Nicky Henderson set to saddle just his third runner at Cartmel in 43 years

Cartmel will get part of its buzz back on Saturday as spectators return to the Lake District track for the first time in nearly two years, an occasion not lost on Nicky Henderson.

The six-time champion trainer is set to have just his third runner at Cartmel in his 43-year career with Fugitives Drift making his first start over fences in the 2m1f beginners' chase (2.45).

There will be a limited attendance of 4,000 for the return of spectators to a track where bank holiday crowds have been in the region of 22,000.

Henderson, who will not be making his first visit to the picturesque course on Saturday, has been busy capitalising on the recent wet weather by sending out 59 runners this month for a return of 18 winners (31 per cent strike-rate).

"We've got to keep moving and I've sent a lorry load off this morning to go to Cartmel and then move on to Kelso on Sunday," he said on Friday. "Cartmel always looks like great fun and I've passed it once on my way to Scotland. I would genuinely have liked to have gone on the trip, but I've got plenty to do down here."

On the chances of three-time hurdle winner Fugitives Drift, Henderson added: "He's done well over hurdles and has schooled very nicely over fences, and it looks a nice track for him to start on."

Cartmel: limited capacity of 4,000 has been reached at a course so popular with puntersCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Few courses provided a more surreal spectacle during last year's behind-closed-doors fixtures than Cartmel, and general manager Geraldine McKay is pleased to be able to welcome racegoers back for the first time since August 2019.

"We're delighted to be getting some of our magic back by welcoming spectators again," she said.

"It won't be the usual Cartmel experience as there won't be attractions such as the fair, which we're hoping to have back for our fixtures at the end of June.

"However, it's a step in the right direction and we're thrilled with the entries we've received with the likes of Nicky Henderson, Emma Lavelle and Fergal O'Brien joining our more regular trainers.

"Although we're operating at minimum prize-money levels for the season, we're working hard to increase them in 2022 and appreciate the support."

Rarely does a Cartmel fixture go by without Dianne Sayer being represented, and the local trainer goes in search of a 200th jumps winner with Calliope in the 2m1f mares' handicap hurdle (1.35).

"She has been in decent form with placed efforts at Kelso and Perth last month, so goes there in good heart," Sayer said. "She's very consistent and always does her very best, and I hope it all goes right and she brings up the milestone for the stable."

Saturday is the start of a busy bank holiday weekend for Cartmel as the course also stages fixtures on Monday and Wednesday.

Cartmel card

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