HAYDOCK Park specialist Kingsmark bids to extend his domination at the racecourse in one of the major pre-Christmas National Hunt races.

The Cumbrian-trained steeplechaser, who was fourth in last season's Grand National, has made the major November race - the Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase - his own over the last three years.

Now the popular grey goes for the £50,000 Tommy Whittle Chase over the same three miles on Saturday, a race in which he was a narrow runner-up 12 months ago.

David Dennis, the jockey for the three Edward Hanmer victories, is set to ride the nine-year-old again.

Kingsmark is likely to be opposed by that other Haydock Park specialist Bobby Grant, from the Yorkshire stable of Peter Beaumont. The horse won the Tommy Whittle Chase in both 1999 and 2000.

Also among the ten entries is the Irish-trained Sackville, who ran in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The day also sees the first running of the Saint Ciel Novices' Hurdle. This race is named after the horse who retired at this meeting in 2001, having won a total of 17 races including a remarkable ten races at Haydock Park in an 11-year career.

*The first race time at Haydock Park on Saturday 14 December is 12.10pm. Admission to the Newton Enclosure is £7, Tattersalls £13, County Enclosure £22, and Premier Enclosure on the top floor of the Centenary Grandstand £35.

Accompanied children under 16 enter free. Senior citizens and students, with appropriate identification, enter Tattersalls and the Newton Enclosure at half price. Advance tickets for all race meetings at Haydock are available by calling 01942 402624.

More information is available on the web site www.haydock-park.com HERE