Cheltenham yesterday announced a record prize money pool for next year's Tote Gold Cup. Chasing's "blue riband" in March will carry £225,000 in added money, up £25,000 on the latest running. Similar increases in prize-money have also been revealed for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle.

Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie reflected: "1998 will mark the 75th anniversary of the first Gold Cup.

And Dr Michael Smurfit, chairman and chief executive of Jefferson Smurfit, said: "The Smurfit Champion Hurdle is undoubtedly one of the great races in the National Hunt calendar. I believe it is important that the prestige of the race is reflected in its value."

Cheltenham also announced that an extra race, worth £12,500, is to be staged over its cross-country course on New Year's Day.