Rescuers evacuated thousands of rural residents from north-west China after extreme cold and blizzards killed four people and left half a million snowed under.

More than 5,400 people have been evacuated after China's north-west Xinjiang region was hit by a strong blizzard that left one person dead.

Classy Flat performer Percussionist appears to have found his niche in the winter game after leaving a disappointing hurdling campaign behind with an impressive first run over fences in the bet365 Beginners' Chase at Wetherby.

RICHARD FAHY has lodged appeals against two stewards’ decisions which went against him last week, but his luck changed with a vengeance as he completed a 86.5-1 double with Cash For Questions and Dene View at Doncaster yesterday.