on to establish herself as one of the country's leading steeplechasers.

The winner of ten races at Wetherby, Cumbrian Challenge is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement. He was trained at Great Habton, near Malton, by Tim Easterby and owned by the Penrith-based company, Cumbrian Industrials Ltd, whose chairman Ken Pallister and his wife Jennifer provide a challenge trophy for the successful owner.

Tim Easterby's parents, former trainer Peter and his wife Marjorie, are sponsoring the Fund For Epilepsy Novices' Chase, also run over the extended two and a half miles.

Their granddaughter Anne-Marie suffers from epilepsy - the most common serious brain disorder in the world. The Fund For Epilepsy is a registered charity dedicated to financing research into the causes of epilepsy and into finding a cure.

The charity will have a marquee near the parade ring tomorrow with a tombola and a silent auction - one of the prizes is a Leeds United shirt, signed by the players.

Regular sponsors the Rocom Group of Thorp Arch support the Rocom Handicap Chase over three miles and one furlong, while the Constant Security Services Handicap Hurdle over two miles is sponsored by the company which provides the security duties at Wetherby and several other racecourses.

Racing starts at 12.35 and attractions for children include face painting.