Graham Lee back in saddle as Musselburgh resumes

JUMPS racing resumes at Musselburgh today for the first time since late November and following the disappointment of having to abandon its New Year's Day meeting.

Musselburgh's general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: "It was very frustrating to lose the New Year meeting but things are fine for Friday.

"We are at the mercy of the weather at this time of year but fingers crossed we will be racing on all our scheduled race days."

Graham Lee, who has a fine strike rate at the course, will have his usual band of followers. Lee partners the dual Musselburgh winner Cybora for his boss Ferdy Murphy in the 2m 4f Country Refreshments Handicap Chase. The mare jumped boldly from the front to make all the running on her last visit to the East Lothian venue and could outpace the consistent Emotive, the mount of Haddington-born Campbell Gillies.

Lee also rides Lockstown in the feature event, the 10,000 Country Refreshments Kilmany Cup. Ann Hamilton's progressive eight-year-old was narrowly beaten by Top It All in a similar contest at Kelso in November and his proven stamina will see him play a part, although preference is for Donald McCain's consistent Ballabrook.

Denis O'Regan returned to one of his old stomping grounds to great acclaim yesterday as he lifted the Watt Fences North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick on General Hardi.

O'Regan rode plenty of winners at the Richmondshire venue as stable jockey to Howard Johnson but, since his split with the trainer and subsequent move down south to Lambourn, he is a less frequent visitor these days.

Partnering the ten-year-old for John Wade, he appeared to be in a hopeless position at the final bend as the favourite According To Pete reeled in long-time leader Star Beat. However, O'Regan got a great tune out of the 16-1 shot inside the final furlong to win by half a length. "He's a very genuine horse and stays well, " said O'Regan.

Meanwhile, Master Minded is one of only 21 entries in the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Paul Nicholls-trained horse will bid to become only the second chaser to win the premier two-mile even three times after Badsworth Boy. Having won in 2008 and 2009, Master Minded could manage only fourth behind Big Zeb last March. Nicholls is chasing a fifth win in the race and could also run Woolcombe Folly, Tataniano and Tchico Polos.

Last year's winner Big Zeb is part of a strong Irish entry with 2010 Arkle winner Sizing Europe, Forpadydeplasterer, Captain Cee Bee and Golden Silver.