Horse Racing News Etc.

[Kimmy]

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[Kimmy]

Southwell, 20 December 2013

The Stewards held an Enquiry to determine the reason why one of the Racecourse Medical Officers was late arriving at the course. They interviewed the Racecourse Medical Officer, the Senior Racecourse Medical Officer, the Racecourse Head of Commercial Development, representing the Racecourse Executive, and the Clerk of the Course. Having heard their evidence, the Stewards ordered a report to be sent to the British Horseracing Authority.

1.40, fourth race

The Stewards noted that MASTERPAVER, placed second, had interfered with SOLENT LAD (USA), placed third, inside the final furlong but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved MASTERPAVER’s placing.

20/12/2013

Ascot, 20 December 2013

1.30, second race

The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, BELLENOS (FR), ridden by Harry Skelton and trained by Dan Skelton, compared with the gelding’s previous run at Doncaster on 29 November 2013, where it finished seventh of 11, beaten 42 ¾ lengths. They noted the trainer’s explanation that BELLENOS (FR) was suited by the step down in trip.

3.10, fifth race

The Stewards held an enquiry under Rule (B)11.6 into possible interference approaching the line. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that the winner, BYGONES SOVEREIGN (IRE), ridden by Tom Scudamore, had interfered with ANDY KELLY (IRE), placed second, ridden by Gavin Sheehan, and that the interference had not improved BYGONES SOVEREIGN (IRE)’s placing. They ordered the placings to remain unaltered. The Stewards found Scudamore in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he had allowed his mount to drift left without sufficient correction. They suspended him for 2 days as follows: Friday 3 and Sunday 5 January 2014.

3.40, sixth race

The Stewards noted that ON TOUR (IRE), placed third, had interfered with CARNINGLI (IRE), placed fourth, two furlongs out, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved ON TOUR (IRE)’s placing.

20/12/2013

Uttoxeter, 20 December 2013

12.20, first race

The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, KOZMINA BAY, ridden by Mr S.P. Bowen, and trained by Bernard LLewellyn, compared with its previous run at Leicester on 5 December 2013 where the filly finished ninth of nine, beaten 80 lengths. They noted the trainer’s representative’s explanation that the filly benefitted from wearing first-time blinkers. They ordered KOZMINA BAY to be routine tested.

The Stewards held an enquiry to consider why Mr T.W. Wheeler, the rider of YOUNG LOU, had used his whip down the shoulder from after the third last flight. Having heard his evidence and evidence from Robin Dickin, the trainer, and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Rule (B)54.2 and guilty of improper riding in that he had used his whip contrary to the Conditions of the Race. They suspended him for 7 days on dates to be notified by the British Horseracing Authority.

The Stewards held an enquiry to consider why Mr B. Gibbs, the rider of STAG HILL (IRE), placed fourth, had used his whip down the shoulder from after the third last flight. Having heard his evidence, and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Rule (B)54.2 and guilty of improper riding in that he had used his whip contrary to the Conditions of the Race. They suspended him for 7 days on dates to be notified by the British Horseracing Authority.

1.50, fourth race

The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, WOODFORD COUNTRY, ridden by Tom O’Brien and trained by Philip Hobbs, compared with its previous run at Kempton on 25 November 2013 where the gelding finished fifth of nine, beaten by some 40 lengths. They noted the trainer’s representative’s explanation that the gelding had benefitted from the drop in class.

20/12/2013

Wolverhampton, 20 December 2013

4.50, third race

The Stewards held an enquiry under Rule (B)11.6 into possible interference inside the final half furlong. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that the winner, TRINITYELITEDOTCOM (IRE), ridden by Richard Kingscote, had interfered with IPTISAM, placed second, ridden by Luke Morris and that the interference had not improved TRINITYELITEDOTCOM (IRE)’s placing. They ordered the placings to remain unaltered. The Stewards found Kingscote in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he allowed his horse to drift right-handed. They cautioned him as to his future conduct in races.

5.20, fourth race

The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Tom Eaves, the rider of the winner, MY TIME, from approaching two furlongs. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he used his whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended Eaves for 7 days as follows: Friday 3, Saturday 4, Sunday 5, Monday 6, Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 January 2014.

20/12/2013
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Southwell, 20 December 2014

1.40, fourth race

The Stewards considered the running of HOT STOCK (FR) ridden by Joe Fanning and trained by Jo Hughes, which finished unplaced. The Stewards noted the trainer’s explanation that the gelding ran flat, possibly due to having run three days previously. They ordered HOT STOCK (FR) to be routine tested.

2.10, fifth race

Joey Haynes, the rider of BIRIKYNO, unplaced, reported that the gelding stumbled leaving the stalls.

20/12/2013

Ascot, 20 December 2013

1.00, first race

Ian Williams, the trainer of DONAPOLLO, which was pulled up, reported that the gelding gurgled.

Paul Nicholls, the trainer of MAC’S RETURN (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding had bled from the nose.

1.30, second race

The representative of Nigel Twiston-Davies, the trainer of GETTING READY (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding had lost its action but subsequently returned sound. The Stewards ordered GETTING READY (IRE) to be routine tested.

3.10, fifth race

Maurice Linehan, the rider of DREAMBROOK LADY (IRE), unplaced, reported that the mare hung badly left.

3.40, sixth race

Aidan Coleman, the rider of OSCARTEEA (IRE), placed fifth, reported that the gelding ran too freely.

20/12/2013

Uttoxeter, 20 December 2013

1.20, third race

The Veterinary Officer reported that SCAMPI BOY (IRE), which was pulled up, trained by Paul Webber, had bled from the nose.

1.50, fourth race

The representative of Henry Daly, the trainer of CYRIEN STAR, which was pulled up, reported that the race had come too soon for the gelding and it was unsuited by the ground which was heavy, soft in places.

2.55, sixth race

The Stewards considered the running of BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL (FR), ridden by Ian Popham and trained by Richard Lee, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer’s representative could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. They ordered BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL (FR) to be routine tested.

20/12/2013
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[Kimmy]

