KINGS Caple trainer Venetia Williams is doubled-handed for the first major race of the 2007/8 National Hunt season.

Stablemates Border Castle and Stan hold entries for Saturday's Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park, the Merseyside racecourse where the Herefordshire training yard has enjoyed a sparkling record in recent years.

Border Castle, a six-year-old bred by The Queen, has run just once this year, when fifth in the Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown Park in March.

Stan is New Zealand-bred and, should he run, it would be his first outing over hurdles for more than 18 months.

Venetia Williams certainly knows what it takes to win the race, having sent out the winner in Milligan six years ago.

With Somerset trainer Philip Hobbs having several horses among the entries, Hereford-born jockey Richard Johnson is certain to have a mount.

The rider had a good first week to the new jump racing season with four winners, including a double at Hereford Racecourse's fixture.

But what a sense of frustration the rider must feel. He consistently plays bridesmaid' to the champion jockey Tony McCoy, and his rival chalked up eight winners in the first week!

The build-up to Hereford Racecourse's next meeting - Ladies' Day on Sunday, June 3 - is gathering pace, with news that the special £35 packages have sold out.

But there is still plenty of time to buy general tickets - £16 each - for the racecourse's principal and most popular racing occasion of the year.

Ladies' Day includes the major race of the season - the £15,000 KW Bell Construction Handicap Hurdle.

The added attraction is that tribute band Counterfeit Abba will be playing on the Pimms Lawn after racing.

It will be great to have such a popular act at the racecourse. With this musical entertainment, it is going to be Hereford Racecourse's party in the paddock'.

*The next racing at Hereford Racecourse is Ladies' Day on Sunday, June 3. Gates open at 12 noon for a first race time of 2.10pm. The final race is at 5.10pm and Counterfeit Abba will be performing from 5.45pm. Admission into the Grandstand Enclosure is £16. Accompanied children under 16 enter free of charge. More information can be found on web site www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk or by telephoning the racecourse on 01432 273560.