The Coral Welsh National is worth �80,000

The �80,000 Coral Welsh National starts at lunchtime on Saturday at Chepstow Racecourse, in Monmouthshire, and is expected to attract thousands of punters.

Racecourse managers are preparing for an even bigger crowd this year, with the date falling falling on a Saturday.

Director Steve Clare said a new phase of improvements had been carried out at a cost of �10m in time for the meeting.

A new bar in the members' enclosure will be open for the first time, and viewing areas which have been closed during the period of construction will re-open.

The course for the Coral Welsh National covers almost three-and three-quarter miles, and the meeting is one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the winter race season.

A total of 88 horses were entered for this year's race, but there are likely to be fewer in the final line-up.

An early favourite with the punters was Sir Rembrandt, which won the John Hughes Rehearsal Chase at Chepstow earlier this month.

Experts say that Behrajan is the highest rated horse in the race, while Hedgehunter is a very well-fancied Irish raider.

Former Aintree Grand National winner Bindaree, trained by the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies, is said to be running well, too.

Althought racegoers travelling to Chepstow on by car have ample car parking to choose from, the racecourse will also be operating a bus service.

Buses will ferry passengers to and from the town's railway and bus stations, just a few minutes away.