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Shamandar scores in Dick Poole Fillies Stakes.

Shamandar has been in good form all season, and was last seen in close attendance to Sand Vixen in a Listed race at Newbury.

Today at Salisbury, the William Haggas trained juvenile went one better, for under a strong ride from Michael Hills, she got in front of her rivals where it counts, landing the Listed Dick Poole Fillies Stakes by three quarters of a length from Godolphin's Sweet Sonnet, with Queen's Grace back in third position.

After the race, the trainer's wife suggested the progressive filly may now go for the Watership Down Sales Race at Ascot.

Big Champion battle looks likely.

It is beginning to look like the doonm and gloom merchants have got it wrong this time, for at 10.00 a m this morning, all four major contenders for Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes had stood their ground. Sea The Stars, Fame and Glory, Casual Conquest and Mastercraftsman are amongst the nine entries at today's 48 hour decleration stage, and despite 22 millimetres of rain falling on Leopardstown yesterday, it seems John Oxx believes the track will return to suitable good ground by the time his four time Group 1 winning stable star Sea The Stars lines up on Saturday.

But it must also be emphasised, if it were to rain again in any profusion over the next forty eight hours, Sea The Stars would be the subject of a certain withdrawal.

Being positive for a moment, if Leopardstown does have good ground for its Champion Stakes Meeting, it may also persuade the connections of Heaven Sent to keep their filly in the line up for this weekend's other Group 1 contest - The Matron Stakes.

However, even with the able assistance of Michael Kinane, Sir Michael Stoute's filly will need favourable ground if she is to give weight away to the three year old fillies Again and Rainbow view.

Leopardstown to use separate track for Group One races.

Around midday, Leopardstown officials made an announcement in which they confirmed they are setting up two separate tracks for Saturday's racing. The outer course will be used initially to stage the 2.40 pm Matron Stakes and the 3.50 pm Irish Champion Stakes, but it will later be used for two other races. The inner course will be used for the first two races proceeding the Matron Stakes, the race between the two Group 1 races, and for one other later race.

By using this system, Leopardstown officials are positive they can provide the best possible ground to the horses involved in Saturday's two Group 1 contests.

No major defections for Betfred Sprint Cup.

Fourteen horses have stood their ground at today's 48 hour decleration stage for this Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock Park. Race favourite High Standing is currently joined by July Cup victor Fleeting Spirit, Glorious Goodwood winner Finjaan, and Golden Jubilee winner Art Connoisseur, but the latter three are still subject to withdrawal if the ground at the Lancashire track is deemed as unsuitable on Saturday.

David Wachman is hopeful his dual Group 1 winner Bushranger can rekindle his 2008 juvenile form, while Sir Michael Stoute has chosen leading french jockey Stephane Pasquier to replace the suspended Ryan Moore on his stable hope - Main Aim.

Additional fixture for Dundalk.

With the weather causing havoc amongst Irish turf racing fixtures, Horse Racing Ireland have decided to award Dundalk's all weather circuit an additional fixture. The new card is due to take place on Tuesday 08 September 2009, and tickets and hospitality for the meeting are now available from Dundalk Stadium ticket office.

Kilbeggan to be re-arranged.

With a waterlogged course, this morning's inspection at Kilbeggan provided no hope of going ahead with tomorrow's planned card, but after quick consultation with HRI, the decision has been made to re-arrange the meeting, and it will now take place on Friday 11 September 2009.

Spencer probable Father Time replacement.

With Eddie Aherne sure to miss the Doncaster St Leger meeting due to his current suspension under the current 'totting-up rules', it seems Jamie Spencer is being lined up to take the ride on Henry Cecil's Father Time in this season's last Classic.

Michael Jarvis recovering after heart operation.

Trainer Michael Jarvis is reported to be recovering well after undergoing heart valve replacement surgery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. A spokesperson for Jarvis's yard indicated he would remain in hospital for seven or eight days, and would then have to undergo a period of recouperation before returning to his normal daily routine.

Beck unexpectedly severs connections with Venetia Williams.

Venetia Williams already knew she would not be training Kayf Aramis this season, but the Shropshire based trainer took another major blow yesterday when owner Paul Beck announced unexpectedly, he was severing all links with the Venetia Williams yard.

Stan, Flintoff, and A touch between Acara, all of whom were to return to the Williams stables, will now start their pre-season preperations with Tim Vaughn.

To date, Beck has given no comment on his decision, while the Williams yard seems at a loss to explain this reversal of fourtune.

Lord Shanakill completes move to California.

Formerly with banned trainer Karl Burke in North Yorkshire, Group 1 Prix Jean Pratt winner Lord Shanakill has completed the move to his new home in California. Obviously not happy for their charge to remain under the control of Alan Jarvis, Lord Shanakill's owners decided they wanted the lightly raced colt to continue the remainder of his racing career 'state side'.

Eva's Request lands Istanbul Trophy.

The Mick Channon trained Eva's Request returned to her early season form when landing last evening's Group 2 Istanbul Trophy at Viliefendi racecourse in Turkey. Sent on at around the furlong point by Alan Munro, Channon's filly stayed on strongly to deny a late challenge from the William Haggas trained Damaniyat Girl ridden by Frankie Dettori.

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