'He's been very, very good to us': 2018 Nunthorpe hero Alpha Delphini retired

Trainer Bryan Smart has announced the retirement of sprinter Alpha Delphini, best known for his narrow victory in the 2018 Nunthorpe Stakes.

The nine-year-old defeated Mabs Cross by a short-head to land the Group 1 sprint at odds of 40-1 on that memorable day at York. He retires after 30 starts, having won eight times and collected £388,166 in prize-money.

The son of Captain Gerrard will remain at Smart's Hambleton House base, and will soon start a new career in showing.

"He's been retired but will have a home with me and my family," said Smart. "He's been a wonderful horse throughout his career, always nice to train and he's been very, very good to us and his owners."

On his Nunthorpe win, the trainer reflected: "We all like to win the big'uns, he was trained for that race and we had him in the best form of his life. He did us all proud."

Man arrested for Tattersalls rape

A 44-year-old man has been arrested and released on bail following a rape attack on a woman at Tattersalls sales complex in Newmarket.

The attack took place between 10.30pm and 10.45pm on Saturday, September 19.

The suspect was arrested in The Avenue at 4.20am on Sunday before being taken to Bury St Edmunds police investigation centre for questioning. He was released on bail until October 15.

A police spokesman said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. The spokesman added: "The victim is being supported by specialist trained officers while enquiries continue."

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact Suffolk Police, quoting crime reference 37/54778/20, by calling 101.

Space Blues out for the year

Charlie Appleby has revealed Space Blues will miss his intended autumn campaign after suffering a setback.

The four-year-old has had a fine season, winning his last four starts as he progressed from Listed company in June to his victory in last month's Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

William Buick and Charlie Appleby flank Space Blues after winning the LARC Prix Maurice de Gheest at DeauvilleCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

Following that breakthrough at the top level, Appleby had indicated a clash with superb stablemate Pinatubo was possibly on the cards in next month's Prix de la Foret, but a setback has ruled Space Blues out of another trip to France.

Appleby said: "We're obviously very disappointed that we will not see Space Blues line-up in the Prix de la Foret next month but look forward to seeing him back on the racecourse in the new year."

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