Wetherby offers chance for Green Wizard to extend his winning run

The seven-year-old lines up in the Life & Style Novices Chase, one of the highlights of the annual Yorkshire Post Ladies Evening at the West Yorkshire track.

Placed four times at Wetherby last season without ever getting his nose in front, Green Wizard returned to winning ways over hurdles at Uttoxeter earlier this month. He then returned to the Staffordshire track to record his first victory over fences in a performance that impressed jockey Ryan Mania, the man who partnered Auroras Encore to his unforgettable victory.

Mania is again in the saddle tonight as Smith looks to give Green Wizard more steeplechasing experience ahead of potentially bigger challenges in the autumn.

Like Auroras Encore, Green Wizard was purchased out of the Doncaster Sales by Smith’s husband Harvey, the legendary showjumper.

“He seems very well in himself and hopefully the ground doesn’t get too soft,” the trainer told the Yorkshire Post.

“He is going the right way and is a nice one for the future. While he’s in good form, it makes sense to race him and get some experience.”

Despite suffering multiple rib injuries in a fall at Cheltenham six weeks ago, 18-times champion jockey AP McCoy is already back to his best and will partner Spot The Ball in the Yorkshire Post Magazine Handicap Chase.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained horse carries the iconic green and gold colours of owner JP McManus and will be clearly primed for the race after a 177-day lay-off as McCoy looks to further narrow pacesetter Jason Maguire’s early lead in this season’s jockeys’ championship.

In other racing news, Jim Crowley – who served his riding apprenticeship at the Smith stable near Bingley – will partner the favourite Secret Gesture in tomorrow’s Epsom Oaks.

Meanwhile disgraced trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni will not contest his eight year suspension for the doping of Godolphin-owned racehorses.

n Ventura Mist came home ahead of Lexington Rose in the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley last night.

Tim Palin, racing manager for owners Middleham Park Racing, said: “They are two nice fillies, and we couldn’t split them,” he said.

“It’s a pity one of them had to lose, but the hill helped the winner and she probably needs six furlongs.

“I doubt she’d be good enough for Royal Ascot but it’s entirely up to the owners.”