THERE have been 222 entries for the season's first point-to-point fixture in the Welsh borders at Whitwick Manor, Newtown, this Saturday.

The minimum of eight races will be a smaller card than in recent years, which often sorely tested the staying power of the spectators as well as the competitors.

The feature race of the day will be the Gerrard Ladies' Open where Upton Adventure, second at Weston Park on his last outing, will be looking to go one better and book his ticket to the hunter chase final at Wetherby .

The first race is scheduled for midday, but followers are recommended to travel early to the popular venue.