Jerrysback centre stage as Haydock remembers racing aficionado Patrick Coyne

Five useful novice chasers race for a poignant prize as one of northern racing's greatest fans is commemorated on Saturday in the Patrick Coyne Memorial Altcar Novices' Chase at Haydock.

Coyne, who died in 2017 at the age of 61, was the brother of Anthony and Kevin Coyne, part-owners of Rendlesham Hurdle winner Across The Bay, who ran in three Grand Nationals.

Anthony Coyne said: "He loved the gossip, the intrigue, passion, fun and the love of the game. When he passed we had a bench made in his memory which is situated on the lawn in front of the stand.

Patrick Coyne is commemorated with a bench on the lawn in front of the stand at HaydockCredit: Anthony Coyne

"We then decided that the family would buy a horse, which we named Brother Pat. And we are grateful and delighted that Haydock has agreed to run the race in his name.

"Pat will be holding court in the celestial bookie's, Racing Post in hand, going through the card. He will be looking down knowing the bench, the horse and now the race are all here in his name."

Among those Coyne met in his time following racing was JP McManus, whose Grade 2 second Jerrysback looks the one to beat in a 2m4f Grade 2 race that is a first preference for the Philip Hobbs-trained seven-year-old gelding, although the chaser has also been declared for Ascot, also with Barry Geraghty booked.

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