THERE are stacks of entries for tomorrow’s jumping cards at Hereford and Fakenham with a similar situation for the all-weather flat card at Kempton.

At Hereford, Barbury Castle trainer Alan King has one of his promising novice hurdlers, Habbie Simpson, entered in the first race on the card and could well get backers off to a good start.

Later in the afternoon trainer Nicky Henderson and champion jockey A P McCoy team up with Sprinter Sacre and Belvano and could provide a short-priced double.

Moon Over Miami ran well to finish second on his last appearance and would look to be the one to beat in the final race on the card.

Best bet at Fakenham could be Sarde in the Hampton Handicap Chase, the mount of Jason Maguire.

Local jockey George Baker, current leader of the All-Weather Jockey Championship table, will be attempting to add to his tally of winners at Kempton where he rides Spring Jim for Newmarket trainer James Fanshawe and course and distance winner Vhujon for trainer Peter Grayson.

Baker’s nearest rival Luke Morris will also be in action at the meeting and would look to have some useful looking rides.

  • MORE than a million potential racegoers are to be sent details of racing’s first loyalty scheme.

The Rewards4Racing points scheme has the backing of more than 250 major retailers including Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Members will get points from everyday purchases and an outlay of £80 at high street stores will earn enough points for free tickets to the races.

Ticket upgrades and corporate hospitality packages as well as free food, drink and racecards will also be on offer.

Also planned are a number of ‘money can’t buy’ experiences including the opportunity to watch racing from the commentary box, follow the field in the tracker vehicle and have a one-on-one meeting with a top jockey.

The loyalty scheme which was launched yesterday is the brainchild of Josh Apiafi, the former Professional Jockeys’ Association chief executive and has been almost two years in the planning. It will operate at all of JCR’s tracks including Cheltenham, Aintree, Epsom and Newmarket.

Paul Fisher, chief operating officer of Jockey Club racecourses, said: “As well as a means of encouraging people to go racing more often, it will be great for racegoers who already visit us regularly.”

To find out more about the scheme visit rewards4racing.com.

  • JOCKEY Paul Fitzsimons, 31, has retired from the saddle to take over the reins at Saxon Gate Stables in Lambourn, following the death last month of his partner Julia Tooth, who he had worked alongside as assistant for the last six years.

The yard continues to be supported by Tooth’s father, racehorse owner and divorce lawyer, Raymond Tooth, and is now the sole focus of attention for Fitzsimons who has a string of 13 horses with a capacity for 20.

Fitzsimons, who rode around 175 winners, added: “Julia and I did everything together and if I could be half the horsewoman she was I’ll be doing well, because she was a very gifted person.”