Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse are all set to host their first Saturday jumps fixture of 2018 this weekend.

The Spring fixture is always a popular day in Bangor's calender, and is one of only four weekend racedays hosted by the course during the year.

Despite the recent snowfall at the track, milder temperatures are forecast for the end of the week, with gates opening at 11.30am and the first race, the Controlled Solutions Group Handicap Hurdle, getting the seven-race card underway at 1.40pm. The ground is currently listed as soft on the hurdles and chase courses.

The feature race on the card is the Shade Oak Stud Mares' Handicap Chase with a prize fund of £12,800, with an excellent number of entries at the five-day declaration stage.

The Spring fixture comes just a week after the Cheltenham Festival came to a close, with The Aintree Grand National now only a matter of weeks away.

Racecourse manager Jeannie Chantler said: "This is our first Saturday fixture of the year and with the warmer weather, we're hopeful of a decent crowd.

"A generous prize fund of £56,000 across the seven races should entice some good entries and on the day itself, we'll be looking ahead to Aintree and reflecting on former Bangor winners who went on to achieve greatness in the National itself. We do hope you'll join us!"

Tickets and hospitality packages are still available online at bangorondeeraces.co.uk or by calling 01978 780323 to reserve and collect on the day.

Adults tickets start from just £7 to the open course and £17 for the paddock enclosure. Car parking is free of charge for all racegoers.