Title gap unchanged heading into Kempton

Paul Hanagan maintained his eight-winner lead (163-155) over Silvestre de Sousa despite drawing a blank at Nottingham before dashing off to Kempton's evening meeting.

The reigning champion could only manage a couple of second places, while De Sousa opted to give the Midlands venue a miss due to traffic complications following his trip to Australia for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday morning.

To rub salt into the wounds De Sousa missed out on a winner when Fair Bunny took the opening PHS Washrooms Handicap.

Hanagan then missed out on a winner himself when he failed to arrive at Kempton in time to partner Night Flash (8-1) in the opener.

Martin Harley came in for the ride and guided James Given's youngster to victory in the Free Entry For Betdaq Members Nursery (Division One).

De Sousa was back in the saddle but was only fifth on Camrock Star.