Christopher Spence funeral service to take place next month

The funeral service for Christopher Spence, the former senior steward of the Jockey Club and owner-breeder of Ascot Gold Gup winner Celeric, will take place at 11am on Friday, October 8 at St Mary's Church in Chieveley, near Newbury.

Spence, who died on September 13 at the age of 84 after a short illness, was a founder director of the British Horseracing Board and enjoyed his finest hour in racing when the quirky stayer Celeric, trained by his brother-in-law David Morley, took the 1997 highlight at the royal meeting.

He also owned Frontier Goddess, who was trained by Peter Walwyn to finish second in the Oaks in 1969 and turned the tables on the winner Sleeping Partner when beating her in the Yorkshire Oaks.

The service will be followed by a private family burial. Family flowers only but donations to Racing Welfare are welcome.

Proof of vaccination or negative test likely for Welsh National

Racegoers attending the Coral Welsh Grand National will be required to prove they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or had a recent negative Covid test under new government rules.

From October 11, those attending outdoor venues in Wales with more than 4,000 spectators must either show a vaccination certificate or provide a negative lateral flow test result from within the last 48 hours.

Vaccination certificates are required in Scotland from October 1 at events with over 4,000 people, while in England such measures will only come in under the government's Plan B contingency programme.

Cross-country chase favourite Easysland out until new year

Easysland, winner of the 2020 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, will not run until the new year after meeting with a setback over the summer.

Trained by David Cottin for owner JP McManus, Easysland heads the market for next year’s Cross Country Chase despite coming off second best to a resurgent Tiger Roll this year.

Frank Berry, racing manager for McManus, said on Thursday: “Easysland had a little setback over the summer and he won’t be back until the new year at the earliest. He’s back at home in Ireland at the moment.”

As well as being the general 4-1 favourite for the Cross Country Chase, Easysland is 33-1 for the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

Dan Skelton and Richard Phillips scoop top prizes in awards

Sandown on Wednesday played host to the fourth edition of the Lycetts Leadership and Team Champions Awards, with the yards of Dan Skelton, Richard Phillips and Eve Johnson Houghton among the winners.

Team Skelton claimed the Leadership Award while the Team Champions Award went to the yard of Phillips, both of which received a £4,000 reward. Johnson Houghton's operation took home the Farm and Stable Award For Innovation and Wellbeing, winning £2,000 worth of farm and stable products.

Sponsored by George Smith Horseboxes, the Excellence Awards form the basis for the Lycetts Leadership Award and recognise the specific management areas trainers are excelling in. Andrew Balding's stable was recognised for inclusive recruitment and effective induction systems, while the Skelton yard shone for ensuring a safe working environment.

Dan and Claire Kubler stood out for development and training, while Nick Alexander's yard was commended for reward and recognition.

Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation [NTF], said: "We were thrilled to see the diversity of stories, anecdotes and videos that emerged in the entries. Each painted such a brilliant picture of why working in our industry and with great people is so rewarding.

"It's clear from the entries how staff are nurtured and developed, how diverse skill sets are encouraged, and how yards are managed with the safety of staff and horses at the forefront. Lycetts Awards accredited and winning yards are inspiring and progressive businesses that our industry can be proud of."

Lord Risby reappointed to Levy Board for third term

Lord Risby has been reappointed for a third term as a government-appointed member of the Levy Board. His term will run for three years to the end of 2025.

HBLB chairman Paul Darling said: "I'm absolutely delighted this stalwart servant of the Levy Board has been reappointed by government. We value his wisdom and contribution."

Remembering Henry Moane

A celebration of the lives of Henry 'Harry' Moane, who sold hats on many courses in Britain and died last month, and his son Harry Pat will be held on Friday, September 24.

There will be a requiem mass at St Peters in Chains Catholic Church in Doncaster at 9.30am, followed by an internment at Rose Hill Crematorium at 11am and a reception in the function suite at Doncaster Golf Club from 12pm to 3pm.

Flowers are welcome and should be sent to Steadman & Sons Funeral Directors, 3 Balby Road, Doncaster, DN4 0RB.

Donations on the day will be distributed by the family to St Johns Hospice, Western Road, Doncaster, DN4 8JS.

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