BADBURY Rings, near Wimborne, has attracted a huge entry of 187 horses which is believed to be a record for the Portman Hunt.

One of the races has already been divided and with the possibility that other races may also have to divide on the day organisers have made the decision to bring forward racing tomorrow by one hour so that the first race now starts at 1pm.

The first race the Intermediate has received an entry of 22 horses and this looks an open contest. Minim Mouse ran well in an Open race at Charlton Horethorne and a repeat of that performance may be good enough.

The Open Maiden for four, five and six years old over two miles and five furlong has 22 horses entered and with a safety factor of only 14 this might be a race which will split on the day.

Of those with form Shanoule Wood ran well in his Hunt race at Milborne before being placed fourth at Hackwood.

The Countryside Alliance Members race for Novice Riders has attracted a large entry of 35 horses.

Robin de Boss has been in great form for his rider Jamie Hepburn with three victories already this season while L’Eldorado has given Meisha Micklewright two wins and a second so far this season.

The Mixed Open sees 30 horses and from these the Coronation Gold Cup winner Brackloon High and the recent Milborne winner Master Baker stand out. Both will have their supporters but slight preference is for Master Baker.

The Restricted race may see the reappearance of the lightly raced Emperor Renard who won his maiden race at Ston Easton last season but has not been seen this year. The same stable also has Tackler entered who finished runner-up at the first Milborne meeting.

The Open Maiden race over three miles has already been divided into two races and of those that have raced in the first division Lucarno Express and Silver or Gold were third and fourth in a Restricted race at Milborne and must both have chances.

The second division may see the English debut of Newlands Cross placed in four Irish points for Shark Hanlon and now with Tom Malone and the likely mount of Will Biddick. His possible opponents may include Loodeen placed at Larkhill and a faller at the last at Charlton Horethorne and Emergency Speed.

The meeting concludes with the Confined race where course specialist Boygojumping looks to have a favourite’s chance.