Fierce winds blew wildfires into Southern Californian homes today, forcing thousands of people to flee as columns of smoke rose from a scenic coastal enclave.

Mecca's Mate, winner of the Listed EBF Land O'Burns Fillies' Stakes two years ago, served up a repeat performance under a perfectly-judged ride from Tony Hamilton at Ayr.

Irish raider Confuchias got up close home to deny Appalachian Trail in the opening race on John Smith’s Northumberland Plate day at Newcastle.

Flu-hit trainer John Quinn received the perfect tonic when Leslingtaylor landed the Betfred Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock.

Don Pele returned to form with a bang when scoring at York last time and Kevin Ryan’s speedster will attempt to follow up in tomorrow evening’s Northern Rock Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle.