RACING in 2008 at Hereford Racecourse gets under way this afternoon (Thursday), with plenty of local runners on show.

It follows a festive season of mixed fortunes for the county's trainers, horses and jockeys.

Pride of place - and I will admit my bias - went to local rider Lee Stephens. Yes, he's my other half!

He partnered the Welsh-trained Victory Gunner to the horse's third successive victory in the Lincolnshire National before a sell-out crowd at Market Rasen Racecourse.

The horse just missed out on the chance to run in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow, but returned to the racecourse last weekend to record another victory just down the road from his stable.

Kings Caple trainer Venetia Williams also sent out a winner at Chepstow - though Back On Line was a little fortunate after the leading horse fell.

That followed up a double on Boxing Day at Towcester Racecourse for the Herefordshire training yard.

Elsewhere, Pedros Brief won a novices' chase at Huntingdon Racecourse for Byton handler Richard Lee.

Visitors to Hereford Racecourse will continue to be able to watch racing from all 59 British racecourses after we subscribed to satellite TV channel Racing UK. The action from about half the racecourses is available on this channel, while the remainder are on At The Races.

The next racing at Hereford Racecourse is the opening Sunday meeting of the year, on February 10.

The feature race of the afternoon is one of the longest in the calendar at the racecourse - the Connolly's Red Mills Herefordshire Handicap Chase run over a furlong short of four miles.

*Racing is scheduled to start on Sunday, February 10 at 1.50pm. The final race is due off at 4.50pm. Admission into the Grandstand Enclosure is £17. 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.