Rachael Blackmore hoping to be back in action next week

Rachael Blackmore expects to be back in action next week after suffering a broken nose in a fall at Limerick on Sunday.

Blackmore, who was champion conditional in Ireland in the 2016-2017 season, enjoyed her best campaign last season when she rode 34 winners. She is currently on the eight-winner mark for the new season and alongside David Mullins and Robbie Power at the top of the table.

She was riding Caliption for Mouse Morris and Gigginstown House Stud when her mount was brought down four out in a three-mile mares handicap hurdle.

Newbury on the up

Preliminary results show that total turnover at Newbury Racecourse plc was up five per cent to £17.81 million in the 12 months ending December 31, 2017, with profit before interest and exceptional items was £0.49m and raceday attendances up 11 per cent to 196,000.

Chairman Dominic Burke said: “2017 saw us making further steady progress against our long term strategic plans.

"We made excellent headway on the redevelopment of the racecourse, with the new owners and trainers facility and eastern entrance building opened during the year and good progress on the other heartspace works.

"We were also pleased to obtain planning permission in August for the redevelopment of the Pall Mall building, expected to be completed by the spring of 2019."

RaceTech to put Sky Sports Racing viewers in HD picture

Arena Racing Company has announced the appointment of RaceTech to provide High Definition coverage of its fixtures from January 1, 2019, coinciding with the launch of Sky Sports Racing.

HD pictures from Arc courses will be broadcast to independent bookmakers in UK and Ireland through The Racing Partnership. It will also be available to major bookmakers who broadcast channels to their own betting shops.

Arc director of media Mark Kingston said: "Providing HD pictures is another step forward in providing our customers, whether they are watching in betting shops, on line or from home, with a high quality product.”

John Bozza, chief executive officer of RaceTech said: "As the industry’s leading OB and integrity service provider, we aim to provide the best in terms of service using the most advanced solutions and technology."

Long-time Nicholls owner Bill Tincknell dies aged 82

Bill Tincknell. a long-time owner with Paul Nicholls, has been fondly remembered by the leading trainer following his death at the age of 82.

Alongside his wife Angela, Tincknell enjoyed considerable success, including with popular horses Sire Collonges and Green Green Desert, while the promising Blu Cavalier, who the couple also bred, was a three-time winner over hurdles last season.

"Bill was a lovely man and a tremendous supporter who we'll greatly miss," said Nicholls.

Tincknell's funeral will take place at Taunton Crematorium on Thursday, June 24, at 1.30pm.

AGM date for Women In Racing

Women in Racing's seventh AGM will take place on Thursday, June 7, at Oaksey House, Lambourn.

The guest speaker is Kiko Matthews who, despite neurosurgery in 2017, recently set a world record for the fastest solo female transatlantic row, and is only the sixth woman to complete that challenge.

WiR is inviting members to submit manifestos to join its committee by June 1. There are currently three places open, with committee members to be elected at the AGM.

Julie Deadman, chair of WiR, said: “We really look forward to welcoming members and non-members to our AGM. Kiko’s achievement is one to be celebrated, and her story will no doubt prove motivational and interesting to all. We would encourage people wanting to attend to book their place as availability is limited.”

Advance booking is required and for further details on tickets, the AGM and committee elections, visit womeninracing.co.uk.

Derek Christopher thanksgiving service

A service of thanksgiving for the life of bloodstock agent Derek Christopher, who died this month aged 88, will take place at 2pm on Friday, June 1 at the Church of St John the Baptist, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3BY.

Donations will be gratefully received in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund via Malcolm Jones and Metcalfe Funeral Directors, 284 High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 1AH, or via a collection box in the church during the service.

Death of Sam McComb

Sam McComb, who rode over jumps and on the Flat, has died aged 88.

McComb partnered Punchestown Star in the Grand Nationals of 1953 and 1954 (refused both times), before emigrating to Canada.

In the local Classics he rode Langcrest into second behind Northern Dancer in the 1964 Queen's Plate and won the 1965 Prince of Wales's Stakes on Good Old Mort. He also won the 1967 Canadian International on He's A Smoothie before becoming a trainer.

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