Keith Gillespie is waiting for confirmation that his probable three-match ban will apply only to friendly matches and not competitive games.

James Fanshawe added another string to his bow of top-notch fillies when Soldera edged out Miss Ivanhoe to take the feature race at Ascot yesterday.

Alex Hales has decided to set up as a public trainer and will shortly be leaving the Andrew Cohen-owned Woodhall stables in Hertfordshire where he has operated on a private basis for the past two years.

Jonjo O’Neill is consideirng the Thomas Pink Gold Cup and the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup for Scrahan Cross following an easy win at Bangor.

Dual Martell Grand National runner-up Suny Bay has been retired.