Today's Pointers
Hot Trainers
Trainer Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Races
D McCain Jnr 6 11 54.55 9 81.82 Today's entries
N J Henderson 5 14 35.71 9 64.29 Today's entries
Miss V Williams 4 14 28.57 10 71.43 Today's entries
D Pipe 4 18 22.22 9 50.0 Today's entries
J H M Gosden 4 6 66.67 5 83.33 Today's entries
M Botti 3 14 21.43 7 50.0 Today's entries
Jonjo O'Neill 3 18 16.67 7 38.89 Today's entries
M Appleby 3 10 30.0 6 60.0 Today's entries
T R George 3 15 20.0 6 40.0 Today's entries
W P Mullins 3 6 50.0 4 66.67 Today's entries
P F Nicholls 3 9 33.33 4 44.44 Today's entries
G L Moore 3 15 20.0 4 26.67 Today's entries
D Skelton 3 7 42.86 3 42.86 Today's entries
M Johnston 2 9 22.22 4 44.44 Today's entries
P Bowen 2 10 20.0 4 40.0 Today's entries
H D Daly 2 5 40.0 3 60.0 Today's entries
Miss R Curtis 2 8 25.0 3 37.5 Today's entries
D E Cantillon 2 3 66.67 2 66.67 Today's entries
Evan Williams 1 14 7.14 6 42.86 Today's entries
P D Evans 1 17 5.88 6 35.29 Today's entries
N A Twiston-Davies 1 16 6.25 5 31.25 Today's entries
R Hannon 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's entries
A King 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's entries
R Lee 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Today's entries
P J Hobbs 1 8 12.5 3 37.5 Today's entries
George Baker 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Today's entries
Dr R D P Newland 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Today's entries
Mrs L Wadham 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Today's entries
M Blanshard 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's entries
S R B Crawford 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's entries
C A Dwyer 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's entries
B Ellison 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries
F M O'Brien 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Today's entries
T Symonds 1 8 12.5 2 25.0 Today's entries
M R Channon 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries
J P Fahey 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries
A L T Moore 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries
H De Bromhead 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries
L A Dace 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries
Mrs S Leech 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries
L Carter 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries
P S McEntee 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries
A J Mccabe 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries
Miss Lucinda V Russell 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries
R C Guest 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's entries
D Nicholls 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's entries
R Tyner 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's entries
M P Tregoning 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Today's entries
Tim Vaughan 1 11 9.09 1 9.09 Today's entries
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Hot Jockeys
Jockey Wins Rides Win % Place Place % Races
A P McCoy 11 30 36.67 16 53.33 Today's rides
A Kirby 6 32 18.75 15 46.88 Today's rides
T Scudamore 5 21 23.81 10 47.62 Today's rides
P J Brennan 5 24 20.83 10 41.67 Today's rides
R Havlin 5 15 33.33 9 60.0 Today's rides
Aidan Coleman 5 20 25.0 9 45.0 Today's rides
J M Maguire 5 21 23.81 8 38.1 Today's rides
Martin Harley 4 28 14.29 12 42.86 Today's rides
B J Geraghty 4 12 33.33 8 66.67 Today's rides
A Mullen 4 14 28.57 8 57.14 Today's rides
S Twiston-Davies 4 18 22.22 8 44.44 Today's rides
Nick Scholfield 4 17 23.53 7 41.18 Today's rides
N Fehily 4 19 21.05 5 26.32 Today's rides
L Morris 3 37 8.11 9 24.32 Today's rides
Joshua Moore 3 11 27.27 7 63.64 Today's rides
G Sheehan 3 16 18.75 7 43.75 Today's rides
T Eaves 3 18 16.67 6 33.33 Today's rides
J Fanning 3 24 12.5 6 25.0 Today's rides
T J O'Brien 3 15 20.0 5 33.33 Today's rides
R Johnson 3 18 16.67 5 27.78 Today's rides
Martin Dwyer 3 7 42.86 3 42.86 Today's rides
Harry Skelton 3 10 30.0 3 30.0 Today's rides
J Reveley 2 11 18.18 7 63.64 Today's rides
G Baker 2 16 12.5 6 37.5 Today's rides
Andrea Atzeni 2 18 11.11 6 33.33 Today's rides
L Treadwell 2 11 18.18 5 45.45 Today's rides
J E Moore 2 20 10.0 5 25.0 Today's rides
Adam Wedge 2 7 28.57 4 57.14 Today's rides
P Aspell 2 8 25.0 4 50.0 Today's rides
A Tinkler 2 9 22.22 4 44.44 Today's rides
W Hutchinson 2 10 20.0 4 40.0 Today's rides
L Aspell 2 9 22.22 3 33.33 Today's rides
D A Jacob 2 18 11.11 3 16.67 Today's rides
Liam Jones 2 18 11.11 3 16.67 Today's rides
D Elsworth 2 4 50.0 2 50.0 Today's rides
Paul Moloney 1 16 6.25 4 25.0 Today's rides
Jim Crowley 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's rides
R Kingscote 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Today's rides
Martin Lane 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Today's rides
A Thornton 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Today's rides
S W Kelly 1 10 10.0 3 30.0 Today's rides
Jonathan England 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's rides
Jake Greenall 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Today's rides
S M Levey 1 8 12.5 2 25.0 Today's rides
Freddie Tylicki 1 10 10.0 2 20.0 Today's rides
P Buchanan 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides
R McGrath 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides
Henry Brooke 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides
Shelley Birkett 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Today's rides
K Renwick 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Today's rides
Felix De Giles 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's rides
E J Walsh 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's rides
D Sweeney 1 12 8.33 1 8.33 Today's rides
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First-time Blinkers
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Recession Proof b1 8 27 29.63 13 48.15 Asc 15:35
Proud Chieftain v1 5 31 16.13 12 38.71 Ling 14:35
Wings Of Smoke vt 3 15 20.0 4 26.67 Hayd 13:30
Josies Orders b1 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Asc 12:45
Magic Present b1 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Newc 12:10
Red Catkin b1 0 6 0.0 1 16.67 Ling 15:40
Vodka Chaser b1 0 11 0.0 1 9.09 Ling 12:55
Galaxy v1 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 12:20
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Tonguestraps
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Haadeeth t 6 67 8.96 19 28.36 Ling 13:25
King Edmund t 6 41 14.63 17 41.46 Asc 13:50
Tartak t 6 33 18.18 11 33.33 Hayd 14:05
Dan Breen bt 5 27 18.52 11 40.74 Asc 15:35
Super Say t 5 34 14.71 11 32.35 Ling 15:10
Gus Macrae pt 5 28 17.86 10 35.71 Asc 13:50
Cedre Bleu pt 4 11 36.36 5 45.45 Asc 15:00
The Cockney Mackem vt 3 24 12.5 14 58.33 Asc 13:50
Overpriced t 3 28 10.71 8 28.57 Newc 14:15
Badger Foot t 3 24 12.5 7 29.17 Newc 13:40
Waterunder t 3 12 25.0 4 33.33 Asc 15:35
Wings Of Smoke vt 3 15 20.0 4 26.67 Hayd 13:30
Valco De Touzaine t 2 7 28.57 5 71.43 Hayd 12:30
Dick Doughtywylie t1 2 15 13.33 5 33.33 Ling 14:35
Ballytober pt 2 10 20.0 3 30.0 Hayd 14:05
Me And Ben t 1 16 6.25 6 37.5 Hayd 13:00
Harrys Whim t1 1 25 4.0 2 8.0 Newc 12:40
The Flaming Matron t 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Newc 14:15
Tornado Battle t 0 12 0.0 2 16.67 Ling 15:40
Vodka Red t 0 12 0.0 2 16.67 Newc 13:10
Edmund t 0 9 0.0 1 11.11 Newc 14:45
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Cheekpieces
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Tinshu p 10 69 14.49 23 33.33 Ling 14:35
True To Form p 10 33 30.3 14 42.42 Ling 14:35
Consigliere p 7 37 18.92 15 40.54 Asc 13:50
Tweedledrum p 6 28 21.43 11 39.29 Asc 14:25
Gus Macrae pt 5 28 17.86 10 35.71 Asc 13:50
Lancetto p 4 35 11.43 10 28.57 Asc 13:50
She Ranks Me p 4 17 23.53 8 47.06 Hayd 14:40
Pension Plan p 4 18 22.22 8 44.44 Hayd 15:15
Cedre Bleu pt 4 11 36.36 5 45.45 Asc 15:00
Grendisar p 3 13 23.08 8 61.54 Ling 15:10
Ronaldo Des Mottes p1 3 16 18.75 6 37.5 Asc 15:35
Sparkling Hand p 3 16 18.75 5 31.25 Newc 14:15
Bob's World p 3 13 23.08 4 30.77 Hayd 12:00
Swatow Typhoon p1 3 4 75.0 3 75.0 Newc 12:40
Ulck Du Lin p1 2 10 20.0 5 50.0 Asc 13:50
Hot Sugar p 2 19 10.53 4 21.05 Ling 13:25
Ballytober pt 2 10 20.0 3 30.0 Hayd 14:05
Solix p 2 12 16.67 3 25.0 Hayd 14:05
Daliance p1 1 18 5.56 8 44.44 Asc 12:45
Rockawango p 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Hayd 12:30
Rhymers Stone p1 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Newc 13:10
Jimmie Brown p1 1 10 10.0 2 20.0 Newc 14:45
Zafaraban p 0 15 0.0 2 13.33 Asc 12:45
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Course & Distance Winners
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Where's Reiley 15 68 22.06 27 39.71 Ling 13:25
Drawnfromthepast 14 63 22.22 23 36.51 Ling 13:25
Emerald Wilderness 12 63 19.05 33 52.38 Ling 14:00
Mia's Boy 10 73 13.7 30 41.1 Ling 14:00
Tinshu 10 69 14.49 23 33.33 Ling 14:35
True To Form 10 33 30.3 14 42.42 Ling 14:35
Cross Kennon 8 35 22.86 15 42.86 Hayd 15:15
Consigliere 7 37 18.92 15 40.54 Asc 13:50
King Edmund 6 41 14.63 17 41.46 Asc 13:50
Reve de Sivola 6 26 23.08 16 61.54 Asc 14:25
Arctic Ben 5 30 16.67 11 36.67 Hayd 13:30
Gus Macrae 5 28 17.86 10 35.71 Asc 13:50
Houblon Des Obeaux 5 21 23.81 9 42.86 Asc 15:00
She Ranks Me 4 17 23.53 8 47.06 Hayd 14:40
Easter Day 4 9 44.44 7 77.78 Asc 13:15
Pine Creek 3 6 50.0 4 66.67 Asc 15:35
Ulck Du Lin 2 10 20.0 5 50.0 Asc 13:50
Tasrih 2 5 40.0 4 80.0 Ling 14:00
Hot Sugar 2 19 10.53 4 21.05 Ling 13:25
Rainford Glory 2 15 13.33 3 20.0 Ling 15:40
Swing Hard 1 7 14.29 4 57.14 Newc 13:40
Master Murphy 1 12 8.33 4 33.33 Newc 13:10
Examiner 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Ling 12:20
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Longest Travellers (343 miles)
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
City Slicker 3 7 42.86 5 71.43 Asc 15:35
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Most Naps
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Blakemount 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Newc 12:10
Dell' Arca 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Asc 15:35
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Money Talks
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Willow's Saviour 2 13 15.38 5 38.46 Asc 15:35
Join The Navy 2 12 16.67 4 33.33 Asc 13:15
Examiner 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Ling 12:20
Forest Flyer 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Cla 14:25
Mr Woods 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Cla 11:30
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Switching Stables
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Moscow Mannon 4 9 44.44 7 77.78 Nav 14:10
Tawseef 3 24 12.5 8 33.33 Nav 13:05
Crius 3 13 23.08 6 46.15 Ling 14:00
Jim Bowie 2 16 12.5 6 37.5 Nav 12:35
Expose 2 14 14.29 4 28.57 Ling 13:25
Landscape 2 8 25.0 3 37.5 Asc 15:35
News Show 1 17 5.88 6 35.29 Nav 12:35
Thouva 1 8 12.5 4 50.0 Hayd 13:30
Quigleys Express 0 12 0.0 1 8.33 Nav 13:35
Icanboogie 0 13 0.0 1 7.69 Ling 15:40
Previous Acclaim 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 12:55
Dfordarsi 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Nav 12:35
Derryhaw 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Nav 15:25
============================================





Going and Stalls
Meeting Conditions
Ascot Going : Soft
Haydock Park Going : Soft
Newcastle Going : Soft, Good to Soft in places
Lingfield Park Going : Standard
Stalls : 5f & 1m Outside, Remainder Inside
Navan Going : Soft to Heavy
Clairwood Going : Good
Kenilworth Going : Good

Information correct at Saturday 21st December 2013 08:52
==============================================



ROBIN GOODFELLOW SELECTIONS...
Ascot

1245 Sybarite

115 Easter Day

150 Elenika

225 Reve de Sivola

300 Houblon Des Obeaux (nap)

335 Willow’s Saviour (nb)


Haydock

1200 Trucking Along

1230 Valco De Touzaine

100 As I Am

130 Granville Island

205 Triptico

240 Special Catch

315 Cross Kennon


Lingfield

1220 Examiner

1255 Kodafine

125 Drawnfromthepast

200 Emerald Wilderness

235 Tinshu

310 Nautilus

340 Rainford Glory


Newcastle

1210 Blakemount

1240 Swatow Typhon

110 Silverton

140 Zaru

215 Sparkling Hand

245 Cloverhill Lad

320 Gone Forever


Goodfellow's Sunday best

Bangor

12.40 Think Its All Over

1.10 Allerton

1.40 Baradari

2.10 Classic Move

2.40 Benzanno

3.10 Night Of Passion

3.40 Cloudante


Lingfield

12.30 Magna Cartor

1.00 Mm Dazzler

1.30 Fine Vintage

2.00 Meglio Ancora

2.30 Loyalty

3.00 Layline (nb)

3.30 Rutt erkin (nap)


HOT SPOTS

Work Whisper: BALLYTOBER (Haydock, 2.05)

Weighting Game: PROBLEMATIC (Ascot, 3.00) - Down 5lb from last winning mark

Burnt Fingers: JOIN THE NAVY (Ascot, 1.15)

Captain Heath: TOTALIZE (Ascot, 3.35)

Formcast Special: ROLLING STAR (Ascot, 3.35)

Wizard: DRAWNFROMTHEPAST (Lingfield, 1.25)

================================================

[Kimmy]

PUFFIN BILLY, who underwent surgery for colic on Friday, is over the worst part of the illness, trainer Oliver Sherwood reported on Saturday morning.
========================================


Baker's Christmas
Jockey George Baker: "I don't actually find it too difficult with all the food and drink everywhere at Christmas, you just have to be sensible. In the lead-up to Christmas, I still watch my weight as I may well be riding the next day."
========================================



Kempton ground and weather
Thursday's King George is not far away and the latest from Kempton is 3mm of rain fell last night and more is forecast. There's potential for another 30mm to fall up to Friday. The going is good to soft. 15 mins ago
================================================



Jockey change
Conor O'Farrell now rides Dan Breen in the Ladbroke following the withdrawal of Swing Bowler. 47 mins ago
================================================



Tweedledrum at Ascot
The Tom Symonds-trained mare is out of Haydock's handicap hurdle at 3.15, but does run in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot at 2.25. 57 mins ago
================================================



Testing at Navan
Horse Racing Ireland (‏@hri_Racing) has posted: "The ground at Navan is now soft to heavy, heavy in places (5mm rain since declaration time). Forecast - heavy showers through today." 1 hour ago
===================================================



No Swing Bowler
She's lame and misses the Ladbroke at Ascot today. She was around the 14-1 mark. 1 hour ago
===========================================




Scoop6 details
Scoop6 races: 1.50 Ascot, 2.05 Haydock, 2.40 Haydock, 3.00 Ascot, 3.15 Haydock and 3.35 Ascot. The final race is the bonus leg in which three punters chase £398,057.
===================================================



