Racing News Headlines

Robin Dickin is aiming his revitalised stable stalwart Thomas Crapper at the 32Red Veterans’ Handicap Chase Final at Sandown early next month. Any concerns Dickin had about Thomas Crapper staying three miles were finally dismissed when he followed up a win at Southwell over that trip by finishing second to Mendip Express at Sandown.

Nigel Hawke will try to avoid the big guns over two miles for as long as possible as he plots the next race for his smart performer Speredek. The Devon trainer swerved the Tingle Creek Chase due to the presence of Altior, and now has three options for his talented seven-year-old.

Newbury clerk of the course Richard Osgood will have the first race on the December 29 card named in his honour as he ends a life-long association with the Berkshire track.

Battleoverdoyen is firmly on course for the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle at Naas on January 6, after featuring among 44 entries for the Grade One contest.

Bargain-buy Militarian is starting to look like money well spent after he provided trainer Andrew Martin with his first winner at Fakenham in the Sky Sports Racing Launching January 1st Handicap Chase.

Pearl Royale bids to continue her progress over fences by registering a second Listed triumph in the Thoroughbred Breeders Association Mares’ Chase at Newbury on Wednesday. The Nigel Hawke-trained six-year-old overcame a 302-day absence when striking at this level at Carlisle at the beginning of this month, and goes to the Berkshire track in good heart.