Richard Dunwoody has been booked to ride Risk Of Thunder, owned by actor Sean Connery, in the Velka Pardubicka at Pardubice in the Czech Republic on Sunday. His mount, trained by Enda Bolger, has won six times over the cross-country course at Punchestown, including the last three runnings of the La Touche Cup.

"Richard has been booked to partner Risk Of Thunder and is obviously hoping for a good ride," said the former champion jockey's agent Robert Parsons. "It is always a fascinating race."

Britain is set for a big raid on the Melbourne Cup after five challengers were left in the race yesterday. Faithful Son, Persian Punch, Sheer Danzig, Taufan's Melody and Yorkshire each stood their ground at the second declaration stage for the $Aus2.5 million event at Flemington on November 3rd.