Matt Butler

1 week ago | racingpost.com | Matt Butler

Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the whole of England from lunchtime on Thursday to Monday, with racegoers at Royal Ascot facing sweltering conditions for the final three days of the meeting. It is the first time this year an amber heat alert has been issued in Britain with an expected heatwave approaching most of the country, and follows days of high temperatures and the previous issuing of a yellow heat health alert.

1 week ago | racingpost.com | Matt Butler

The Princess of Wales has pulled out of a planned public appearance at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. Catherine had been due to appear in the carriage procession alongside her husband William, the Prince of Wales, and the King and Queen, with her absence prompting a late reshuffle of the carriage list. The Prince and Princess of Wales had been initially due to appear in the second carriage alongside Justin Rose, the Ryder Cup and major-winning golfer, and his wife.

1 week ago | racingpost.com | Matt Butler

Francis Graffard and Christophe Soumillon combined to land the Prix de Diane with improving filly Gezora at Chantilly. Winner of the Group 2 Saint-Alary at Longchamp last month, she was ridden off the pace by Soumillon but got out approaching the furlong pole and had first run on the well-backed Bedtime Story, who came from the rear. It proved decisive, with Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore having to settle for second. Graffard also provided the third in Cankoura.

2 weeks ago | racingpost.com | Matt Butler

Downpatrick's Saturday jumps card has been called off following heavier than predicted showers, with the track's Sunday meeting subject to a raceday inspection. A seven-race card at the County Down venue will not take place after thundery downpours left the track unfit for racing. Sunday's card will need to pass a 7.30am inspection in order to take place.

1 month ago | racingpost.com | Matt Butler

Ted Walsh has been fined €3,000 and a horse he trains suspended from running for 60 days after stewards took action after a running and riding inquiry at Wexford on Saturday. Jockey Shane O'Callaghan, who did not use his whip, was also suspended for 14 days after Ta Na La chased home Aspire Tower in the 2m novice chase, with the odds-on favourite obliging by four and a quarter lengths. Ta Na La, a six-year-old mare, was sent off at 16-1 on her first start over fences.