CHAIRMAN Stan Clarke is aiming to launch a new era for Brighton racecourse from the winners' enclosure.

The wealthy businessman has bought a local horse which runs at the first meeting of the season tomorrow.

Trainer Gary Moore reckons miler Mutabassir can get his Grand National winning owner and punters off to a flying start at the refurbished Brighton track.

Moore, whose Woodingdean stables overlook the course, revealed: "I met Stan last year and he asked me to find him a horse which he could run for a bit of fun and which would act on the Brighton track.

"I part owned Mutabassir myself and I thought he would be the right one. We sold him to Stan about a month ago, after he had won a couple of races on the all-weather."

Top flat jockey Richard Quinn has been engaged to ride the five-year-old gelding and Moore said: "He has got a very good chance. We would like a drop more rain, but he will take all the beating."

Clarke's company Northern Racing, which took over Brighton last year, has invested £1.5 million in sprucing up the course since January.

The money has been spent on better ground conditions, new hospitality suites, parade ring and winners' enclosure, refurbished bars and restaurants, and essential safety work to the grandstand.

Clarke, owner of 1997 Grand National winner Lord Gyllene and star hurdler Barton, has already transformed the fortunes of Uttoxeter and Newcastle racecourses. Now he wants to do the same to Brighton.

His company hopes to plough in a total of £4 million over the next four years to bring back the crowds and, ultimately, the Derby Trial.

Albion fan Moore added: "What he has done for Brighton is absolutely brilliant. I just wish someone could do something similar for the football team."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.