Grand National-winning jockey Liam Treadwell returned to the big time with his most high-profile success since Aintree as The Last Derby caused a 33-1 upset in Ascot's United House Gold Cup.

Master Minded had no trouble in landing the cramped odds of 1-4 in the Grade One Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot.

Binocular is sure to be a warm order for the Champion Hurdle in March after an effortless victory in the rearranged Boylesports.com International Hurdle at Ascot.

THE Galway Races wouldn’t be the same without a few dodgy displays of badly fake-tanned thighs or bottoms, as hordes of women cling to their skimpy dresses blowing in the Atlantic wind.

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.

Blazing Bailey may have derailed the Black Jack Ketchum bandwagon, but Jonjo O’Neill fought back from that shock reverse as Exotic Dancer burst into the totesport Gold Cup picture with a runaway success in the Letheby And Christopher Chase at Cheltenham.

ONEWAY must defy top weight of 11st 10lb if he is to emerge triumphant in Saturday’s Victor Chandler Chase – but handler Mark Rimell is unconcerned by his welter burden.

Maraahel gained just reward for some solid efforts in top company with a thrilling victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

REHEARSALS may be one thing, but even the most experienced performers can suffer first night nerves.