Cumani Agony.For the second year in a row, Luca Cumani has had to suffer the frustration of watching his horse finish as runner up in the Melbourne Cup. The early pace in the race had been set by Aidan O'Brien's trio of runners, as they attempted to make it a test of stamina. But they set too fast a pace, and all three faded to the rear of the field in the latter stages. Outsider, Viewed, took the lead in the home straight, but Cumani's Bauer came with a withering run, and looked like he would get up to give a British trainer a first win in the Group One contest. But Viewed found enough to hang on by the minimum distance of a nose, and gave Luca Cumani his second year of total frustration. O'Brien summoned by the stewards.In a suprise move after the Melbourne Cup, Aidan O'Brien was summoned by the Flemington stewards to explain the running of his three runners in the race. Although there seems to be some confusion over the exact nature of the summons, it is believed the stewards are questioning O'Brien over the front running antics employed by his jockeys. If some form of team tactics were being attempted, they completely backfired, as the Ballydoyle runners all finished in the last four horses past the finishing post. Catterick goes ahead.Despite recent rain causing heavy underfoot conditions, today's meeting at Catterick has been given the green light. Great Leighs expect no reoccurrence of cancellation.Having lost Saturday's meeting after surface water caused by heavy rain poured on to the polytrack from the infield areas, Great Leighs yesterday undertook remedial drainage work to prevent a similar incident happening in the future. Racecourse officials have confirmed Thursday's meeting will now go ahead. Vickers on the mend.following surgery to repair facial injuries suffered during his fall from Orpen Wide on Saturday, jockey Lee Vickers is reported to be sore but in good spirits as he starts his convalescence. The jockey has been advised he will probably be out of racing action for up to two months. Wincanton entry for Champion Hurdler.It would appear trainer Alan King has decided not to run Champion Hurdler Catch It at his beloved Cheltenham a week on Saturday. Instead, the five year old has an entry in this Saturday's Scoop Six Elite Hurdle at Wincanton. Breeders Cup Victor For Sale.Muhaanak, the winner of the Breeders Cup Marathon at Santa Anita, is now reported to be for sale. Trainer Ralph Beckett has advised the press, owner Richard Pegum is hoping to sell his Breeders Cup hero within the next month, but if no sale is concluded, the horse will compete in Pegum's colourse in the forthcoming Hong Kong Vase. Jack heads for Ascot.Emma Lavelle is reported to be delighted with the form of her potential Champion Hurdler Crack Away Jack. Following his recent victory at Chepstow, the five year old is said to be in 'rude health', and the Coral Ascot Hurdle now seems to be his next target. Nicholls eyes another Irish target.To back up his stated aim to become the top trainer in Ireland as well as the UK, it appears Paul Nicholls is to send Officier de Reserve to compete in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan on 23 November. Having had a successful breathing operation during the summer, Officier de Reserve put in a good performance over hurdles at Warwick yesterday, winning comfortably under stable jockey Ruby Walsh. Connections later stated he would probably return to steeplechasing in the Troytown at Navan, particularly if he gets his preferred soft ground. Two possible routes for Green Mile.Tony Martin is extremely good at plotting handicap raids on both sides of the Irish Sea, so the plans for his Green Mile this weekend ar being carefully observed. His Killarney winner is entered in the two and three quarter mile Handicap Hurdle at Kelso, but also in a Handicap Chase at Sandown, and 'Martin watchers' will be waiting to see which route the trainer decides to take. Limerick anticipating good crowds.Despite the prevailing economic conditions, Limerick have announced strong advance sales for their two day meeting on 09 & 10 November, and anyone hoping to obtain a hospitality package for Sunday's meeting are advised to make immediate contact if they want to avoid disappointment.
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