Philip Hobbs is hoping Zabenz can gain compensation for a luckless run in the Grand National at Sandown on Saturday.

Followers of Nicky Henderson were left delighted after the master of Seven Barrows struck with his only two runners – Treasury Counsel and Theft – at Kempton.

Labelthou made just about all the running to land the Grade Two Casino 36 Stockport Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock.

Barry Fenton missed a valuable winning ride as Noel Fehily deputised aboard the front-running Priors Dale in the Dick Reynolds Novices’ Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

STAR De Mohasion brightened up a gloomy afternoon at Sandown for champion trainer Paul Nicholls when landing the John Smith’s Future Stars Chase.

Jockey Barry Fenton and trainer Emma Lavelle go before the disciplinary panel of the Horseracing Regulatory Authority at 11am tomorrow.

Emma Lavelle hopes Cloudy Grey can regain his old sparkle in the totesport Trophy at Newbury on Saturday.

Christmas Hurdle runner-up Self Defense is poised to line up in the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

Richard Johnson, forced to give up the big-race rides on Monkerhostin and One Knight over the Christmas period, returned to winning ways at Taunton for Philip Hobbs.

Senorita Rumbalita avoided the last-fence drama of her hurdling debut to keep backers warm in the cold at Folkestone.

See You Sometime will return to Windsor, the scene of his biggest success over fences, for the Blue Square Speed Dial 64555 Chase on Saturday.

It was a case of happy returns in more ways than one at Windsor today.

WILLIE MULLINS has been pleased with the preparation of his two Martell Cognac Grand National challengers, long-time ante-post favourite Hedgehunter and Alexander Banquet.

Barry Fenton suffered no ill effects from his fall at Kempton on Saturday and hopes to be back in the saddle later this week.

Mick Easterby is keen to run Parknasilla in the JCB Triumph Hurdle following the four-year-old’s successful jumping debut at Leicester.

Trainer Philip Hobbs continued his fine form by winning with both his runners at Fontwell today.

Martin Kelly

SMALL fields are the order of the day again today as the prevailing dry spell continues to bite.

AS the exodus of more than 7,000 racing faithful begins from ports and airports across the country today, racing festival staff in Cheltenham are gearing up for a bumper three-day festival.

Red Wine is on course for a crack at the JCB Triumph Hurdle after landing an easy success at Newbury.

One Knight made it two out of three over fences in the Christine Loze Birthday Novices’ Chase at Exeter today, but trainer Philip Hobbs will delay stepping him up in class.

The ride on Martell Grand National favourite Moor Lane is still up for grabs, it has emerged.