The Northern Ireland Festival of Racing was officially launched on Tuesday at a high-profile event in The Bridge Suite of Titanic Belfast.

The award-winning venue will be the new sponsor of the Grade Two novice chase on 'Super Saturday' at the course on November 5th.

The panel consisted of broadcaster and former Grand National-winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald, teenage riding sensation Jack Kennedy, Down Royal general manager Mike Todd and Irish Rugby International Rory Best. Television personality Pamela Ballantine interviewed each in turn.

Fitzgerald said: "It's a great credit to the Maze that they attract the quality of horses for the festival event. All the top trainers in Ireland have supported the feature chase and again Paul Nicholls is sending over runners including top chaser Silviniaco Conti - it will ensure very competitive, high-profile racing over the two days."

Todd advised that the current going is yielding and said: "We're looking forward to the best ever festival event. "

MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD NEXT WEEKEND