Musselburgh finally comes out of the cold

JUMPS racing returns to Musselburgh this afternoon for the first time in seven weeks.

The fixture on 7 December was the last action seen on the East Lothian course but, now that the frost and snow are seemingly out of the way, it's all systems go today. The going is expected to be no worse than "good to soft".

The feature race is the Cosmic Case Handicap Hurdle at 3.10, named after the Jim Goldie-trained course specialist who won over both codes at Musselburgh. Rose Dobbin, the former top lady rider, saddled a winner at Market Rasen with only her second runner after the cold snap and her Broadway Star will be hard to beat in the hands of Wilson Renwick.

Meanwhile, Victor Chandler will sponsor the rearranged Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on 18 February.

One of the many races lost to the recent cold spell, the Morebattle Hurdle is due to be the next port of call for Nicky Henderson's unbeaten hurdler Zaynar. The grey is owned by the Men In Our Position syndicate, headed up by bookmaker Victor Chandler.

"I am delighted to sponsor the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso, which will be the first time the Victor Chandler name has sponsored a race at the course," said Chandler.

"All being well, it will also see the next appearance of Zaynar, who is in fine form at the moment and hopefully he can retain his unbeaten record and make it six out of six next month."

In yesterday's racing, Robert Thornton suffered a fall at Leicester while riding Cracboumwiz in the Dick Christian Novices' Chase. Last night the jockey was in a "stable" condition in hospital.