General Tufto marches onto the Fibresand for another milestone

Reaching a century of starts is an impressive achievement for a racehorse, but to then have the durability and ability to make a double hundred is a feat only a handful of runners can manage.

The latest to join what could be referred to as the 'Steve Smith club' in the current climate is Southwell stalwart General Tufto, whose scheduled 200th start on Thursday will also be his 110th on the Fibresand.

Now 12, 'Tufty' is bidding for a 16th win at Southwell. He was last successful at the track on his 100th start, which came in this race last year.

That victory sparked emotional scenes in the winner's enclosure for trainer Charles Smith, and it will likely be a similar story if the veteran delivers again.

Joey Haynes was aboard for last year's win and is in the saddle again on Thursday.

He said: "I always look forward to riding him. I owe him a lot as he's given me plenty of wins.

"I think he's got every chance. As far as I know he's been going very well so fingers crossed he can do it again."

Most Prolific Runners In Britain

Horse, number of races

Dvinsky 231

Sharp Hat 217

Palacegate Touch 207

*Captain Scooby 205

Jonnie Skull 205

*General Tufto 199

*still active

General Tufto's illustrious career will be recognised by Southwell, with career highlights played on the big screen, while connections are to be presented with a framed montage of his best moments at the track.

Racecourse manager Mark Clayton said: "We're making a bit of a fuss and he'll be on the front page of the racecard.

"His connections are great supporters of Southwell and are genuinely nice guys. We're really happy General Tufto is running here again."

Any punter who fancies a 200 club double on Thursday is in luck, as the other active member, Captain Scooby, who like General Tufto was last successful in December 2016, is due to have his 206th outing at Chelmsford in the evening.

Thursday racecards

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