Lord Jack Flash sprang something of a surprise in the opening EBF Maiden Stakes for juveniles at Yarmouth today.

ANTE-POST favourite One Knight heads a field of 24 left in at yesterday’s confirmation stage for the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow next Tuesday.

Following the defection of First Gold at today’s final declaration stage, the weights for the Martell Cognac Grand National will go up 3lb to leave Le Coudray at the top of the handicap for Saturday’s race.

AZERTYUIOP, second to Moscow Flyer in the William Hill Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown in December, faces a tough task giving weight all round in Saturday’s Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot.

LILIUM DE COTTE, fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last term, made an impressive debut for owner JP McManus and trainer Nicky Henderson at Uttoxeter yesterday.

LEADING Irish amateur Davy Russell put the seal on his appointment as first jockey to the powerful Ferdy Murphy stable when gaining his first success for the West Witton trainer on Inn Antique at Sedgefield yesterday.