Ascot was the calm before the storm ahead of Saturday’s card but a Cheltenham Festival contender emerged in the bright winter sunshine as Acambo made an accomplished start to his chasing career.

Aintree is on the agenda for the Philip Hobbs-trained Lord Henry after his all-the-way romp in the Berkshire Life Novices’ Chase at Ascot.

Kauto Star proved connections right by repeating last year’s win in the William Hill – Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

Racing Demon continued Henrietta Knight’s monopoly of the totesport.com Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon by providing the popular trainer with her seventh victory in the last nine renewals of the Grade Two event.

TRIUMPH Hurdle-winning trainer Philip Hobbs took the top honours at Exeter yesterday with a double courtesy of Cousin Nicky and Wellbeing.

Hakim belied his advancing years with a personal best performance to win the totepool Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree.

Worcestershire trainer John Spearing and young jockey Paddy Brennan tasted success over the Grand National fences for the first time when they teamed up with Hakim in the totepool Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree.

Those who point to the new phenomenon of blue collar half-forward should remember that Kerry's Liam Hassett has been toiling in that role for almost a decade. Colm O'Connor spoke to him.

Martin Pipe gained another significant success to stretch his lead in the trainers’ championship when Seebald landed the Faucetts For Mira Showers Silver Trophy at Cheltenham today.

Richard Johnson took advantage of the start of Tony McCoy’s five-day suspension to cut the champion’s lead in this jump jockeys’ title race.

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

England’s rugby union stars will be a little bit wealthier thanks to the result of the jobspertemps Handicap Hurdle at Kempton this afternoon.