OWNER Trevor Hemmings loves to have a winner at his local track and Coe can prove the apple of his eye with victory in Haydock’s feature race of the National Hunt season.

THE defection of both Exotic Dancer and Air Force One from tomorrow’s Hennessy at Leopardstown obviously makes the task of Neptune Collonges decidedly easier than a week ago.

Not content with saddling the two favourites for the Gold Cup later in the week, Paul Nicholls is in the enviable position of having two live chances in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Tony McCoy is making good progress in his recovery from a back injury and expects to be back in the saddle before the Cheltenham Festival.

Joe Lively is still on course for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase despite failing to sparkle at Ascot on Saturday.

Timmy Murphy’s kid gloves were seen to the best possible effect at Leicester today when Spring Pursuit was delivered on the line to complete a double for the rider.

Timmy Murphy is set to be the retained rider to champion jumps owner David Johnson for the remainder of the season.

LEADING Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Jair Du Cochet has been put down after suffering a tragic injury on the gallops.

Next month is an exciting one for jumping fans and the main pretender to Best Mate’s Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup crown is likely to emerge after a showdown at Leopardstown on February 9.