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Punchestowns clears his first obstacle.

Second to Big Bucks in March's Ladbrokes sponsered World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the Nicky Henderson trained Punchestowns is the highest rated former hurdler to enter the novice chasing ranks this season, and he started his new career with a win at Newbury this afternoon.

Facing only three rivals in the Grade 2 Fullers London Pride Novice Chase, he did not inspire confidence in the early stages, making a few sketchy jumps at the initial fences, but as he warmed to his task, his jumping improved, and by the cross fence on the final circuit he had jumped into the lead. Thereafter, he jumped for fun, and Barry Gerrity did not have to ask any questions as Punchestowns forged on to a seven length win over Martys Mission.

After the race, trainer Nicky Henderson indicated,

"Punchestowns has been putting in some excellent jumping at home, so the early part of the race was a bit worrying, but once he settled down he got into the right kind of rhythm and showed what he is all about." Discussing future plans, Henderson added,

"We could go to the Feltham at Kempton or a similar race at Cheltenham over the festive period, and then we will have to decide what distance we want to tackle in the big Spring meetings."

Lie Forrit maintains his improvement.

The Willie Amos trained Lie Forrit kept up his fantastic start to the season with a one length victory in this afternoon's Pertemps Qualifier Hurdle at Newbury, and although today's success ensures he has an entry in the Pertemps Hurdle Final, the trainer is now seriously considering preparing his charge for a crack at the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

"I appreciate the World Hurdle represents a major step up in class, but the way he keeps improving, and the way he battles in his races, he could be the ideal type to take part in the World Hurdle, and we will now have to give that option some serious thought."

Man in court on murder charges.

The Yorkshire Constabulary have today confirmed the 37 year-old man arrested yesterday in connection with the arson attack at Norton near Malton, which caused the deaths of apprentice jockeys Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, has faced murder charges today.

Local man Peter Brown, who is thought to reside in Malton, has appeared before Scarborough Magistrates, and has entered his plea against the two charges of murder read out at today's remand hearing.

Jamie Moore faces long break due to injury.

Having recently returned to race riding following a three month injury break, jockey Jamie Moore had just got back into the groove with major wins at last weekend's Ascot and Aintree meetings, but on Tuesday at Lingfield a shoulder injury he sustained at the Cheltenham Festival in 2008 caused his right shoulder to give way in the closing stages of a race, and after consulting a medical specialist, he has received news that he will almost certainly require surgery on the shoulder, and this means he could be sidelined for a further four months.

Likely pacemaker could make for interesting Royal Bond.

With the Tom Mullins trained Some Present having lost out due to a slow early pace in his first two novice hurdle attempts so far this year, the handler looks to have entered stable mate Deise Dan as the likely pacemaker amongst the six horses still due to compete in Sunday's Grade 1 Bar-ONe Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse. But even this tactic may prove futile as Some Present has to defeat the highly rated and unbeaten pair of Dunguib and Sweeps Hill.

Philip Fenton's Dunguib was the top rated bumper horse last season, and he has been imperious in his two victories over hurdles so far this season, and he is certainly the punters choice to maintain that unbeaten record.

However, the J P Mcmanus owned Sweeps Hill is also unbeaten in his first two outings over timber, and he has the advantage of maestro Tony McCoy to accompany him in Sunday's race.

The six strong field is completed by Alice Brady's pair of Call and Takestan.

Ultimate target could be Cheltenham race.

Brian Ellison has indicated his exciting hurdling prospect Ultimate has come out of his twenty two length win at last weekend's Huntingdon meeting in such good shape, he could now be aimed at the two mile one furlong Cheltenham Military Charity Ball Juvenile Novice Hurdle at Prestbury Park on 12 December.

Straw Bear found to have infection.

Following his tailed off position in last Saturday's Ascot Coral Hurdle, connections of Straw Bear tried to find a reason for his disappointing performance, and a resultant scope examination showed the eight-year-old former Grade 1 winner was suffering from a viral infection.

As a result of the discovery, plans for a future run have been put on hold until Straw Bear is returned to full fitness.

Casey Jones to miss Hennessy.

Fancied in some quarters as a very good each-way shot for tomorrow's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, Grade 1 winning Casey Jones has today been withdrawn from the race. Trainer Noel Meade reports an unexpected problem has necessitated the issuing of a vetinary certificate.

Byrnes admits Binocular is a major threat.

Despite his continued confidence Solwit can maintain his current great run of success in tomorrow's Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, Charles Byrnes does anticipate the J P Mcmanus owned Binocular will be a major threat.

"Nicky Henderson's horses are in great form, and Binocular will almost certainly have come on during the summer, and I believe he will give Solwit a real problem on Saturday." Byrnes added,

"If Solwit is ever to win the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle, he will have to beat top class hurdlers like Binocular, so we will be much wiser as to his true ability after tomorrow's race."

Mixed messages continue about Denman's Hennessy chances.

In comments issued today, both trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh have been very positive about Denman's fitness and chances ahead of his run in Saturday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, and in another interesting development for people who study all sorts of omens, co-owner Harry Findlay will be the guest on Saturday's Morning Line programme on Channel 4.

However, in their race ratings issued this morning, Timeform believe Denman will have to hit a career high mark if he is to carry top weight to victory in the Hennessy, and the world's leading betting exchange Betfair have indicated Denman has drifted this morning in their anti post market on the race.

Carlisle to hold precautionary inspection.

Although they report the track is currently raceable, officials at Carlisle have decided they will hold a precautionary inspection of the track on Sunday morning ahead of the afternoon's scheduled card.

With current going described as 'heavy', and a wether forecast suggesting a combination of cold conditions and further showers, officials have opted for a precautionary strategy, and based on recent weather conditions, this is probably a wise choice.

Jump racing to end in State of Victoria.

In a landmark decision which will send a chill down the spine of true national hunt racing fans, the Victoria Racing Board has decided to withdraw its permission for the staging of jump racing in the Australian state from the end of2010. The VRB are citing safety and fatality numbers as the reason for the decision, but it is understood interested parties are likely to raise a legal challenge to the Board's decision.