Normal Norman laid out for race he won last year for Newmarket trainer John Ryan

It might be a long way from to Musselburgh from Newmarket, but Normal Norman is no stranger to the long journey and bids to make another successful trip in the 1m7½f Betway Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (2.15).

Trained by John Ryan, Normal Norman won this race last year, and finished runner-up on his other start over jumps at the course as well as filling the same position at the track on the Flat in October.

A recent all-weather win at Kempton has him primed for this valuable prize, and Ryan said on Tuesday: "We worked the oracle last year when he won this and he has been prepped for it again. It looks a higher quality race and we didn't want the ground to be too soft and look to be okay on that front.

"We ran him at Kempton to get him race-fit and that worked well. We're quite confident of him running a big race."

Sir Chauvelin won the race in 2018 and is back again for Jim Goldie, having not raced over jumps for 620 days. In 2017 the race went to Dan Skelton, and the trainer is represented this time by Peter The Mayo Man.

A winner over fences at Southwell in April 2018, Peter The Mayo Man spent more than a year off the track and has struggled for form since returning.

Skelton's brother Harry is in action at Cheltenham on Wednesday, but said of Peter The Mayo Man: "He'd have a small each-way chance as long as the ground is decent."

As well as the handicap hurdle, the 2m4½f Betway 'Auld Reekie' Handicap Chase (1.40) will also be broadcast live as part of ITV's New Year's Day programme.

Charlie Mann is represented in the race by Fixed Rate, and the trainer does well when sending runners to the course.

Over fences, Mann has had only two previous runners at the track, with one winner. Fixed Rate won his first two starts over fences in 2018, and shaped well on his return at Aintree in December after more than a year off.

Mann said: "He's there for the ground and ran a cracker at Aintree when second. As long as the bounce factor doesn't come into play he should run his race. He's in good order and we're hoping for a big run."

The high-quality £100,000 six-race card at Musselburgh has been rewarded with a 6,000 capacity sell-out attendance. There will be no general admission tickets available on Wednesday.

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