THE biggest and oldest horse race in Wales comes under starter’s orders this afternoon (Wednesday, December 27), as some 12,000 race fans flock to Chepstow racecourse.

The Coral Welsh Grand National, which dates back to 1895, has attracted a bumper 75 entries, while the Karl Daymond Singing Club will be helping provide entertainment, in tribute to the much-loved Chepstow singer who died suddenly in August.

There are seven jump races on the card including the big race, worth £150,000 in prize money, which is off at 2.50pm.

The sponsors have made Harry Fry’s top weight, American, the ante post favourite at 10/1 for the three-mile five-and-a-half furlong steeplechase, while other notable entries include Perfect Candidate, a winner at Cheltenham’s November meeting, plus Carole’s Destrier, beaten by only half a length by 2016 Coral Welsh Grand- National winner Native River in the 2016 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

The BetVictor Gold Cup winner, Splash Of Ginge, is entered by Nigel Twiston Davies whilst Noel Meade’s Monksland is the highest rated of eight entries from Ireland.

Welsh Grand National winning trainer Colin Tizzard is responsible for five, including the ultra-consistent Theatre Guide along with Royal Vacation, who both run in the famous colours of Jean Bishop.

The same number of entries come from local trainers Evan Williams and Kerry Lee, with champion trainer Paul Nicholls entering four along with Nicky Henderson, Michael Scudamore and Fergal O’Brien.

The gates open at 10am and the first race is off at 12.35pm. For more information and tickets, go to www.chepstow-race

course.co.uk