STAFF at Haydock Park will be hoping for a 'home win' in the course's biggest jump race of the season on Saturday, February 24.

For, among the fancied runners for the £100,000 De Vere Gold Cup, is Haydock's own horse, Streamstown, who has been made 4-1 favourite for the race by internet bookmaker Blue Square.

When he was bought in Ireland by the Haydock Park National Hunt Partnership last summer, no-one at the course dared to hope that he would be as good as he has turned out to be. The seven-year-old has won three races in succession, including events at Haydock and Aintree.

Haydock Park's general manager, Adam Waterworth, said: "Streamstown has raced brilliantly and he's got an incredible following now among the racecourse staff. The De Vere Gold Cup is his toughest task yet, which isn't surprising as it's the most valuable handicap race over fences in Britain since spring last year. But Streamstown is getting better with every race, so we're expecting a very big run from him".

Trained by Ferdy Murphy in North Yorkshire, Streamstown was due to be ridden by the suspended Adrian Maguire but will now be partnered by J. P. McNamara.

The De Vere Gold Cup is the premier trial race for the Aintree Grand National but also attracts entries from Cheltenham Festival-bound horses.

Another runner is Young Kenny, winner of the race two years ago, who is among the favourites for the National and is one of the most popular horses in the country.

Haydock is anticipating an almost capacity crowd for the three-mile four-furlong race which will also be broadcast live on BBC1.

Admission to the racecourse on Saturday is £13 to the combined Newton and Tattersalls Enclosures, £21 to the County Enclosure, and £35 to the Premier Enclosure on the top floor of the Centenary Grandstand. Accompanied children under 16 enter free. Advance tickets are available by calling 01942 402624.

More details about racing at Haydock Park are available on their own web site www.haydock-park.com.