Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Peter Pickford dies aged 91

Former jump jockey Peter Pickford has died at his home in Aldbourne near Lambourn at the age of 91.

Including five on the Flat, Pickford rode 190 winners in a career that started as an apprentice to Newmarket trainer Harvey Leader at the age of 12. He rode his first winner at 16 in 1946 when partnering Zero to success on the Flat at Wolverhampton before switching his attention to jump racing.

Pickford, from Evesham in Worcestershire, rode regularly for Rip and Jack Bissill in the Midlands and was closely associated with pioneering trainer Rosemary Lomax. He partnered his final winner when Pelta was successful at Bangor in 1968.

His son Gary, a farrier, said: "My dad had a great career and was proud to have several rides for the Queen Mother. Two of the best horses he partnered were Hart Royal and Flaming East. He died peacefully at home."

Flaming East provided Pickford with his only Cheltenham Festival win when landing the 1957 County Hurdle, while Hart Royal was a dual winner of the Lancashire Chase.

Winter Wanton gave him another notable success when landing the 1959 Rendlesham Hurdle, while Choreographer finished second for the rider in the 1965 Mackeson Gold Cup. Pickford also partnered Column to finish eighth in the 1952 Grand National.

Qatar unveiled as new Prix du Jockey Club sponsor

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) has deepened its commitment to French racing with the announcement it will be the title sponsor for the next two runnings of the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

France's version of the Derby will be run on June 6 as the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club and joins the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as well as Glorious Goodwood under the QREC banner.

Qatar began backing the Arc in 2008 and during their time as sponsor the overall prize fund for Europe's premier all-aged race has jumped from €2 million to €5m, while prize-money across the two-day fixture has also risen substantially during the same period.

The Prix du Jockey Club will now be sponsored by QatarCredit: Scoop Dyga / France Galop

At €1.5m the 1m2½f Qatar Prix du Jockey Club is the second richest race in France after the Arc.

"We are delighted to be the partner of the Prix du Jockey Club," said Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, chairman of QREC. "It is one of the most important races in Europe with an amazing history and an impressive record of winners.

"We have built a very long-lasting relationship with France Galop over the years and we are further reinforcing this partnership to include France's most prestigious race for three-year-olds."

France Galop president Edouard de Rothschild added: "France Galop is particularly pleased to sign this agreement with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, a leading partner since 2008, the year it became involved in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."

Brigadier Gerard Stakes to be run in memory of Joe Mercer

Next week's Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown will be run in memory of legendary rider Joe Mercer, who died on Monday aged 86.

The Group 3, due to be run on Britain's best evening Flat fixture of the season next Thursday (May 27), has been renamed this year as 'The Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes (In memory of Joe Mercer)'.

Mercer rode Brigadier Gerard, one of the greatest horses of all time, throughout his career to win 17 of his 18 races over three seasons (1970-72).

The race bearing the name of Joe Mercer's most famous equine ally, the Brigadier Gerard Stakes, will be run in his memory at Sandown next weekCredit: Edward Whitaker

Brigadier Gerard's jockey and 'top-class person' Joe Mercer dies aged 86

Among a remarkable big-race haul that included the 2,000 Guineas and back-to-back runnings of the QEII and Champion Stakes, the pair were successful in the 1971 Eclipse at Sandown.

Jockey Club regional director Phil White said: "We were deeply saddened to hear of news of Joe Mercer’s death earlier this week, and are pleased to be able to mark the occasion in the race which honours the horse he was most famously associated with.

"Our thanks go to Coral for their assistance in facilitating this and we hope the race will give racing fans and the industry a chance to remember one of the greatest and most stylish jockeys the sport has seen."

Armed forces charities announced as Royal Ascot partners

Three armed forces charities were on Wednesday announced as the official nominated charity partners for next month's Royal Ascot meeting.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldiers' Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund were traditionally supported on the Friday of the meeting but will be promoted throughout the five days.

Royal Ascot: announced partnerships with three armed forces charitiesCredit: Ascot Racecourse

"Typically, racegoers really engage with the three charities on the Friday and it will be fantastic to see some military personnel and volunteers back on site," said Nick Smith, Ascot's director of racing and public affairs.

"Having been unable to welcome them last year due to the pandemic, we're really pleased to extend our relationship across all five days and look forward to helping them raise much-needed funds and awareness of the work they do."

Tyrone Williams funeral date

The funeral of former jockey Tyrone Williams, who died last week at the age of 54, will take place next Thursday, May 27.

There will be a service at 10.30am at Kingsdown Crematorium in Swindon, followed by a reception at Lambourn Sports Club.

Williams rode more than 800 winners worldwide, with the highlight of his career coming when he landed the Ebor Handicap at York on Far Ahead in 1997.

New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets when they place a £5 bet. First single & EW bet only. Odds of 1-1 or greater. 2x £/10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Full T&Cs here. 18+.