A MUCH-loved steeplechaser of the 1990s is to be remembered in a top race at Haydock Park on Saturday.
The fifth running of the £20,000 One Man Novices' Chase has attracted a top class entry.
One Man found his way into the heart of a horseracing nation with victories in the Hennessy Gold Cup - which by coincidence is run on Saturday as well - two King George VI Chases and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Just a few months after his tragic death at Aintree in the spring of 1998, the first memorial race was run at Haydock. Each year One Man's owner John Hales has presented the trophy after the two-and-a-half mile race.
Racecourse's general manager Adam Waterworth: "The 15 horses entered are certainly the classiest group since this race was initiated."
Popular trainer and former jockey Jonjo O'Neill is bringing Keen Leader back to Haydock, looking to follow up on a first win over fences at the same course less than two weeks ago.
And he could be re-opposed by the horse that was runner-up that day. The Venetia Williams-trained Indalo would be making his third appearance at Haydock within a month - and his fourth in 2002.
A host of horses are set to have their first runs over fences after competing in the major novices' hurdles race at the Cheltenham Festival last March.
And there are entries from horses which prospered last season over Haydock's innovative French-style brush hurdles designed as a preparation for those going on to steeplechasing.
They include Mr Woodentop, from Lenny Lungo's Scottish yard, and The Villager, trained by Denis Caro who recently teamed up with BBC TV racing pundit Peter Scudamore whose son Tom could take the ride.
Saturday's seven-race card also includes the three-and-a-half mile Tim Molony Memorial Chase.
Advance tickets for all race meetings at Haydock are available by calling 01942 402624. More information is available on web site www.haydock-park.com HERE
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