15:35 Saturday 21st December
Racing Tips - 21/12/2013

It's a classic looking Ladbroke Hurdle with 21 runners, likely heavy ground, and 8/1 the field. I'm a fan of both the Henderson principles but just have preference for Chatterbox over Rolling Star. The latter has taken the fancy of Barry Geraghty but he may be a bit of a fresh monkey and is carrying some weight. Both he and Chatterbox clearly like the mud and David Bass' mount should improve for an effort he clearly wasn't quite reedy for last time at his preferred Newbury. However, there are a few that look bigger than they should be and therefore take precedence. The first is should-be favourite Totalize for Brian Ellison. Without a hurdles winner at Ascot in the last few seasons, he is looking for a first success with Wayne Hutchinson but has booked a safe pair of hands for this 4 year old. He handles the mud and was running a screamer in the Fred Winter before finding little having bled. The form of that race is superb, with everything but Milord that finished ahead of him going on to win again and he has a stone in hand with Flaxen Flare and a stone and a half with Ptit Zig. He's not huge at 10/1 but has been in solid form on the flat and is still very unexposed over hurdles. The other to have a go at is gutsy mare Swing Bowler at 16/1 for the yard that won this in 2006. The Pipe's in fact took this 3 years in a row and, while Swing Bowler isn't the leading stable fancy, she has won with Conor O'Farrell on top before and should appreciate more of a test than she faced last time in handicap company when 6 and a quarter lengths behind a certain My Tent Or Yours. She is 2 from 2 fresh and is still lightly raced for a 6 year old. Heavy ground should be no issue on breeding, she has won on soft, and can bounce back in handicap company after running no sort of race at Cheltenham on a first go at 2 and a half miles. Landscape is the one of interest at the very big prices if a return to 2 miles ekes out improvement on debut for new yard.
Ascot 15.35 - Totalize 1pt e/w
Swing Bowler 1pt e/w - NON RUNNER

We have 2 previous race winners returning to Ascot's 13.50 but I'm not keen on either Ulck Du Lin or King Edmund taking the spoils today. The former has more weight and poor form whilst the latter is probably a better horse on better ground. One that will love conditions is Grey Gold and he is worth a bet at 11/2. He has won with Jamie Moore on top before and, whilst he is 4lb higher than his highest mark over hurdles, he always looked a more promising chaser. His last 2 wins have come on heavy ground and he should appreciate the drop back in trip for not quite seeing out 2 and a half miles last time in Listed company. For the purposes of this site i think Gus Macrae is worth support at 9/1. He has won on soft and now drops to 6lb below his last winning mark, which came over course and distance on good to soft ground last year. He struggled up in weight since and has been tried at varying trips, which gives a fair indication as to his form, but he is well treated now. Nearly 3 miles was too far last time and he ran ok the time before that at Cheltenham when never really getting into it over 2 miles. He is capable of threatening in this company and is certainly the pick of the prices.
Ascot 13.50 - Gus Macrae 1pt e/w

I'm a big fan of gutsy mare She Ranks Me who steps back up in trip this afternoon. She has a course and distance win to her name, an easy one on heavy ground, and the forecast rain should help her chances this afternoon. This mare is tough, very rarely finishes out of the frame (the only time she has was in the Mares race at Cheltenham) and the yard is in super form of late after a sluggish start to the winter. Last time at Taunton was all a bit sharp on good ground and this afternoon is far more realistic at a very appealing 3/1. That's not to underestimate the likeable Special Catch who fought hard in a fierce race over course and distance last time on soft ground. The time was very quick but he is up 4lb and looks vulnerable at 6/4.
Haydock 14.40 - She Ranks Me 2pt win

I fancy Houblon Des Obeaux today on better terms with the Hennessy winner but he's on the short side having been well supported. One that looks worth a few quid is Safran De Cotte for the in form partnership of Jake Greenall and Henry Daly. The jockey is 4 from 6 on top of this 7 year old and he gets his desired soft ground this afternoon. He has been poor in 2 handicap starts but is undeniably well treated on the form of his 2 novice wins last term. He was well beaten here giving weight to the likes of Poungach and Super Duty, both classy animals, but he beat De La Bech at Chepstow, a runner that has progressed well up the ranks and been competitive off the sort of mark Henry Daly's gelding runs off today. He has won here before and should be better back down in trip at a satisfactory 15/2. I fancy Loch Ba to go well too with a decent claimer on his back and couldn't put anyone off backing him.
Haydock 14.05 - Safran De Cotte 1pt e/w

==============================================

[banger]

A select entry of six has been revealed for the William Hill Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.


The New One: Could face five





The two mile Grade One contest is set to feature an eagerly anticipated clash between International Hurdle winner The New One and Fighting Fifth hero My Tent Or Yours.

The pair could be joined at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue by Duke Of Navan, who finished 14 lengths adrift of My Tent Or Yours at Newcastle, and Grumeti who was only five lengths back in third on that occasion.

Paul Nicholls is set to step Sametegal back up to graded company after his four year old ran a gallant race in defeat in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

The potential line-up is completed by the 74 rated Chapel House.
x576/std-full_3051810.jpg?20131214163849

[banger]

A select entry of six has been revealed for the William Hill Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
The New One: Could face five





The two mile Grade One contest is set to feature an eagerly anticipated clash between International Hurdle winner The New One and Fighting Fifth hero My Tent Or Yours.

The pair could be joined at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue by Duke Of Navan, who finished 14 lengths adrift of My Tent Or Yours at Newcastle, and Grumeti who was only five lengths back in third on that occasion.

Paul Nicholls is set to step Sametegal back up to graded company after his four year old ran a gallant race in defeat in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

The potential line-up is completed by the 74 rated Chapel House.

[banger]

Popular staying chaser Silver By Nature suffered a fatal injury at his home on Tayside on Saturday morning.


Silver By Nature: Fatally injured





The Lucinda Russell-trained 11-year-old broke a hind leg on the gallops as the grey geared up for another tilt at the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 29.

Runner-up in the 2009 Welsh National, Silver By Nature won seven races, including back-to-back renewals of the Grade Three Grand National Trial at Haydock, from 28 starts under Rules.




A statement posted on the Kinross handler's website, www.lucindarussell.com, read: "It is not the death of a human, but Silver By Nature breaking his hind leg on the gallops at home is very hard to cope with.

"I think much of the time in these situations you feel sorry for yourself, but while the grief is for us and those who loved him, it is mostly for 'Tonto' who was one of the kindest, most honest, creatures that ever walked this earth, and I wish he was still with us now. The world is a sadder place without him.

"While he was a fabulous racehorse on soft ground over a long distance, it was his intelligence and nobility that set him apart. We will remember with pride his seven wins, including two wonderful days at Haydock and his second in the 2009 Welsh National.

"However, what made him special is best highlighted in the pre-parade ring at Chepstow before the Welsh National, with Geoff Brown (his owner/breeder) walking down the steps from the owners' room 50 feet above him.

"'Tonto' turned up to him, identified him out of the crowd and neighed at him.

"It remains one of the most amazing illustrations of the soul of a special horse. He may have been talented racehorse but he had an awareness of himself and those about him which made him different.

"Whilst the whole yard is saddened by his death, a special mention should go to Geoff Brown, and those who looked after him and knew him the best, Angie, Jaimie, Erin and Pete."

[banger]

Trainer Oliver Sherwood is pleased to report Puffin Billy is recovering well after undergoing emergency colic surgery on Friday evening.

Puffin Billy: Recovering well




The high-class five-year-old was due to carry top weight in this afternoon's nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk Handicap Hurdle at Haydock in an attempt to get his career back on track after some recent reverses, but was found to be suffering from a twisted small intestine.

He was operated on at the Valley Equine Hospital in Lambourn and the early signs are that the surgery was a success.



Sherwood said: "I went to see him this morning and the girls at the Valley Equine Hospital are very positive.

"He has had a couple of poos, which in all seriousness is very positive after a horse has had surgery on his intestine.

"It's good news, hopefully the worst is over and now it's just a case of him recovering."

[banger]

Sunday: Going, weather and non-runners
BANGOR-ON-DEE
GOING: Hurdle course - SOFT; Chase course - HEAVY (GoingStick: Hurdle 5.9, Chase 5.3)

WEATHER (Showers, strong winds)

NON RUNNERS 1:10 Double Chocolate (7), 2:10 Bishops Gate (3)
LINGFIELD
GOING: STANDARD (Jumps races abandoned due to waterlogging; Provisional Flat/Bumper All-Weather meeting takes place)

WEATHER (Scattered showers)

STALLS 1m - Outside; Remainder - Inside

NON RUNNERS 12:30 Diaktoros (3)
THURLES
GOING: SOFT

WEATHER (Scattered showers)

[Kimmy]

Haydock Park, 21 December 2013

1.30, fourth race

The Stewards noted that the winner, GRANVILLE ISLAND (IRE), had interfered with WINGS OF SMOKE (IRE), placed second, having jumped the last fence but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved GRANVILLE ISLAND (IRE)’s placing.

3.15, seventh race

TWEEDLEDRUM, trained by Tom Symonds, was doubly declared to run in the The One Stop Energy Race Day Handicap Hurdle Race at Haydock Park as the trainer’s first preference but ran in the Wessex Youth Trust Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot which was his second preference. The Stewards found the trainer in breach of Rule (F) 98.5 and fined him £1,200.

21/12/2013

Newcastle, 21 December 2013

12.40, second race

The Stewards gave permission for fence 4 to be omitted in this race due to the low sun.

1.40, fourth race

The Stewards gave permission for fence 4 to be omitted in this race due to the low sun.

2.15, fifth race

The Stewards gave permission for hurdle 3 to be omitted in this race due to the low sun.

The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, SPARKLING HAND, ridden by Henry Brooke and trained by Peter Atkinson, compared with its previous run at Catterick on 4 December 2013, where the mare finished eighth, beaten approximately 66 lengths. They noted the trainer’s explanation that the mare benefited from the return to Newcastle and being ridden more prominently. They ordered SPARKLING HAND to be routine tested.

The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of COOL BARANCA (GER), ridden by Emma Sayer and trained by Dianne Sayer, which appeared to be tenderly ridden in the rear throughout, finishing eighth, beaten approximately 40 lengths. They interviewed the rider who stated that as the trainer felt there would be a lot of pace in the race her instructions were to take her time as the mare only has one run. She added that the mare was never travelling and made a mistake at the second hurdle, causing her to become detached. She further stated that she made an effort after the fourth last hurdle but the mare was unable to make any progress. She added that turning into the straight COOL BARANCA (GER) felt very flat and would not have finished any closer if she had ridden her in any other way. Having heard her evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted her explanation.

2.45, sixth race

The Stewards gave permission for fence 4 to be omitted in this race due to the low sun.

3.20, seventh race

The Stewards held an enquiry following an objection by Brian Hughes, the rider of ROCK ON BOLLINSKI, placed second, to the winner, STARPLEX, ridden by Grant Cockburn on the grounds that the winner had taken his ground in the final furlong. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that no interference had taken place. They therefore ordered the placings to remain unaltered.

21/12/2013

Ascot, 21 December 2013

1.50, third race

The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Paul O’Brien, the rider of GUS MACRAE (IRE), placed second, from the second last. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he used his whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended O’Brien for 2 days as follows: Sunday 5 and Monday 6 January 2014.

3.00, fifth race

The Stewards held an enquiry to consider the circumstances under which the top weight, TRIOLO D’ALENE (FR), trained by Nicky Henderson, had been withdrawn. Having heard his evidence they referred the matter to the British Horseracing Authority.

3.35, sixth race

The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Harry Skelton, the rider of the winner, WILLOW’S SAVIOUR, from the second last. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he used his whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended Skelton for 2 days as follows: Sunday 5 and Monday 6 January 2014.

21/12/2013

Lingfield Park, 21 December 2013

12.55, second race

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference inside the final furlong. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that KODAFINE (IRE), placed second, ridden by Martin Harley, had interfered with MY MY MY DILIZA, unplaced, ridden by David Probert, and also with GOBERTIER, unplaced, ridden by Kieren O’Neill. The Stewards found Harley in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he had manoeuvred to his right when not clear. They suspended him for 2 days as follows: Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 January 2014.

