Michael Howard visits Fontwell Park racecourse

Howard's visit to Fontwell was also part of a nationwide tour of the nine race courses owned by Northern Racing of which he became Chairman in June.

Howard is currently the Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe and is the former leader of the Conservative Party. He also held the offices of Home Secretary and Minister for Employment during the premierships of Margeret Thatcher and John Major.

His new role of Chairman is not merely ceremonial. Howard will lead the board following the 90 million takeover of Northern Racing by the property magnate Ruben brothers in April. Northern Racing made an estimated 6.2m after tax last year.

Howard is not only an avid racing spectator, but took an active role in overseeing the Conservative Government's relationship with the horse racing industry during his time as Home Secretary.

After touring the ground with Fontwell General Manager Phil Bell, Howard spoke to the West Sussex Gazette about his new role.

When asked about the potential effect of the credit crunch on the sport Howard gave an optimistic yet determined look towards the future. He said: "It is bound to have an effect on the sport, and it is a challenge for us, but it is also an opportunity. The sport provides fun for people in hard times."

Howard also commented on syndicate ownership of horses following comments by some insiders that this is the area of the sport which will be most effected by fears of recession.

"Syndicates bring ownership to people who couldn't otherwise afford it", Mr Howard said, "this shows that the sport has extended its reach and will continue to extend it in order to get more people involved in the sport."

The Help the Hospices auction, which took place after a formal dinner, raised 2,500. Items included a signed shirt by footballer Sol Campbell and a flight in a de-Havilland Tiger Moth. This event rounded off a year of fund raising work which, according to volunteer Jeff Watson, raised an estimated 45,000.