SANDOWN RACE UPGRADED

Sandown's Henry VIII Novices Chase has been upgraded to Grade One status this term.

The two-mile heat, which counts Direct Route, Fondmort and Somersby among previous winners, will also have a new sponsor in Markel when it is run on December 3.

Markel are a specialist insurance firm and Juliet Redfern, UK managing director of their equine and livestock division, said: "We are delighted to increase our horse racing sponsorship portfolio at Sandown Park especially as the Henry VIII Novices Chase has been upgraded to Grade One status.

"We already sponsor Sam Thomas for the Jump season and William Buick for the Flat and we look forward to working with Sandown Park to ensure our inaugural year is a big success."

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