Brothers setting sights on Wetherby success

Though the six-year-old fell on his most recent run at Southwell, he is well-handicapped to win the Totescoop6 The Millionaire Maker Handicap Chase – the feature contest at Wetherby today.

The trainer and jockey team have enjoyed a number of notable successes since setting up their own yard in Worcestershire two years ago in conjunction with their father, Nick, the Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper.

Both served their racing apprenticeship with Paul Nicholls – Dan Skelton was a much-respected assistant to the champion trainer while Harry enjoyed a number of memorable days in saddle, including Nozic’s victory in the 2008 Rowland Meyrick Chase at the West Yorkshire track.

North Yorkshire trainer Ann Duffield is due to hold a parade of yearlings tomorrow to showcase the 28 young horses that her Constable Burton stable has acquired from sales in Newmarket, Doncaster and Fairyhouse.

The parade, which is due to begin at 11am, will also see the trainer’s husband George – the former Classic-winning Flat rider – on hand to answer questions. He’ll be joined by current stable jockey PJ McDonald.

Pontefract and York were both victorious at the Racecourse Association’s annual Showcase Awards.

Pontefract was first past the post in the customer service category – a triumph made even more meritorious because it is determined by nominations from racegoers.

The TopSpot Award – which celebrates ideas designed to enhance the raceday experience – went to York.

The judges were impressed by York’s flower bed bins, which helped to add a touch of colour to a generally overlooked piece of racecourse furniture.