EXPRESS GIFT is on target for the valuable Ladbroke Hurdle at Leopardstown next Saturday after a satisfactory workout at: Newcastle racecourse yesterday.

Partnered by Peter Niven, Mary Reveley's gelding completed two miles of the course and jumped the last two hurdles in company with Sweet Mignonette. "He absolutely pinged the two hurdles and we are delighted with the gallop," said part owner Horace Young.

One of the front runners in the betting for The Ladbroke, currently quoted at around 8 to Express Gift has been on the sidelines since finishing second at Cheltenham on November 11th.

"We had been hoping to go for one of the Sport of Kings races but he's been laid off because he got a slight cut in his leg at Cheltenham. It's been difficult to get him spot on at home because of the frost and this should have put him just right.

"As long as he eats up properly and appears fresh and well he will be going to Ireland," added Young.

Meanwhile, a move towards splitting the National Hunt year into summer and winter seasons came a step closer yesterday. Michael Caufield, the secretary of the Jockeys' Association, said at Towcester: "I've had a meeting with the jockeys after racing and the general feeling is that they are in favour.

"Having experienced the 12 month season, the jockeys are in favour of split seasons like their Flat race counterparts."

Caulfield will be having a meeting with northern jockeys at, Wetherby next Thursday after which he will send out ballot forms. If the jockeys vote in favour of a change it will be then, down to the British Horseracing Board to decide how and when to implement the scheme.