Newland takes on Toomey as assistant trainer

The jumps jockey has been unable to relaunch his riding career successfully after he made an amazing return to the track following life-threatening head injuries in a fall at Perth in July 2013.

He will, though, continue riding for the time being, as well as being assistant trainer to Newland, who won the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree with Pineau De Re in 2014.

Previously based with Phil Kirby in North Yorkshire, Toomey will join the Newland team in Worcester on February 1 having left the David Pipe stable, where he had been based since August.

Toomey, who has not ridden a winner since his return to the saddle last July, said: “I had hoped to get going a bit more but it’s been hard. I’m starting off as assistant trainer there and will remain riding for a bit longer. He doesn’t have many horses, but what he does have are decent.”

More than six million people went racing last year, according to newly-released data.

Total attendances across Britain’s 59 racecourses reached 6,129,433, which was 309,463 more than 2014 and just 21,810 short of the 2011 record (6,151,243).

Average attendances also rose to 4,256 per fixture, a 4.4 per cent increase on the 2014 figure of 4,076.

The Giant Bolster could head to Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day at the end of the month as connections weigh up possible options.

Placed in three successive Cheltenham Gold Cups, trainer David Bridgwater did rule out a tilt at the Grand National.

“I’d be half-tempted, but the owners are not keen at all,” he said. “

The main thing is that you just want to look after a horse like this who has achieved so much for you. You’ll never get to the bottom of him as he always saves a bit for himself and if I’ve learned anything training him, it is to always expect the unexpected.”