Freddie Head is happy with Marchand D’Or as the top sprinter returns to European action in the Prix de Saint-Georges over five furlongs at Longchamp tomorrow.

THE largest Sunni Arab bloc in Iraq’s parliament said yesterday it was suspending its participation in the legislature until a kidnapped colleague was released, dealing a blow to efforts to involve the disaffected minority in the political process.

David Nicholls is responsible for five of the 28 runners in the Vodafone Stewards’ Cup and the Thirsk trainer elected to go for high numbers at today’s draw ceremony for the big handicap at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday.

HALMAHERA, a Vodafone Stewards’ Cup regular, will bid to land his first victory in the £100,000 handicap at the fifth attempt today.