Horseracing fans Jo and Richard Fenn are celebrating the reopening of their Carlisle gastro-pub - by having a race named in their honour.

Today is Red Rum Day at Carlisle Racecourse, the first jump meeting of the season.

It is perfectly timed for the couple, who are just putting the final touches to a major refurbishment of the Black Lion, in Durdar - situated just a stone's throw from the racecourse.

To celebrate its reopening this weekend, the 5.25 race has been named The Black Lion (EBF Mare’s Standard) Open National Hunt Flat Race in their honour.

The grand re-opening of the pub follows eight months work and investment of about £500,000.

But before they formally cut the ribbon this Saturday, the couple will be celebrating alongside business partners Ben Hodgson and Derek McKenzie at today's race meeting.

Jo, who with husband Richard previously ran The Queens at Warwick on Eden and the Black Swan Inn at Culgaith, said: “We love a day at Carlisle Races and we are thrilled to be involved in Red Rum Day.

“It has been many months of hard work by our dedicated team to get the pub, which has such strong connections to the racecourse, ready for its official re-opening on Saturday.

“Before then we can’t wait to see who wins the Black Lion Open National Hunt Flat Race. It’s a proud moment.”

Red Rum Day marks the start of Carlisle’s National Hunt season.

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s general manager, said: “We always love to welcome local businesses here and we really couldn’t get any more local than the Black Lion, which is literally a few hundred yards from the racecourse.

“Racegoers have for many years gone into the Black Lion both before and after racing and many were sad to see the pub close earlier this year.

“But Jo and Richard have done a fantastic job and there is a lot of excitement ahead of the grand re-opening.”