Sidelined Dowling awaits scan results after fracturing back and ribs in fall

Jockey Tommy Dowling is once again facing an extended period on the sidelines after sustaining injuries to his back and ribs in a fall at Chepstow on Wednesday.

Dowling, 26, suffered similar injuries at Newbury almost a year ago and also spent four months out after being hurt at Fontwell the year before.

He said on Friday: “I’ve fractured my T7 vertebrae as well as two ribs, one on the left and one on the right. I’ve got a lot of bruising around my abdominal area and am awaiting scans to see if there’s any internal bleeding or not. Hopefully I should know soon.”

Dowling had been enjoying his best season to date having partnered 11 winners, seven of which have come via a fruitful partnership with trainer Zoe Davison.

The jockey was unseated from the Davison-trained Finnegan’s Garden in the 2m handicap chase at Chepstow, and added: “The horse winged the fence but then took a false step afterwards. It was very unfortunate but that’s racing and it’s a game of ups and downs.

"This is the best season I have ever had so it’s frustrating this has happened."

Advertisers strengthen responsible gambling messages

Responsible gambling messages are to be shown for the length of all television adverts following a change to the industry's advertising code.

The change, which will come into force at the end of June, has been made following concerns that references to begambleaware.org and responsible gambling messages were frequently not appearing on screen long enough to be readily noticeable.

The code was introduced by the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG), an umbrella organisation including the Association of British Bookmakers, Remote Gambling Association and the arcades, bingo and casino trade bodies.

IGRG chairman John Hagan said: "As part of a wider package of measures flowing from the government’s review, we believe this change to the industry code will help to improve the overall tone and content of gambling adverts, especially on television, in a way that will help to raise awareness of the need to gamble safely and responsibly.

"In addition, we are happy to reiterate our commitment to review the code on an annual basis in order to consider any emerging issues."

Cheshire pub ready to welcome unusual guest

Racing fans in the north-west looking for something to fill their Sunday afternoon have the option of heading to the Bulls Head in Congleton, Cheshire, where the special guest is Bulls Head.

The Martin Todhunter-trained six-year-old has won both his races this year and has built up a strong following at the pub that shares his name.

Todhunter is accompanying Bulls Head to the Bulls Head, from around midday, and will be answering pubgoers' questions, while the horse will be signing 'hoofographs' throughout the afternoon.

Werrett appointment

Neil Werrett, one of the owners of Black Caviar, has been appointed to the board of Racing Victoria.

“We're delighted to announce Neil’s appointment," said Racing Victoria chair Amanda Elliott. “He's a very prominent figure in the racing industry. His ownership interest of Black Caviar and other wonderful horses is well known. Perhaps less well known is his extensive experience in business and real estate.

“Neil will be a great asset to the VRC board, bringing racing acumen and extensive business experience in both Australia and globally."

Werrett was a partner in legendary sprinter Black Caviar, who won all 25 of her races, and continues to have shares in horses in Australia, Ireland, Japan and France. He is a part-owner of the highly successful Vinery Stud in the Hunter Valley.

Gold Town supplemented for Triple Crown

Godolphin's Gold Town could be heading to the US this season, with the three-year-old a supplementary entry for the US Triple Crown.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, Gold Town has won both his starts on dirt in Meydan this winter, most recently when bolting up by ten and a half lengths in the Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas.

He has been added to the eligible entries for the Triple Crown at a cost of $6,000, with the first leg, the Kentucky Derby, to be staged at Churchill Downs on May 5.

Before then Gold Town's next target is the UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup night on March 31.

Al Basti Equiworld to sponsor German jockeys

From this Sunday all licensed jockeys in Germany will be sponsored by Al Basti Equiworld under a new, three-year deal.

The UAE's leading distributor of horse feeds, feed supplements and veterinary medicines is already a prominent sponsor in British racing, and has now extended its portfolio to Germany.

Around 100 German jockeys will carry the firm's logo on their breeches, and the German Injured Jockeys' Fund will also benefit from the deal.

Al Basti Equiworld founder Malih Al Basti said: "We are delighted to extend our international sponsorship portfolio to include German jockeys who will be excellent ambassadors for our brand."

Arena acquires majority stake in Vermantia

Arena Racing Company has acquired a majority stake in Greek company Vermantia, which specialises in providing omni-channel content solutions worldwide.

The deal allows Arc to expand its distribution of racing and greyhound racing, with Vermantia operating across 31 countries globally and with agreements in place with more than 20 major gaming operators.

Arc chief executive Martin Cruddace said: "Arc has established itself, along with its media partner At The Races, as the number one UK and international horse and greyhound content rights’ holder and distributor in the international market.

"The acquisition of Vermantia fits perfectly with our existing rights portfolio of traditional trusted Bags greyhound content and premium international content."