Cash converters

Power slide: Jackie Gunn (opposite page, inset) hopes to improve on her ninth place finish in Turin if she qualifies for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada

SERVICE charities are set to benefit from an action-packed day at the races being staged at Newcastle Racecourse this month.

The venue plays host to the WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle Day on Saturday, November 29 when some of the UK and Ireland’s champion hurdlers will battle it out in six races.

And as if the chance to see some top-flight racing was not a big enough draw, the event will also be raising money for Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – Forces Help.

Organiser Andrew Scullion said: “The race day is run once a year in conjunction with The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. It’s a chance for Service people to have a day out, stand tall and take the plaudits they deserve.”

The day’s main event is the WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle which, along with the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, makes up the £1 million Triple Crown.

Grade two races include the Rehearsal Chase and French Furze Novices Hurdle. Military bands and displays will add further sparkle to the pre-Christmas day out while Servicemen and women and their friends and families will enjoy discounted standard entry on grandstand and paddock tickets by booking in advance.

Military personnel can gain entry to either area for just £10 – normal price £17 – by purchasing tickets from Newcastle Racecourse’s booking line on 0191 2362020 and quoting offer code FORCES by November 21.