1.25, third race

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference on the run to the line. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that NEVER A QUARREL (IRE), placed third, ridden by Fergus Sweeney, had interfered with POYLE VINNIE, placed fourth, ridden by Ryan Powell, which then interfered with LUJEANIE, unplaced, ridden by Shane Kelly. The Stewards found Sweeney in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he allowed his filly to drift right. They cautioned him as to his future conduct in races.

2.00, fourth race

The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Starter that Jim Crowley, the rider of SILVERHEELS (IRE), had entered the wrong stall. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the start they found him in breach of Rule (D)44.2, and as this was his second offence within the previous 12 months they fined him £80.


21/12/2013
====================================================





Haydock Park, 21 December 2013

12.00, first race

Paul Moloney, the rider of RADMORES REVENGE, unplaced, reported that the gelding was never travelling.

12.30, second race

Tom O’Brien, the rider of AHYAKNOWYERSELF (IRE), placed third, reported that the gelding was never travelling.

1.30, fourth race

The Veterinary Officer reported that THOUVA (FR), unplaced, trained by Tristan Davidson. the gelding had bled.

2.05, fifth race

Liam Treadwell, the rider of EMPEROR’S CHOICE (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding was never travelling.

Jake Greenall, the rider of SAFRAN DE COTTE (FR), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding was never travelling.

Philip Hobbs, the trainer of BALLYTOBER, unplaced, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the going.

3.15, seventh race

The Veterinary Officer reported that PENSION PLAN, which was pulled up, trained by Peter Bowen, was lame.

Conor Ring, the rider of CROSS KENNON (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding ran flat.

21/12/2013

Newcastle, 21 December 2013

1.40, fourth race

The Stewards considered the running of SWING HARD (IRE) ridden by Ryan Mania and trained by Sue Smith, which finished fourth. The Stewards noted the trainer’s explanation that the gelding was unsuited by the soft ground. They ordered SWING HARD (IRE) to be routine tested.

21/12/2013

Ascot, 21 December 2013

12.45, first race

Richard Johnson, the rider of BRAVE BUCK, unplaced, reported that the gelding stopped quickly.

3.35, sixth race

David Bass, the rider of CHATTERBOX (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding struck into itself.

21/12/2013

Lingfield Park, 21 December 2013

1.25, third race

Shane Kelly, the rider of LUJEANIE, unplaced, trained by Peter Crate, reported that the gelding hung right. The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that LUJEANIE had bled from the nose.

2.00, fourth race

Alan McCabe, the trainer of TASRIH (USA), unplaced, reported that the gelding had run flat. The Stewards ordered TASRIH (USA) to be routine tested.

Josh Baudains, the rider of TRADER JACK, unplaced, reported that the gelding lost its action at the half way point. David Flood, the trainer, subsequently reported that the gelding had a bruised foot.

21/12/2013
===================================================

[Kimmy]

Today's Pointers
Hot Trainers
Trainer Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Races
Miss V Williams 6 22 27.27 13 59.09 Today's entries
D McCain Jnr 6 14 42.86 9 64.29 Today's entries
N J Henderson 5 17 29.41 9 52.94 Today's entries
J H M Gosden 5 9 55.56 7 77.78 Today's entries
Evan Williams 2 16 12.5 7 43.75 Today's entries
M Johnston 2 11 18.18 5 45.45 Today's entries
P Bowen 2 9 22.22 4 44.44 Today's entries
Miss R Curtis 2 11 18.18 4 36.36 Today's entries
K Dalgleish 2 4 50.0 2 50.0 Today's entries
J Scott 1 9 11.11 5 55.56 Today's entries
N A Twiston-Davies 1 17 5.88 5 29.41 Today's entries
W P Mullins 1 5 20.0 4 80.0 Today's entries
A King 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Today's entries
M R Channon 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Today's entries
M Mullineaux 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Today's entries
K A Ryan 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's entries
P Henderson 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries
J A Osborne 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries
F M O'Brien 1 8 12.5 2 25.0 Today's entries
W Kinsey 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries
W Stone 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries
B R Johnson 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries
W J Knight 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries
O McKiernan 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries
T O'Brien 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries
Mrs S Leech 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries
L Carter 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Today's entries
D Nicholls 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Today's entries
M P Tregoning 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's entries
=================================================





Hot Jockeys
Jockey Wins Rides Win % Place Place % Races
A P McCoy 10 30 33.33 14 46.67 Today's rides
R Havlin 6 14 42.86 10 71.43 Today's rides
Aidan Coleman 6 20 30.0 10 50.0 Today's rides
P J Brennan 5 26 19.23 10 38.46 Today's rides
J M Maguire 5 27 18.52 8 29.63 Today's rides
A Kirby 4 26 15.38 10 38.46 Today's rides
R Johnson 4 17 23.53 7 41.18 Today's rides
T J O'Brien 4 14 28.57 6 42.86 Today's rides
Nick Scholfield 3 13 23.08 6 46.15 Today's rides
Martin Dwyer 3 7 42.86 3 42.86 Today's rides
J E Moore 2 16 12.5 6 37.5 Today's rides
L Treadwell 2 10 20.0 5 50.0 Today's rides
G Baker 2 14 14.29 5 35.71 Today's rides
Adam Wedge 2 8 25.0 4 50.0 Today's rides
Liam Jones 2 17 11.76 4 23.53 Today's rides
K Renwick 2 9 22.22 3 33.33 Today's rides
N Fehily 2 15 13.33 2 13.33 Today's rides
Jim Crowley 1 9 11.11 5 55.56 Today's rides
David Probert 1 7 14.29 4 57.14 Today's rides
A Tinkler 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's rides
R Winston 1 8 12.5 3 37.5 Today's rides
S W Kelly 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Today's rides
Jake Greenall 1 10 10.0 3 30.0 Today's rides
Kielan Woods 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's rides
Louis Steward 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's rides
James Best 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's rides
Joseph Cornwall 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's rides
W Hutchinson 1 10 10.0 2 20.0 Today's rides
D Sweeney 1 14 7.14 2 14.29 Today's rides
A Quinn 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides
Josh Wall 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides
David England 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides
Ryan While 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides
Ross Atkinson 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides
Felix De Giles 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's rides
===============================================





First-time Blinkers
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Double Chocolate v1 4 31 12.9 11 35.48 Bang 13:10
Surrey Dream v1 1 29 3.45 3 10.34 Ling 15:30
================================================





Tonguestraps
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Scottish Boogie t 8 49 16.33 18 36.73 Ling 15:00
Mortimers Cross t1 5 28 17.86 12 42.86 Bang 13:10
Meglio Ancora pt 4 42 9.52 10 23.81 Ling 14:00
Bringewood Belle t 3 20 15.0 6 30.0 Bang 12:40
Imjin River t 2 40 5.0 9 22.5 Ling 15:30
Allerton t 2 14 14.29 6 42.86 Bang 13:10
Nassau Storm t 2 19 10.53 5 26.32 Ling 14:30
Artic Night bt 2 23 8.7 5 21.74 Bang 15:10
Khazium pt 1 25 4.0 8 32.0 Bang 15:10
Play The Blues ht 0 15 0.0 3 20.0 Ling 15:30
Irish Tears t 0 4 0.0 2 50.0 Ling 13:30
Cooldine Run t 0 16 0.0 0 0.0 Bang 15:10
Kasbhom t 0 9 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 15:30
Simmi's Tiger t 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 12:30
Ceevee t 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 12:30
===============================================





Cheekpieces
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Capaill Liath p 7 41 17.07 12 29.27 Ling 14:30
Wayward Glance p 5 29 17.24 14 48.28 Bang 13:10
Meglio Ancora pt 4 42 9.52 10 23.81 Ling 14:00
Wishformore p 3 43 6.98 11 25.58 Ling 15:30
Byrd In Hand p 2 47 4.26 12 25.53 Ling 14:00
Khazium pt 1 25 4.0 8 32.0 Bang 15:10
Landenstown Star p 1 27 3.7 7 25.93 Bang 15:10
Night Of Passion p 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Bang 15:10
Blowing A Hoolie p 1 10 10.0 2 20.0 Bang 15:10
Jawahal Du Mathan p 0 12 0.0 0 0.0 Bang 14:40
Ravens Brook p1 0 6 0.0 0 0.0 Bang 12:40
===============================================





Course & Distance Winners
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Cativo Cavallino 10 81 12.35 25 30.86 Ling 14:00
Chicago Alley 4 32 12.5 8 25.0 Bang 12:40
Blue Deer 3 45 6.67 11 24.44 Ling 14:00
Cuthbert 3 47 6.38 11 23.4 Ling 14:00
Bringewood Belle 3 20 15.0 6 30.0 Bang 12:40
Demoiselle Bond 3 29 10.34 6 20.69 Ling 15:30
Microlight 3 37 8.11 5 13.51 Ling 15:30
Archelao 2 26 7.69 5 19.23 Ling 14:00
Uncle Muf 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Ling 12:30
===========================================





Longest Travellers (303 miles)
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Rutterkin 2 35 5.71 6 17.14 Ling 15:30
============================================





Most Naps
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Classic Move 1 3 33.33 3 100.0 Bang 14:10
=================================================





Running Hot
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Wayward Glance 5 29 17.24 14 48.28 Bang 13:10
Night Of Passion 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Bang 15:10
=================================================





Money Talks
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Rory O'Moore 4 22 18.18 9 40.91 Thu 13:20
Sharano 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Dor 15:00
Mombasa 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Dor 14:00
Iron Will 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Dor 14:00
============================================





Switching Stables
Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race
Benzanno 3 24 12.5 11 45.83 Bang 14:40
Noble Deed 3 9 33.33 6 66.67 Ling 14:30
Wildomar 3 17 17.65 6 35.29 Ling 15:00
Dubawi Island 2 17 11.76 9 52.94 Bang 14:40
Bishop's Lane 2 18 11.11 7 38.89 Bang 12:40
Archelao 2 26 7.69 5 19.23 Ling 14:00
Botanist 1 23 4.35 5 21.74 Ling 14:00
Spiritoftomintoul 1 5 20.0 3 60.0 Ling 15:00
Rightdownthemiddle 1 8 12.5 2 25.0 Thu 14:20
Corrib Princess 0 7 0.0 2 28.57 Thu 13:50
Tile Lady 0 5 0.0 1 20.0 Thu 15:20
Chiltern Secret 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 15:30
Wild Blueberry 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Thu 13:50
=================================================





Going and Stalls
Meeting Conditions
Bangor-on-Dee Going : Soft, Heavy in places
Lingfield Park Going : Standard
Stalls : 1m Outside, Remainder Inside

Information correct at Sunday 22nd December 2013 09:12
=====================================================



