NORTON trainer Malcolm Jefferson will give tip-seeking punters the lowdown on his Cheltenham Festival hopes at an inaugural preview meeting at Wetherby Racecourse next month.

The Newstead handler, who is set to saddle Cape Tribulation in the blue riband Gold Cup, is among a star-studded panel at the West Yorkshire track’s first Festival preview evening on March 4.

Jefferson, who is also likely to run Attaglance in the Pulteney Land Novices’ Handicap Chase at Prestbury Park, will be joined by experienced racing commentator Darren Owen, Racing UK presenter Niall Hannity and former Grand National winning rider Graham Lee.

The event has been sponsored by bookmakers Star Sports and betting expert Trevor Harris will make up the quintet to talk about the Festival’s major races and market movers.

Jonjo Sanderson, Wetherby chief executive, said: “An event like this has been on our wish list for a while. Our cause has been boosted by the fact that we have had some fantastic winners at Wetherby this season that are going to be live contenders for the Festival.

“We asked Malcolm on Boxing Day, just before Cape Tribulation won the Rowland Meyrick Chase.

“We didn’t have any idea about how many people might turn up for an event like this and already we have 115. We are really pleased with that.

“It’s an opportunity for people to pick up some tips for a value winner and hopefully it will prove to be a valuable night out.”

Tickets for the evening cost £10 and include admission, a pie and mash supper, a Star Sports Festival guide, a £50 matched bet and a £5 Wetherby Races discount voucher.

Doors open in the Bramham Hall from 6.45pm with the panel starting promptly at 7.15pm.

For inquiries, email events@wetherbyracing.co.uk or telephone 01937 582035.