Backing for Silver Bell

BOOKMAKERS Ladbrokes are sponsoring the Lanark Silver Bell, and will be putting up more than £40,000 in prize-money across six races at Hamilton on Friday.

Now in its third year, the Lanark Silver Bell Handicap will see riders competing for one of the oldest sporting prizes in existence. Legend has it that the original cup was presented as a gift to the people of Lanark by King William 'The Lion' in 1165.

Nicky Quinn of Ladbrokes said: "We are proud to sponsor such an historic sporting event and look forward to a great night of racing."

At Ayr today, meanwhile, Keith Dalgleish is striking while the iron remains hot with Blown It in the Kopparberg Handicap. Second on July 29 at Musselburgh, Paul Hanagan won on him at Catterick on 2 August.

Pipped under a penalty at Ayr on Saturday, he can score again today with Hanagan back on board.