Tips Tables Naps table

NAPS TABLE
PRESS CHALLENGE

TODAY'S NAPS TIME CRS TIPSTER LEVEL STAKES

Allerton 1:10 Bang Weekender +24.08
Night Of Passion 3:10 Bang Racing Post West Country +17.71
Theatrebar 2:10 Bang Western Morning News West Tip +8.71
Theatrebar 2:10 Bang Daily Telegraph Marlborough +7.57
Rutterkin 3:30 Ling Daily Mail Robin Goodfellow +5.91
Classic Move 2:10 Bang Daily Post Mercury +5.13
Benzanno 2:40 Bang Yorkshire Post The Duke +5.12
Night Of Passion 3:10 Bang Yorkshire Evening Post Lee Sobot +2.21
Night Of Passion 3:10 Bang Daily Record Garry Owen +1.99
Mm Dazzler 1:00 Ling Racing and Football Outlook -0.36
Night Of Passion 3:10 Bang Sheffield Star Fortunatus -0.44
Classic Move 2:10 Bang The Guardian -0.54
Strictly Silca 2:30 Ling Racing Post Lambourn -0.84
Night Of Passion 3:10 Bang Blackpool Gazette Steve Simpson -1.66
El Macca 2:40 Bang Daily Star Sunday Moorestyle -2.01
A Tail Of Intrigue 2:40 Bang Glasgow Evening Times Jeffrey Ross -3.19
Classic Move 2:10 Bang Sussex Express Downsman -5.34
Wayward Glance 1:10 Bang Sunday Telegraph Whistler -5.38
Chantara Rose 3:40 Bang The Scotsman Glendale -6.33
Orgilgo Bay 1:40 Bang Sunday Express Chris Goulding -7.25
Think Its All Over 12:40 Bang Daily Mirror Newsboy -7.58
Cloudante 3:40 Bang South Wales Argus Melissa Jones -9.57
Ravens Brook 12:40 Bang Racing Post The Edge -9.63
Magna Cartor 12:30 Ling The Star Patrick Weaver -10.10
Rutherglen 1:40 Bang The Press, York Ebor -11.28
Mm Dazzler 1:00 Ling The Mail On Sunday John Martin -12.12
Spiritoftomintoul 3:00 Ling Western Daily Press Bob Watts -12.73
Classic Move 2:10 Bang Liverpool Echo Chris Wright -15.80
Night Of Passion 3:10 Bang Racing Post RP Ratings -17.15
Classic Move 2:10 Bang Racing Post Spotlight -17.42
Noble Deed 2:30 Ling Sunday Mail Rockavon -17.75
Classic Move 2:10 Bang The Sun Templegate -19.19
Coventry Telegraph Derek Brown -19.88
The Last Bridge 3:10 Bang Oldham Evening Chronicle Keith McHugh -21.54
Nassau Storm 2:30 Ling Belfast Newsletter Wise Owl -22.28
Mr David 2:30 Ling Morning Star Farringdon -22.66
Clerk´s Choice 3:00 Ling The Times Rob Wright -22.72
Goodtoknow 1:10 Bang Sunday Mirror Gary Nutting -23.87
Molko Jack 12:40 Bang Racing Post Postdata -25.15
Nassau Storm 2:30 Ling The Express Computerman -27.29
Clerk´s Choice 3:00 Ling The Irish Field Karl Hedley -31.08
Think Its All Over 12:40 Bang Carlisle News & Star Phil Rostron -32.78
Classic Move 2:10 Bang Racing Post The North -36.38
==================================================



MOST TIPPED
Classic Move 2:10 Bangor-on-dee
MOST TIPPED OUTSIDER
Nave 3:00 Lingfield (AW)
MOST NAPPED
Classic Move 2:10 Bangor-on-dee
MOST NAPPED OUTSIDER
Mr David 2:30 Lingfield (AW)
======================================================




Trainer Sean O'Brien: GORT AN CHNOIC
" “The soft ground and the step up in trip should suit. He will need improvement from his Clonmel win if he is to win this, but I think he has come on and, with plenty of use made of him, I'm hoping for a big run.” "
Gort An Chnoic 2:20 Thurles
==========================================================



S J Hassett (Prince Of Milan) is showing a profit of £45.00 this season
Prince Of Milan
12:20 Thurles
=========================================================



Goodfellow's Sunday best

Bangor

12.40 Think Its All Over

1.10 Allerton

1.40 Baradari

2.10 Classic Move

2.40 Benzanno

3.10 Night Of Passion

3.40 Cloudante


Lingfield

12.30 Magna Cartor

1.00 Mm Dazzler

1.30 Fine Vintage

2.00 Meglio Ancora

2.30 Loyalty

3.00 Layline (nb)

3.30 Rutt erkin (nap)

[Kimmy]

McCoy crowned RTE Sports Person of the Year
TONY McCOY has won the RTE Sports Person of the Year Award for 2013. The 18-time British champion jockey was presented with the accolade by John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council on Saturday night.
=======================================



Two Scoop6 winners
Totepool spokesman Mark Pearson said: "Congratulations to these two punters, they’ve won £24,511 each and now chase that life changing amount next weekend of £419,067." Both punters struck gold on a £2 straight line.
===================================================

LOTS OF NON RUNNERS AT BANGOR.

=========================================================




Latest from Thurles
HRI Racing (@hri_Racing) tweeted: "The going at Thurles remains soft." 1 hour ago
================================================




15:10 Sunday 22nd December
Racing Tips - 22/12/2013

I was tempted to put up an antepost shot for the King George but, having looked at the prices, I'm not sure they will be different on Thursday morning. The last race at Bangor throws up a few decent prices and, whilst the favourite looks a solid option, there are a few others that have been overlooked. Night Of Passion looked as though she wanted a stiffer test when 2nd at Exeter and then scored over 3 miles 2 at Plumpton on soft ground. She is up 7lb but that looks feasible at a short enough 6/4. The 2 worth looking at are top-weight Genstone Trail and bottom-weight Radical Impact. The former was disappointing last time out at Exeter having scored over further than this at Huntingdon off 3lb lower. She is a soft ground bumper winner and looks, on breeding, to want a little cut in the ground. Stephen O'Donovan has ridden winners before and takes off 7lb for this drop in grade. Radical Impact has made little impact as yet but is surely better over a staying trip than he's had the chance to show. He will go on the ground but is shorter than expected and the 10/1 about Alan King's horse makes more appeal.
Bangor 15.10 - Genstone Trail 1pt e/w
=================================================

[banger]

John Quinn's top-class dual-purpose performer Countrywide Flame has been retired after being found to be suffering from a degenerative bone disease.


Countrywide Flame: Retired after fantastic career



Winner of the Triumph Hurdle and the Fighting Fifth in 2012, the five-year-old went on to run a fantastic race to finish third behind Hurricane Fly in last season's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Also runner-up in last year's Cesarewitch and fifth on his last run in the Chester Cup, Countrywide Flame was ruled out for the jumps season in October with a leg injury, but further deterioration has led to connections drawing stumps altogether.

Quinn said: "Unfortunately he's got bone degeneration in his two hind joints and while we can keep him comfortable, there's no coming back from that I'm afraid.

"The initial injury wasn't coming right as fast as we expected, so we looked into it and investigated it further and this came up, unfortunately. He's been a horse and a half."

[banger]

Tony McCoy was on Saturday night crowned the 2013 RTE Sports Person of the Year.


Tony McCoy: Picked up another award





The 18-times champion jockey created further history in November when he rode his 4,000th winner over jumps.

McCoy fended off challenges from 11 other leading Irish contenders, including Irish Flat champion jockey Joseph O'Brien, for the coveted prize.

He said: "It's great, it's a fantastic honour. Any one of them would be a very worthy winner."

Irish Flat champion trainer Willie Mullins was nominated for RTE Sports Manager of the Year, but Davy Fitzgerald, boss of Clare's hurling team, scooped the award

[banger]

Many Clouds is likely to take his chance in the Grade One Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.



Many Clouds: LIkely to run at Kempton





Oliver Sherwood's EBF Final runner-up made an impressive start to his career over fences at Carlisle in early November and was far from disgraced when chasing home Black Thunder at Haydock almost three weeks later.






With conditions likely to be on the soft side at Kempton, Sherwood believes his charge merits a place in the field for the race better known as the Feltham Novices' Chase.

"I need to speak to Mick Meagher (racing manager for owner Trevor Hemmings) to confirm things, but looking at the weather, I think he will almost certainly run in the Feltham," said the Upper Lambourn trainer.

"We'll probably meet Paul Nicholls' horse that beat us last time (Black Thunder), so we'll see what happens."


Many Clouds: LIkely to run at Kempton




Oliver Sherwood's EBF Final runner-up made an impressive start to his career over fences at Carlisle in early November and was far from disgraced when chasing home Black Thunder at Haydock almost three weeks later.





With conditions likely to be on the soft side at Kempton, Sherwood believes his charge merits a place in the field for the race better known as the Feltham Novices' Chase.

"I need to speak to Mick Meagher (racing manager for owner Trevor Hemmings) to confirm things, but looking at the weather, I think he will almost certainly run in the Feltham," said the Upper Lambourn trainer.

"We'll probably meet Paul Nicholls' horse that beat us last time (Black Thunder), so we'll see what happens."

[Kimmy]

Lingfield Park, 22 December 2013

12.30, first race

An employee of Adrian Maguire did not have an identity card to gain access to the stables and had to be issued with an emergency pass. The Stewards found the trainer in breach of Rule (C)40.5 and fined him £80.

1.30, third race

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference in the closing stages. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that the winner, SHEILA’S FOOTSTEPS, ridden by David Probert, had interfered with AYERS ROCK (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by Shane Kelly. The Stewards found the interference was accidental.

2.30, fifth race

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference inside the final furlong. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that STRICTLY SILCA, placed fourth, ridden by Daniel Cremin, had interfered with NASSAU STORM, unplaced, ridden by Jim Crowley. The Stewards found Cremin in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding, in that he had allowed his horse to drift left. They suspended him for 1 day as follows: Sunday 5 January 2014.

The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference in the closing stages. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that JUNGLE BAY, placed third, ridden by Martin Dwyer, had interfered with EMKANAAT, placed sixth, ridden by Louis Steward. The Stewards found Dwyer in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding, in that he had allowed his horse to drift right. They suspended him for 1 day as follows: Sunday 5 January 2014.


The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Starter that ATLANTIS CROSSING (IRE), trained by Jim Boyle, refused to enter the stalls. The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and he was informed that the gelding could not run until the day after passing a stalls test. This being the second occasion within the previous 12 months that ATLANTIS CROSSING (IRE) had been reported, the Stewards informed the trainer that if the gelding were reported for a third time within the same period, it would be prevented from having a stalls test for 6 months.

3.30, seventh race

The Stewards held an enquiry to consider the apparent improvement in form of the winner, KASBHOM, ridden by William Carson and trained by Anthony Carson, which had never previously been placed. They interviewed the trainer who stated that KASBHOM was suited by the way the race developed. Having heard his evidence they forwarded his explanation to the British Horseracing Authority so that the previous performances of the gelding could be reviewed.

The Stewards noted that CHILTERN SECRET, unplaced, had interfered with PLAY THE BLUES (IRE), unplaced, which in turn interfered with SURREY DREAM (IRE), unplaced, approaching the two-furlong marker, but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.


22/12/2013
==================================




Lingfield Park, 22 December 2013

12.30, first race

Dougie Costello, the rider of DOUBLE DEALITES, placed fourth, reported that the filly hung left.

1.00, second race

The Veterinary Officer reported that BUGSY’S GIRL (IRE), placed second, trained by Jim Best, finished lame.

2.00, fourth race

Stephen Craine, the rider of MEETHA ACHAR, unplaced, reported that the filly was slowly away.

2.30, fifth race

Jim Crowley, the rider of NASSAU STORM, unplaced, reported that the gelding was denied a clear run.

