Untitled Document

For the best computer games at unbelievable prices:

Tidal Bay impresses in Cleeve Hurdle.

After watching former Arkle Trophy winner Tidal Bay sparkle in an exercise over hurdles, County Durham based trainer Howard Johnson decided he would give his charge an outing in today's Cleeve Hurdle rather than the Argento Chase at Cheltenham, and he must now be delighted he made the right choice.

Taken along from the third last by previous Cheltenham winner Time For Rupert, jockey Brian Hughes brought Tidal Bay with a beautifully timed run to lay down his challenge just before the last flight, and once in front, Tidal Bay galloped on strongly to the line, leaving Time For Rupert to hold onto the runners up spot with former Champion Hurdler Catch It having to settle for third place on ground which may not have been to his liking.

Restless Harry boosts Challow Hurdle form.

Trainer Robin Dickin must have been delighted with the way Restless Harry dominated today's Grade 2 Neptune Investment Managers Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival Trials Day.

Never headed during the extended two and a half mile contest, the Challow Hurdle runner up paid a huge compliment to his Newbury conqueror Reve de Sivola, for in the closing stages of today's race Restless Harry left the unbeaten General Miller and race favourite Royal Charm toiling in his wake as he opened up an eight length advantage as he climbed the Cheltenham Hill.

Taranis suprises everyone - including his trainer.

In his Saturday Racing Post column, when referring to his Argento Chase supposed second string Taranis, Paul Nicholls told everyone his charge had been out of action for nearly two years, had had a lot of setbacks during his recovery, and he had not shown much in training at home.

Well, Taranis obviously had not read his trainers article, for he made a nonsense of the comments, going on to land the Grade 2 contest as he liked.

Carruthers had tried to make all on sticky ground which suited his racing action, and by the last he had shaken off all but Taranis, and up the Cheltenham Hill there was oly going to be one winner, for Nick Schofield only had to ask Taranis a gentle question, and he responded by going well clear from Carruthers in the final half furlong.

With today's contest being over three miles one and a half furlongs on soft ground, it would suggest Taranis would get the Cheltenham Gold Cup trip, and he gives Paul Nicholls yet another string to his bow in a race where he already has the likes of Kauto Star and Denman.

The Sawyar does it again.

Having seen off Miss Mich at Ascot last Saturday when heavily supported in the betting market, The Sawyer once again took advantage of his current low handicap mark and preferred sticky ground to lead all the way in today's Grade 3 Betfair Trophy Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

Bob Butler's gelding is in a rich vein of form at the moment, and over the final three fences he stayed on gamely and saw off serious challenges from the Philip Hobbs trained Private Bee and Sue Smith's veteran Mr Mcgoldrick, with the latter duo eventually having to settle for the minor honours.

If the Cheltenham Festival were to provide soft ground, and the Handicapper does not penalise The Sawyer too much for his last two wins, he could have a great chance of repeating his current winning form at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Baccalaureate proves - You never know in racing.

For most of today's first race on Cheltenham Trials Day, the Betfair Finesse Juvenile Novice Hurdle, odds on favourite Pistolet Noir seemed in control as he controlled the pace of the contest, but approaching the last flight, Paddy Brennan had brought total outsider Baccalaureate to challenge, and Pistolet Noir chose that moment to make a major mistake and hand the initiative to Nigel Twiston Davies's 100/1 outsider. Brennan took the opportunity with both hands, and although his mount weakened in the last fifty yards, Baccalaureate still had enough in reserve to land a shock two length success over his extremely well supported rival.

Hereford and Punchestown announce Sunday inspections.

With the return of the artic conditions over the British Isles, and with a harsh overnight frost predicted for tonight, both Hereford and Punchestown racecourses have confirmed they intend to hold 8.00 am inspections tomorrow morning to assess if their respective Sunday afternoon race meeting's can take place as scheduled.

Ludlow and Kempton now due to hold inspections.

Ludlow Clerk of the Course Bob Davies reports he currently has snow on his racing circuit, and while he has called an inspection at noon on Sunday, with a possible harsh frost due tonight, he does not hold out much hope Monday's fixture will take place.

At Kempton, Barney Clifford reports freezing rain and subsequent frost are his major problems on the national hunt course, and while he intends to inspect at 3.00 pm on Sunday, he is not currently holding out much hope the scheduled Monday meeting will go ahead as planned.

Doncaster forced to abandon Sky Bet Meeting.

With its racing circuit still exhibiting frost hardened sections at a revised 10.30 am inspection, Doncaster Clerk of the Course David Williams was left with no alternative but to cancel today's high profile SkY Bet Chase Meeting.

Fairyhouse joins the list of casualties.

After giving the racing circuit at Fairyhouse every chance to thaw out from a heavy overnight frost, late this morning, Irish Turf Club officials eventually admitted defeat in their quest to allow this afternoon's meeting to go ahead, and the fixture now joins along list of Irish racing meetings to have been cancelled during this unusually severe winter.

Cheltenham and Uttoxeter Go Ahead!

Today's high profile Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham, along with Uttoxeter's scheduled national hunt Saturday meeting, have both recieved the gree nlight.

Following overnight frost, both courses had to survive two inspections, but the good news for race-goers is racing goes ahead as planned.