HORSE RACING: Jessica Harrington reports Moscow Flyer on course for the Leopardstown Christmas meeting after saddling Hume Castle to justify prohibitive odds at Downpatrick yesterday.

"Moscow Flyer came back from Sandown on Sunday morning, and there is not a bother on him," said Harrington before confirming the Dial-A-Bet Chase on Paddy Power day at Leopardstown on December 27th as the next race for her stable star. The Moone handler has both the Pierse Hurdle and Newbury's Tote Gold Trophy in mind for Spirit Leader, who landed the valuable William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Sandown.

Hume Castle was prominent throughout in the two and three quarter miles maiden hurdle, and Barry Geraghty's mount was just pushed out to beat Tarqogan Thyne by five lengths. "He will go for a beginners' chase at Down Royal on Boxing Day," said Harrington of the six-year-old gelding who is owned by a syndicate of golfers from Enniskillen.

Geraghty was fancied to initiate a double in the opening maiden hurdle aboard Royal All Star, but the favourite had to settle for the runner-up spot behind Logical Approach. Eddie Hales's former winning point-to-pointer was prominent throughout, and stayed on best under Norman Williamson from the home turn to score by 10 lengths. Williamson later got down to 9-9 to partner Leapogues Lady in the handicap hurdle and the effort proved worthwhile.

Graham Bradley has appealed against the eight-year ban he was given following a disciplinary hearing at the Jockey Club last month. The former top jump jockey was warned off after he was found in breach of a series of the Rules of Racing.