22/12/2013

Bangor-on-Dee, 22 December 2013

12.40, first race

The Veterinary Officer reported that THINK ITS ALL OVER (USA), which fell, trained by Evan Williams, bled from the nose.

22/12/2013

[Kimmy]

Heavy rain expected
It won't have escaped you that there are several severe weather warnings in place today, with the south expecting the worst of it. For those racing on Boxing Day, Fontwell (25mm-50mm of rain forecast) and Wincanton (up to 30mm) may feel it most. 2 hours ago
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What about Kempton?
The going at Kempton is currently good to soft, soft in places. Monday's forecast is for anything up to 20mm of rain, although clerk of the course Barney Clifford predicts the going on Thursday will be no worse than soft. 1 hour ago
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More from Clifford
He said: "The course has taken the rain exceptionally well, but there is more to come and we have to expect a gradual deterioration towards soft ground. The forecast is for between 10mm and 20mm today but the forecast after is looking better." 1 hour ago
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Captain Chris misses King George
Captain Chris has been ruled out of Thursday's King George by trainer Philip Hobbs after being found to be slightly lame after schooling. More to follow . . . 1 hour ago
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CAPTAIN CHRIS, runner-up in last year's William Hill King George VI Chase and a 10-1 chance with the sponsors to go one better on Thursday, will miss the race after sustaining a minor injury during a schooling session on Monday morning.
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Price freeze at Redcar
The racecourse announced that ticket prices will be frozen at the current level for 2014. Manager Amy Fair said: "Tees Valley still faces severe economic challenges and we haven’t increased general admission prices for many years." 22 mins ago
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USA: End of an era at Hollywood Park
Jockey Corey Nakatani landed the the last race in the 75-year history of Hollywood Park on Sunday evening. The horse that goes into the record books is the Vladimir Cerin-trained Woodmans Luck, owned by David and Holly Wilson. 2 hours ago
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BHA increases dope tests after year of scandals
THE BHA is significantly beefing up its anti-doping policy in a determined effort to prevent repetition of this year's high-profile drug scandals.
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Racing News
Countrywide Flame retired due to degenerative bones
COUNTRYWIDE FLAME, one of the sport's top dual-purpose performers, has run his last race after succumbing to a degenerative bone condition that will require him to be carefully monitored over the coming months.
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[Kimmy]

SPORTING LIFE.

Donn McClean with the five horses he hopes can help cover the Christmas expenses.

So you think you will get all you wanted? You think the Big Man will fulfill your (wish) list in its entirety? The Welsh National winner? The Paddy Power winner? In a treble with the winner of the two-mile handicap chase at Leopardstown on Thursday? Unlikely, but you never know. You should probably meet the Big Man half-way and buy a ticket.

Here are five horses that you might consider putting on the ticket.

Mount Benbulben, King George VI Chase, Kempton, Thursday Current best odds: 14/1
Speaking of lists, Mount Benbulben has a long list of factors to overcome if he is to win a King George. History tells us that double-figure-priced horses struggle in the Boxing Day feature, and that course form - which he does not have - is paramount. Put that with the fact that the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding is coming into the race on the back of a non-completion, and that he has upwards of 14lb to find with the top-rated horses in the race on official ratings, and it is easy to understand why he is a 14/1 shot.

That said, there are reasons for believing that the son of Beneficial might be up to the challenge. He was a high-class novice hurdler two seasons ago and, while it took him a little while to get his eye in over fences last season, he ended it by winning the Grade 1 Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival by over 20 lengths.

Significantly, that was the first time that he raced right-handed over three miles, and it was the best performance of his life. He is much better going right than he is going left - six of his seven wins under Rules have been at right-handed tracks - and he is a horse with an engine who stays three miles well and who relishes soft ground.

It is not ideal that he unseated his rider at the fourth last fence in the JNWine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on his most recent run, but he was travelling well at the time, and it is reasonable to assume that he would have at least given his stable companion Roi Du Mee a race. He might well have won and, if he had, he would be a lot shorter for the King George than he is.

He has been down to jumps guru Con Power in the meantime, and he has reportedly schooled well since. Always been held in the highest regard by his trainer and by owner Barry Connell, Thursday's race has been on his radar since the start of the season and, if he and Danny Mullins can get into a nice rhythm early on in the race, he could out-perform his odds by a fair way.

Back Mount Benbulben to win the King George with Sky Bet

Kid Cassidy, Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase, Leopardstown, Friday Current best odds: 13/2
Kid Cassidy is a really interesting inclusion among the entries for the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on Friday. He still has to prove that he is capable of mixing it among Grade 1 opposition, he has never even run in a Grade 1 race yet, but there are reasons for believing that he could be up to this class.

For starters, he beat Sire De Grugy in the Schloer Chase at Cheltenham's November meeting, and Gary Moore's horse obviously upheld that form when he landed the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown nine days ago.

Admittedly, JP McManus' horse did have the race run to suit at Cheltenham that day. Special Tiara set a fast pace from early, and Kid Cassidy was delivered by AP McCoy with precision timing to pick up Sire De Grugy on the run-in. Even so, it was a high-class performance, in receipt of just 10lb from a horse rated 19lb his superior.

Always highly-regarded by the champ since he was a young horse, the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding is a keen-going sort and, as such, he is at his best off a fast pace. Crucially, he looks set to have that fast pace in the Dial-A-Bet Chase on Friday. Several of his probable rivals like to lead or race prominently. Special Tiara only knows one way, Arvika Ligeonniere, Sizing Europe, Hidden Cyclone and Realt Mor all like to race prominently, while Baily Green and Benefficient have led in the past. The race could set up nicely for Kid Cassidy.

Arvika Ligeonniere and Sizing Europe set a really high standard. However, Arvika is probably at his best over two and a half miles and going right-handed. He did win the Grade 1 novices' race over Friday's course and distance at this meeting last year, but two miles at a left-handed track probably doesn't represent optimum conditions for him.

Sizing Europe is an unbelievable racehorse, his longevity a testament to his own constitution and to trainer Henry de Bromhead's horse management skills. However, he will be four days short of his 12th birthday on Friday, and he just may be vulnerable to younger legs over the minimum trip.

Kid Cassidy put up the best performance of his career up to that point when he finished second to Alderbrook in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last March, the pair of them clear, when he hit the front earlier than ideal. He stepped up on that performance when he beat Sire De Grugy last month. He is probably going to have to step forward again if he is going to beat Arvika Ligeonniere and Sizing Europe - officially rated 11lb and 5lb his superior - but he is only seven, and he may not have finished progressing yet.

Back Kid Cassidy to win the Dial-A-Bet Chase with Sky Bet

Goonyella, Welsh Grand National, Chepstow, Saturday Current best odds: 10/1
Goonyella could run a big race in the Welsh National on Saturday. Jim Dreaper's horse has a lot of the attributes that you look for in a Welsh National contender, and the fact that this race has been on the trainer's mind for him for a little while is significant.

Goonyella majors on stamina. One of the top hunter chasers in Ireland last season, you can easily put a line through his disappointing run in the Irish National as his saddle slipped, but he bounced back to win a good handicap chase over three miles and six furlongs at Punchestown in April on heavy ground, coming from no better than 10th place on rounding the home turn and staying on relentlessly over the last two fences to get up and beat Vesper Bell by a head.

Second to the useful Count Salazar at Galway on his debut this term over an inadequate two miles and six furlongs, he ran a cracker to finish fifth in the Troytown Chase at Navan on his most recent run. The Troytown is usually a gruelling contest, run, as it usually is, on soft or heavy ground up Navan's stiff finishing incline. This year, however, the official ground was good to yielding, and it did not demand the reserves of stamina that it usually does. On top of that, Goonyella raced prominently throughout, which was not ideal in a race in which five of the first six home had been held up.

He raced off a mark of 136 in the Troytown, and he races off just a 2lb higher mark on Saturday, which is a mark that he could surpass by a fair way when stamina is at a premium. He is still short of his seventh birthday, he still has plenty of scope for progression as a staying chaser.

If top weight Tidal Bay stands his ground in Saturday's race, Goonyella will get to race with just 10st 1lb on his back, and that will be ideal. Perhaps unusually for a son of Presenting, he should relish the soft ground that usually prevails in a Welsh National and, significantly, Jim Dreaper knows what it takes to win this race, having won it with Notre Pere in 2008.

Back Goonyella to win the Welsh National with Sky Bet

Sir Des Champs, Lexus Chase, Leopardstown, Saturday Current best odds: 11/4
Bobs Worth is as short as 7/4 in places for Saturday's Lexus Chase, while you can back Sir Des Champs at 11/4, and that disparity may just be too great.

It is great for the race and for the meeting that last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and runner-up look set to clash in the Lexus Chase, but both have questions to answer now. Haydock's tight configuration and lack of energy-sapping hills wouldn't have been ideal for Bobs Worth for his seasonal return in the Betfair Chase last month, but he was still beaten a long way by Cue Card into sixth place. Leopardstown's galloping nature and stiff finish will suit him much better, but he still has to bounce back from a disappointing seasonal debut.

Sir Des Champs took a mother and father of a fall at the third fence on his debut this season in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown. He had never fallen before in his life, and it looked like it was simply down to a lack of concentration. He is reportedly in fine form again, none the worse for his mis-hap, which is great news, because it looked like a hard fall.

The Gigginstown House horse does have seven lengths to make up on Bobs Worth on their running in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, but there are reasons for believing that he can make up the ground. For starters, the Lexus is run over three miles exactly, not three miles and two and a half furlongs. If the winning post at Cheltenham last March had been moved two and a half furlongs down the course, you might have had a different result.

Also, the Lexus is a home game for Sir Des Champs - he just has to drive up the motorway from Closutton - whereas it is an away gig for Bobs Worth. It is the return leg after the Cheltenham Gold Cup, when the Willie Mullins-trained horse was the one who had to do all the travelling.

Rubi Ball is an exciting addition to the Mullins ranks, and he could out-run his odds if he is allowed take his chance, but Sir Des Champs is probably the most likely winner of the race.

Back Sir Des Champs to win the Lexus Chase with Sky Bet

Morning Assembly, Topaz Chase, Leopardstown, Sunday Current best odds: 3/1
The Topaz Chase on Sunday could be one of the most interesting races of the entire week, with several of the most exciting staying novice chasers in Ireland set to take each other on, and the intriguing possibility of the Paul Nicholls-trained Black Thunder - three for three over fences to date - making the trip from Ditcheat.

Ballycasey is a hugely exciting prospect, and he was really impressive on his chasing bow over an inadequate extended two miles at Navan, when he jumped superbly for a debutant and stayed on really well to beat Mount Colah and Ned Buntline, an impressive winner back at Navan on Saturday. However, there probably shouldn't be as much between Willie Mullins' horse and Morning Assembly in the betting as there is.

The Pat Fahy-trained gelding actually had Ballycasey seven lengths back in third place when he won the Grade 1 three-mile novices' hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in April. Of course, form over hurdles does not always transfer to fences, but early indications are that Morning Assembly is going to be at least as good a chaser as he was a hurdler.

Impressive in beating Si C'Etait Vrai and Clonbanan Lad over two and a half miles on his chasing bow at Punchestown, he stepped forward from that to beat the highly talented Don Cossack over two miles and six furlongs on his most recent start. The pair of them went toe-to-toe over the final two fences, and it ultimately appeared to be Morning Assembly's superior stamina that got him home, the two of them clear, and Don Cossack added ballast to that form when he won the Grade 1 Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse earlier this month.

