Loder poised for move to France

David Loder could be set for a move to France following the news that Godolphin have applied to run a French training operation at Evry.

There has been speculation that the Newmarket trainer, who has recently received 60 juveniles from Godolphin to train at his Graham Lodge stables, may oversee the Dubai team's French setup, but he remained tight-lipped when asked about it at Thirsk races yesterday, saying: "I have no comment at the moment."

France Galop, the ruling body of French racing, yesterday issued a communique confirming Godolphin had applied for permission to train at the suburban track. The matter will be put to a vote on April 28th.

Evry has been dormant since closing its doors to racing towards the end of 1996, despite its excellent racing facilities.

The track, ironically one of the most modern in France, was closed down as part of a financial deal cut with the French government at the time.

Financial assistance to French racing was agreed in a return for a package of cost-cutting measures.

Tracks such as Maisons-Laffitte and Chantilly were originally singled out for closure, but they were both granted a reprieve following active support campaigns.

The guillotine finally fell on Evry which attracted sparse crowds. However, it could be in for a new lease of life if the Godolphin proposals go ahead.