THE start of the new racing season at Bellewstown may have been disrupted by the rain, but the Co Meath track is always trying new things and recently announced details of its inaugural Barney Curley DAFA Apprentice Series Bursary.

The programme will be restricted to apprentices who have ridden less than 20 winners at the start of the current turf season and will consist of six races starting at Bellewstown on April 13th, moving to Roscommon in May, Gowran Park in June, and two other dates to be confirmed – with the series finale to be held at Bellewstown on October 2nd.