The step up to three miles should bring about even further improvement from Steve Parkin's horse. He was a good second to Sizing Gold in a maiden hurdle at this meeting last year on his only run at Leopardstown, he is reported to be in rude health by his trainer, and he should run a big race.

[Kimmy]

FFOS LAS, where the ground is already described as heavy, will stage an 8am inspection on Tuesday to see if Boxing Day's fixture can take place due to the threat further heavy rain.

Severe weather warnings are in place across Britain on Monday and Ffos Las was the first of the ten British tracks scheduled to race on Thursday to announce an inspection.

After 8mm of rain on Saturday and 11mm on Sunday, officials at the track were bracing themselves for as much as 25mm on Monday, prompting the inspection.

Wales and the south of England could be worst hit by rain and high winds, with Fontwell expecting between 25mm-50mm and Wincanton up to 30mm. Both are scheduled to race on Thursday.

The forecast at Kempton is for anything up to 20mm of rain on Monday, although clerk of the course Barney Clifford on Sunday predicted the Boxing Day going will be no worse than soft.
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Not many takers
The Kauto Star (Feltham) Novices' Chase has been reoffered after only five horses were declared for Kempton's Grade 1 prize on Thursday.
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Nine take aim at King George prize
The final declarations are: Al Ferof, Champion Court, Cue Card, Dynaste, Long Run, Menorah, Mount Benbulben, Riverside Theatre and Silviniaco Conti, with Captain Chris and Prince De Beauchene the two horses not confirmed.

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Mind on the job
Long Run will wear a visor for the first time in the King George with stablemate Riverside Theatre set to have both blinkers and a hood.
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No shocks in Christmas Hurdle
All six entries for the Christmas Hurdle are declared to run in a Boxing Day contest that features The New One and My Tent Or Yours.
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[Kimmy]

Nice diary from Betfair. Got my others from Corals, Ladbrokes, Hills, 365, BV, VC, Skybet earlier this month. Also nice hamper from Ladbrokes still waiting for the others.

[Kimmy]

BHA and AJA agree three-year funding commitment




Three-year deal guarantees minimum levels of funding to support amateur jockey training and an International Racing Grant
BHA to continue to support amateur riders by overseeing central insurance policy
On-course physiotherapy to remain free of charge


The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Amateur Jockeys Association (AJA) have agreed a three-year funding commitment from 2014, which provides more consistent funding for AJA and guarantees amateur jockey training.

In 2011 BHA announced that it would provide extra funding to AJA by contributing a proportion of prize money earned by winning and placed amateur jockeys when riding against professionals which is paid under the Rules of Racing to BHA. The nature of this arrangement however meant that this income would fluctuate from year to year depending on how successful amateur jockeys have been in any given season. The new three-year commitment instead guarantees AJA a more consistent level of funding, meaning there are fixed commitments towards jockey training and an International Racing Grant.

The agreement guarantees £24,000 each year for training for amateur riders - which from 2014 will be funded and administered by BHA's industry training strategy - as well as the International Racing Grant which assists with the cost of amateur riders racing abroad.

BHA will also continue to provide support to amateur jockeys through the central insurance policy, of which one third is funded by the riders through their licence fee. Amateur riders will still receive free physiotherapy at approximately 1,000 meetings, including almost all Jump meetings and most Flat afternoon meetings. The total value of this contribution has been in excess of £350,000 over the previous four years.

Robin Mounsey, Media Manager for BHA, said:

"This commitment is designed to provide the AJA with a more consistent funding model and enables the organisation to plan further into the future, removing the uncertainty of the previous annual budgets. We are also pleased to be able to guarantee training for amateur riders, which will now come under BHA’s industry training strategy.”

Sarah Oliver, Chief Executive for AJA, said:

“We are delighted to agree this three year funding commitment with BHA which gives both our Association and our members more security and ensures support on the racecourse in the form of insurance and physiotherapy. Guaranteeing training for amateur riders is greatly appreciated and is vital to the development of many of our members for both Flat and National Hunt racing. In addition the continued support of international racing is a huge bonus and offers unique race riding experiences to amateur jockeys worldwide."

Notes to Editors:

1. Details of the announcement in 2011 whereby BHA committed to share the benefits of the income it generates from amateur jockeys riding against professionals with the Amateur Jockeys Association can be found here: www.britishhorseracing.presscentre.com/Press-Releases/Sam-Waley-Cohen-and-the-success-of-Amateur-Jockeys-recognised-by-British-Horseracing-Authority-with-212.aspx


2. About the Amateur Jockeys Association:

In 1995 the Lady Jockeys Association and Amateur Riders Association amalgamated to form AJA. It has over 500 Full Riding Members, many Life Associate Members and several Honorary Members and aims to protect and promote the interests of all its members, both male and female, in an increasingly professional world.

AJA aims to:

improve the standard and safety of all amateur riders;
encourage amateur races under both codes through close liaison with the racing industry to secure its future;
offer help, advice and support to all amateur jockeys throughout their careers;
find sponsors for and sponsor amateur races;
act on behalf of its members by providing recommendations to the various regulatory and administrative racing bodies for the betterment of amateur racing;
select and finance amateur jockeys to ride abroad;
play an important part through close liaison with the BHA in the formation of the policy of the British Racing Industry

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Challow attracts ten
A total of ten horses, including Ballyalton and Timesremembered, have been entered in Saturday's Betfred-sponsored Challow Hurdle.
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Qatar: Oasis Cannes set for Derby date
Oasis Cannes, twice a winner in the UK for Sir Mark Prescott before being sold at Tattersalls last October for 57,000gns, faces 15 rivals in Thursday’s Qatar Derby.
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Trio taken out of Welsh National
Vesper Bell, Nuts N Bolts and Panther Claw, trading around the 14-1 mark, have all been taken out of Saturday's Coral Welsh National.
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[Kimmy]

FFOS LAS is to hold an 8am inspection on Tuesday after the heavy rain and high winds that lashed much of Britain yesterday also threatened Fontwell's place in the Boxing Day jumps fixtures.
No problems are anticipated for the William Hill King George VI Chase meeting at Kempton while Wincanton is optimistic of racing despite fears of "a deluge" as the Atlantic storm battered the West Country.

Ffos Las clerk of the course Tim Long admitted on Monday: "The ground is already heavy and the forecasters have told us to expect 20-30mm of rain, with more heavy stuff to come on Wednesday so we are going to take stock at 8am to see where we are, but it doesn't look too good."

At Fontwell, where the ground is also heavy, clerk Ed Arkell, said: "We have had 97mm of rain in nine days, which is a spit short of four inches, and the course has taken it surprisingly well, but obviously we will have to see what the storm brings as we have been forecast between one and two inches."

Wincanton was braced for up to 30mm of rain with clerk Barry Johnson conceding the forecast was "horrendous", but he remains upbeat about the prospects, explaining: "My guess is that we will be heavy and possibly waterlogged in places in the morning although it should be dry from lunchtime Tuesday onwards. Wincanton is a very good drying track so I am very confident we are going to be okay."

Kempton clerk Barney Clifford said: "We are expecting anything from 15-25mm of rain, but there is a brighter forecast for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day so I do not foresee any problems."

Officials at Huntingdon, Market Rasen, Sedgefield, Towcester and Wetherby, which also race on Boxing Day, were all confident of coming through the storm unscathed.

The ground at Leopardstown, which begins its four-day meeting on Thursday, was changed on Monday to "soft" on all tracks after 8mm of rain overnight. The rain cleared in the afternoon, but the forecast was for unsettled weather overnight and into Tuesday.

Christmas day is expected to be dry with similar conditions likely on Thursday.

The ground at Limerick, which stages a four-day meeting starting on Thursday, was described as "soft, soft to heavy in places" following 5 millimetres of rain overnight. The forecast was for unsettled weather over the next couple of days while Down Royal, which stages a one- day meeting on Thursday, was "soft, yielding to soft in places", also with an unsettled forecast.

Looking ahead to Saturday's Coral Welsh National at Chepstow, clerk Keith Ottesen said on Monday: "We are heavy, having had 75mm of rain since December 12, and with another 30-35mm forecast I would expect areas of the course to be potentially waterlogged. However Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be generally dry, which should get us back on the right side again.

"There is no inspection planned at the moment, but the situation will be clearer in the morning after the storm has passed through."
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Betfred Goals Galore Challow Hurdle
Sponsors bet: 4 Ballyalton, 9-2 Timesremembered, 5 Oscar Rock, 11-2 Beat That, 6 Creepy, 7 Shantou Magic, 8 Port Melon, Royal Regatta, 12 Captain Cutter, 14 Kaki De La Pree 24 mins ago
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Trio out of Welsh National but leading lights remain
VESPER BELL, Nuts N Bolts and Panther Claw, all trading around 14-1, have been withdrawn from Saturday's Coral Welsh National at Chepstow. 2 hours ago
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[banger]

Bookmakers believe My Tent Or Yours and The New One could even be sent off joint-favourites by Boxing Day with the leading lights of the new generation proving hard to separate in Kempton's williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle.

The New One: Returns to Kempton for the Christmas Hurdle





The New One, who is 7lb ahead on ratings, already fronts the ante-post betting for the StanJames Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, having built upon such a promising novice campaign by trouncing former Champion winner Rock On Ruby at Kempton and then quickening six lengths clear of Zarkandar in the International at Cheltenham on December 14.

Trainer Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus are bidding to land the Grade One for the fourth time in a row with My Tent Or Yours, following exploits of the recently-retired Binocular and last season's effort from the ill-fated Darlan.

Betfair Hurdle winner My Tent Or Yours made a smooth reappearance in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, while the pair did meet in the Aintree bumper of 2012, with The New One winning by a length and a quarter but in receipt of a 6lb weight allowance.

The race sponsors make The New One 10-11 against his rival at 5-4 and William Hill spokesman Jon Ivan-Duke said: "The race looks set to be a ding-dong festive battle between two of this season's leading hurdlers and it would be no surprise to see them go off as joint-favourites."

StanJames' Rory Jiwani said: "We're happy to lay The New One in the Christmas Hurdle with our 11-10 the biggest price about. My Tent Or Yours is also 11-10 and it's 14-1 bar those with six going to post.

"We can't separate them in the betting at Kempton and we can't separate them in our 'to win the Christmas Hurdle and Champion Hurdle' market with both horses 6-1 to do the double."

Sam Twiston-Davies, rider of The New One for his father Nigel, is aware he will be in a tactical battle with Tony McCoy and My Tent Or Yours.

The in-form jockey held on to his mount until before the final flight in the International before he raced clear on the run-in.

"Obviously we were very happy with him at Cheltenham," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"He has a very high cruising speed and the one thing about him is he has a really sharp turn of foot at the end, when you go for him it's instant.

"How we ride him will be different to Cheltenham as My Tent Or Yours is very similar to us in the way he can travel, with a high cruising speed and a turn of foot as well."

Grumeti, who was third in the 2012 Triumph and later won at Aintree, missed the whole of last season, is also in the line-up.

Alan King's gelding made a satisfactory comeback by finishing third to My Tent Or Yours at Newcastle, while sixth-placed Duke Of Navan is sent south from Cumbria by trainer Nicky Richards.




King knows Grumeti must make plenty of improvement but he is still, like the big two, considered a Champion Hurdle prospect.

"Grumeti is a horse who has had very little racing in the last year, so needs the practice," the trainer told www.alankingracing.co.uk.

