Fakenham chief executive David Hunter said: "We do not see sharing our day's racing with Cheltenham as a threat, but as an opportunity."

"We have raced alongside Cheltenham for the last three years and the attendance has increased year-on-year. I am confident this year will be even better."

"The tote continues to be the principal race sponsor at the meeting with the totepool Fakenham Silver Cup, a £12,000 valued Class 3 handicap hurdle race, which will be run 55 minutes after the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"With the tote, we are presenting the magnificent Fakenham Silver Cup, which was originally given by The King in 1934 for the running of The West Norfolk Hunt Club Steeplechase. It might not be gold but it is certainly bigger than its Cheltenham counterpart."

The excitement and atmosphere of a day's racing at Fakenham is always electric, but at this year's meeting David Hunter feels sure it will be super-charged and he is expecting a large crowd.

Hunter said: "Gold Cup day at Cheltenham has been sold out for many weeks so I encourage racing enthusiasts to watch the Cheltenham action from Fakenham as opposed to a foggy pub or bar.

"We shall be showing all of the Cheltenham races live on all our televisions as well as on a giant TV screen in the centre of the course.

"This year's Gold Cup will be particularly exciting as the eagerly-anticipated duel between Denman and Kato Star is fought out.

"The Tote and on-course bookmakers will all be busy taking away bets for Cheltenham and the first 500 racegoers who place an away bet with The Tote on any Cheltenham race will receive a FREE, full colour, Cheltenham souvenir race card."

The first of Fakenham's six National Hunt races is at 2.15pm, the Silver up is at 4.50pm and the last race is at 5.25pm.

Entry prices are; Adult day member £17, grandstand and paddock £12 and course enclosure £7. All children 16 years and under are FREE.

Car parking is FREE except the member's car park, £8.

For further information please contact David Hunter on 01328 862388 or 07767 802206.