Plastic Hurdle given green light.Following extensive trials at all the national hunt meetings held at Sligo, Roscommon, Bellewstown, and Kilbeggan during 2008, the stewards of the Irish national hunt steeplechase committee have given the green light for the new plastic hurdle to be used on all Irish racecourses with immediate effect. The new hurdle is also under testing in the United Kingdom, and could become a permanent fixture to british hurdle racing in future years. Monday decision day for Ashleybrook Power bid.Ashleybrook is in top condition following his victory in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on Tuesday, and trainer Kevin Bishop will make up his mind on Monday as to whether the ten year old will compete in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday 15 November. As Ashleybrook may well have had a virus last season, there may be doubts about running him too soon over two and a half miles. In addition, he would have to carry a five pound penalty for his Exeter victory, and connections may consider there are plenty of alternative targets before the New Year. Harchibald to switch Dundalk dates.Smart hurdler Harchibald was due to have his second preparation run on the all weather surface at Dundalk tonight, but trainer Noel Meade has not been entirely happy with his preparation, and he will now run at the track next Friday evening 14 November. New Year return for Silent Oscar.Winner of the Punchestown Festival Champion Hurdle in 2007, Silent Oscar then suffered a serious injury, and has been off the track ever since. But trainer Harry Rogers has now advised his nine year old is back in training, and if all goes well, the plan is to give Silent Oscar a preparation race in January before he goes on to compete in the 2009 Champion Hurdle races at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Southwell offering free entry.Southwell racecourse are offering free entry to next Monday's meeting, 10 November, to any race-goer carrying a copy of the Racing Post. In these hard economic times, this is the perfect gesture by Southwell Racecourse and the Racing Post, and we applaud their generosity. Meade has busy schedule for Aitmatov.Noel Meade has advised his star seven year old hurdler Aitmatov could have a busy schedule this month, including a run in the Lismullen Hurdle this Sunday at Navan, followed by participation in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse at the end of the month.
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