"I was happy with him at Newcastle, where he just got a bit tired after the last and was run out of it for second, but he should be a lot sharper for the race and I'd like to think he will keep on progressing.

"He has been in very good form at home and, though we could well think about stepping him up in trip one day, I still have the Champion Hurdle very much in mind."

The field is completed by the Paul Nicholls-trained Sametegal, who was a very respectable second to Dell' Arca when conceding a lot of weight in the Greatwood Hurdle, and the rank outsider Chapel House

[banger]

Tidal Bay heads a total of 41 entries to stand their ground for Saturday's Coral Welsh National at Chepstow.


Tidal Bay: Welsh National hopeful





Paul Nicholls' charge is set to shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb in the stamina-sapping marathon, with the 12-year-old having to concede upwards of 10lb to all his rivals if he runs.

Next in the list is Teaforthree, who finished a creditable second 12 months ago before going on to be third behind Auroras Encore in the Grand National at Aintree.

Gary Moore's Well Refreshed currently heads the market with the sponsors, and Jim Dreaper's Goonyella and the Emma Lavelle-trained Highland Lodge, who finished fourth in the Hennessy, are also towards the fore.

Donald McCain has left in Sydney Paget, although he is also declared at Wetherby on Boxing Day, while other leading fancies include Hawkes Point and Merry King.

Moutainous, Alfie Sherrin, De La Bech and Goulanes are other notable names still among the possibles.

"As always in the Coral Welsh National, stamina and an ability to go on testing ground will be required in abundance, and Well Refreshed has proved he has both, although Gary Moore's charge is by no means certain to start favourite, with Goonyella, Highland Lodge and Merry King all popular in recent days," said Coral's David Stevens.

[banger]

Ffos Las have called an 8am inspection for Tuesday ahead of their Boxing Day meeting.



Ffos Las: Checking on Tuesday





The going at the track is currently heavy and with more rain forecast, general manager Tim Long feels it prudent to check the situation on Christmas Eve.

He said : "We have had a fair drop of rain this morning and I've just checked the forecast again and it is due to be with us for most of the day.

"We will have a look at 8am tomorrow on the back of what we have today and what the forecast is like and take a view from there."

[banger]

Thursday 26th December







Meeting

Conditions


Kempton Park Going : Good to Soft
Wincanton Going : Soft, Good to Soft in places
Wetherby Going : Good to Soft
Ffos Las Going : Heavy
Fontwell Park Going : Heavy, Soft in places
Huntingdon Going : Good to Soft, Soft in places
Market Rasen Going : Hurdle Good to Soft; Chase Soft-Good to Soft in places.
Sedgefield Going : Good to Soft
Towcester Going : Soft
Wolverhampton Going : Standard
Stalls : 7f Outside, Remainder Inside

[Kimmy]

Giles Cross back
Regarding the dual Welsh National runner-up, trainer Victor Dartnall told his website: "We’re really pleased that Giles Cross is back with us and in strong work. We will need to find a race for him sometime towards the end of January."
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King hopeful return to form is imminent
ALAN KING is confident his yard is coming through a lull in form that has seen him saddle just one winner since December
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Weather watch
A reminder that Ffos Las inspects at 8am to see what damage yesterday's freak storm has done to ground that was already heavy. As soon as we have news from Wales, and from all tracks racing on Boxing Day, you'll be the first to know.
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[Kimmy]

THURSDAY'S meeting at Ffos Las has been abandoned after torrential rain left the track waterlogged.
The ground was already heavy prior to Monday's downpour and an inspection on Tuesday morning confirmed the track would not be fit for racing on Boxing Day.

Clerk of the course Tim Long said: "We had a further 23mm yesterday on top of 60mm in the previous five days. The ground is absolutely saturated, with lying water on the track, and there's more rain forecast."

Thursday's meeting at Huntingdon is the subject to a noon inspection on Tuesday after the Environment Agency issued a flood alert.

Sulekha Varma, clerk of the course at Huntingdon, had originally scheduled a Christmas Day inspection but shortly before 10am, and with "flooding appearing imminent" she was forced to bring the inspection forward.

Earlier she said: "Our flood alert came through at about 6.10am this morning. We're not due anymore rain but the rivers tend to peak 24 hours after heavy rain as the water moves down stream."

Officials at Fontwell report "minor amounts of standing water in places" after 32mm of rain in the last 24 hours. The situation is to be monitored closely with a further update regarding the prospects of racing on Boxing Day expected on Tuesday afternoon.

It was better news at Kempton where no problems are anticipated for the William Hill King George VI Chase meeting, despite 30mm of rain on Monday and overnight. The going was changed to soft on Tuesday having having started Monday as good to soft, soft in places.

Market Rasen and Sedgefield were others to issue positive updates on Tuesday morning with no issues expected at either track before racing on Thursday.

Towcester is similarly optimistic despite a whopping 30mm of rain overnight. The going is now heavy (from soft) but the forecast is for dry, clear and cooler weather through to Boxing Day.

After 4mm of overnight rain the going at Leopardstown is described as soft. Tuesday is forecast to be mostly a dry day, although track officials report a risk of frost over the next two nights.

The going at Down Royal is described as soft, yielding to soft in places.

Despite 45mm of rain overnight, Chepstow clerk of the course Keith Ottesen said the course was raceable on Tuesday morning and the going heavy. The track is due to stage the Coral Welsh Grand National on Saturday.

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Wet at Wincanton
The going at Wincanton is heavy, with some standing water after 39mm of rain in the last 24 hours. The hurdle by the stables may have to be omitted on Boxing Day say course officials and there is still the chance of heavy showers before racing. 13 mins ago.
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Leopardstown latest
After 4mm of overnight rain the going at Leopardstown is described as soft. Tuesday is forecast to be mostly a dry day, although track officials report a risk of frost over the next two nights. 1 hour ago.
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Jockey Barry Geraghty reports Sprinter Sacre to be "flying" at home as he gears up for his seasonal return at Kempton on Friday.
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[Kimmy]

The main Boxing Day action is at Kempton, but Paul Nicholls also has four runners at Wincanton. Read on for his exclusive thoughts on each.

13:40 Wincanton - Provo

Showed plenty of ability in his two hurdles starts last season, including a win over 2m6f here in October, but he is a point winner who was always going to come into his own over fences. He is a decent prospect but has taken a while to come to hand and this a pretty hot novice chase, but he has been working well. In fact, I think he has a decent chance provided the ground doesn't become too desperate.


14:15 Wincanton - Southfield Theatre

Won over course and distance here in October and has since run two cracking races in competitive handicaps at Cheltenham. The problem is that he has gone up 7lb for getting beaten in those races, and that obviously makes life more difficult here. But Harry takes 5lb off, and I would like to think there is more to come from the horse.


14:50 Wincanton - Buck's Bond

Came good again when a nine-length winner over course and distance earlier this month. I think that he is a better horse on better ground, but he has form in the soft, stays well, and a 5lb rise is fair. You'd have to give him a fair chance.


15:55 Wincanton - Sergeant Thunder

Won a Ludlow bumper on good ground for Charlie Brooks last season, after which Graham Roach bought him at the Cheltenham Sales. You never know what you are going to bump into in these races and he has a 7lb penalty, but hopefully he will give a good account of himself before we send him hurdling. Has been going well at home but his ability to act on soft ground would be an unknown.
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More from Fontwell
Officials at Fontwell are planning to make an announcement around 3.30 this afternoon regarding their prospects for Thursday’s meeting. 3 mins ago.
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Huntingdon off
Boxing Day's meeting at Huntingdon has been abandoned with the course flooded. 1 hour ago
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Wet at Wincanton
The going at Wincanton is heavy, with some standing water after 39mm of rain in the last 24 hours. The hurdle by the stables may have to be omitted on Boxing Day say course officials and there is still the chance of heavy showers before racing. 2 hours ago
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Over at Chepstow
Despite 45mm of rain overnight, officials say Chepstow is raceable and the going heavy. The track is due to stage the Coral Welsh Grand National on Saturday. 3 hours ago
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[Kimmy]

THURSDAY'S meetings at Ffos Las and Huntingdon have been abandoned as a result of torrential rain that lashed much of Britain on Monday, but the rest of the Bank Holiday cards look set to go ahead as planned.
The ground at Ffos Las was already heavy prior to Monday's downpour and an inspection on Tuesday morning confirmed the track would not be fit for racing on Boxing Day.

Clerk of the course Tim Long said: "We had a further 23mm yesterday on top of 60mm in the previous five days. The ground is absolutely saturated, with lying water on the track, and there's more rain forecast."

The Environment Agency issued a flood alert at Huntingdon on Tuesday morning and by midday the course had flooded, leaving clerk of the course Sulekha Varma with no option other than to abandon the Boxing Day fixture.

She said: "The course is flooded with water still rising."

Officials at Fontwell had reported "minor amounts of standing water in places" on Tuesday morning after 32mm of rain throughout Monday. However, the situation had improved throughout the day and with just 3mm of rain falling by 3pm no problems were anticipated regarding Thursday's meeting going ahead.

There is standing water at Wincanton, where strong winds damaged saddling boxes. A total of 39mm over the last 24 hours has left the ground heavy, with officials considering omitting the hurdle by the stables for Boxing Day.

Despite the chances of heavy showers before racing, a statement from the course said "officials are confident that racing will go ahead with no planned inspections at this stage".

The statement added: "One set of the pre-saddling stables suffered in the storm and, with the British Horseracing Authority’s consent, Wincanton will race with half the pre-saddling capacity (nine stables).

"Trainers and their representatives are asked to take into account the limited pre-saddling boxes and to allow plenty of time when tacking up."

It was better news at Kempton where no problems are anticipated for the William Hill King George VI Chase meeting, despite 30mm of rain on Monday and overnight. The going was changed to soft on Tuesday having started Monday as good to soft, soft in places.

Market Rasen, Sedgefield and Wetherby were others to issue positive updates on Tuesday morning with no issues expected at any before racing on Thursday.

Towcester is similarly optimistic despite a whopping 30mm of rain overnight. The going is now heavy (from soft) but the forecast is for dry, clear and cooler weather through to Boxing Day.

After 4mm of overnight rain the going at Leopardstown is described as soft. Tuesday is forecast to be mostly a dry day, although track officials report a risk of frost over the next two nights.

The going at Down Royal is described as soft, yielding to soft in places.

Despite 45mm of rain overnight, Chepstow clerk of the course Keith Ottesen said the course was raceable on Tuesday morning and the going heavy. The track is due to stage the Coral Welsh Grand National on Saturday.
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Good news to start with
Fontwell (@fontwellpark) just tweeted: “5mm overnight & still ok to race. Forecast is decreasing showers this morning then mainly dry through to racing.” 1 hour ago
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Little rain at Kempton
The going at Kempton remains soft after just 1mm of rain overnight. 1 hour ago
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It's getting better at Towcester
Conditions at Towcester are improving after the River Tove burst its banks yesterday afternoon. The course will issue a further update around midday. 1 hour ago
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Huntingdon race rearranged
The Listed mares' NH Flat race from Huntingdon's abandoned Boxing Day fixture will now be run on their January 2 meeting. 1 hour ago
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Sedgefield latest
The going at Sedgefield is now described as soft after 35mm of rain since Friday. No problems are anticipated. 59 mins ago
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All good at Market Rasen
It’s bright, clear and dry at Market Rasen where the ground is soft on the chase course and soft, good to soft in places on the hurdle course. 6 mins ago
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