Weatherbys offering prize-money bonus scheme for owners

Weatherbys Racing Bank is offering 19 owners' prize-money bonuses in 2019.

The initiative gives owners the chance to win an additional £500 from seven Flat races and 12 jumps contests at 18 different tracks from next week through to December.

To be eligible, owners must hold a Weatherbys Racing Plus account – a new type of account launched in 2018.

Owners wishing to discuss opening or upgrading their existing Weatherbys bank account can call 01933 304777 or email newaccounts@weatherbys.co.uk.

The full schedule of eligible fixtures for the owners' bonus races are: Market Rasen (Jan 17), Leicester (Feb 14), Aintree (Apr 5), Windsor (May 13), Thirsk (Jun 11), Bath (Aug 21), Goodwood (Aug 25), Ffos Las (Aug 29), Doncaster (Sep 12), Redcar (Sep 17), Warwick (Sep 24), Uttoxeter (Oct 18), Newton Abbot (Oct 31), Hexham (Nov 8), Fakenham (Nov 19), Newcastle (Nov 30), Wincanton (Dec 5)

Somerset National to be sponsored by insurance company Healthy Pets

The Somerset National, run at Wincanton on January 17, will be sponsored by insurance company Healthy Pets. Last year's race, won by the Ben Case-trained Themanfrom Minella, was sponsored by Higos Insurance Services.

"We're delighted to be sponsoring a race which attracts some much-loved horses," said Healthy Pets founder Mark Effenberg.

“We truly understand that dogs and cats are members of the family and that there’s a unique bond, which is very similar in racing where horses really forge a place in the hearts of the race-loving public, the people who care for them, and of course their owners."

The race has been won by some popular horses including Monkerty Tunkerty, who scored for owner-trainer Jess Westwood in 2014.

Wincanton general manager Huw Williams said: "The race gives seasoned chasers who excel at long distances the chance to claim a notable prize."

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