BARBURY Racecourse has attracted 213 entries, one of the highest of the season so far, for this Sunday’s Vine & Craven Hunt meeting.

Despite the weather, the course was reported as raceable, with the ground as soft for the meeting, which gets under way at noon.

National Hunt trainer Donald McCain’s two daughters, Abbie and Ella, are scheduled to ride in the 148cm and under and 138cm and under pony races for riders aged 16 and under which preceed the main card.

Among the entries in the Hunt Members race, is Khyber Kim, a top-class hurdler who was once good enough to finish second in a Champion Hurdle (in 2010, behind Binocular) and who made a stunning start to his Pointing career, winning Novice Rider events at Cottenham and Higham.

The Mixed Open (1.10pm) sees top billing awarded to Harbour Court, currently one of the favourites for the CGA Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham in mid-March.

Trainer Alan Hill is keen to get a run into the impressive winner of last year’s Connolly’s Red Mills Intermediate Final and the pointtopoint.co.uk John Corbet Cup, although the eight year old does hold alternative engagements.

With 44 entries and a safety factor of just 20, the Mixed Open may be divided on the day, which can also apply to both of the Maiden races, which have attracted 39 and 49 entries respectively.

The three mile Maiden sees Zara Phillips, the Queen’s granddaughter, saddle Calusa Comet and Frankenstorm in this race, as well as Devils Boys in the Restricted and Platin Grounds in the Novice Riders’.

Admission is £10 per person, with U16s admitted free and no charge for parking.

NEWS & PICTURES FROM SUNDAY'S BARBURY MEETING IN NEXT WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD