Daytime TV star Jeremy Kyle is aiming for a win double in the most prestigious race on Fontwell's calendar.

Kyle's Old Guard tries to complete back-to-back victories in the National Spirit Hurdle, the showpiece of Sunday's meeting at the West Sussex track.

The 53-year-old's filly New Guard also makes her debut in the bumper race on the card. Both horses are trained by the prolific Paul Nicholls.

Kyle said: “The National Spirit Hurdle is such an important race and we're delighted to have won it last year.

"His (Old Guard's) form's rock solid this year. We've had him four years, he’s done phenomenally well, surpassing all possible beliefs, and we will try and regain our trophy this year.

"I think it will be a lot harder this year than I was last year, but if the ground is right and the trip is optimum then he will do well.

"2.5 miles is Old Guard's optimum trip, it's the perfect length for him. We have aimed him at this particular race because of that. Of course, you never know with the ground if it is going to cut up or not, but he wants it to be good to soft really."

Fontwell holds a special place in the heart of racing aficionado turned owner Kyle. His first winner, Sonning Star, came at the course.

Kyle's passion for the sport started at an early age, when his father was involved through his work with the Queen's Mother.

His desire to become an owner himself followed a meeting with legendary former Findon trainer Josh Gifford.

Nicholls' runners are in hot form. He had his 3,000th winner this week.

Kyle said: "The man is phenomenal. It's hard to put into words how good this guy is at what he does, you can only marvel at him.

"We have been really lucky with all of my horses. We always want the horses to come back safely and hope that they will be able to do so whilst running at their optimum ability which Paul trains them to achieve."

A repeat performance from Old Guard on Sunday could be a prelude to running in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

Visit www.fontwellpark.co.uk/whats-on/the-national-spirit-hurdle for tickets and information.