Sandown card rained off

Efforts to save today's prestigious Mitsubishi Shogun Tingle Creek Chase meeting at Sandown have been in vain following the abandonment of the card yesterday afternoon.

With yesterday's card having been called off on Thursday and today's hurdle races at the Esher track wiped out at an inspection yesterday morning, plans for an all-chase card incorporating today's three chases were put into action. However, further rain left the chase course unsafe and officials had no option but to scrap the fixture.

Hopes are high that both the Tingle Creek and the Extraman Trophy can be saved and run next weekend.

Hopes are also high that the remainder of today's programme will survive the latest spell of wet weather to hit the country.

Chepstow's clerk of the course David McAllister said yesterday: "I think we're all right. It's heavy ground but I've seen it far worse and I'm going to say there is no inspection unless there is significant overnight rain."

Channel 4 are to televise four races apiece from the meetings at Towcester and Wetherby.

The going at Wetherby is soft, good to soft in places while, although the ground is heavy, soft in places at Towcester, officials are at optimistic the fixture will go ahead as planned.

Meanwhile, some of the world's outstanding riding talent, including Johnny Murtagh, will be out to cover themselves in glory in the World Super Jockeys Series at Hanshin today and tomorrow.

The Japanese competition, now in its 14th year, sees six of the finest domestic whips, including household name Yutaka Take, take on an eight-strong foreign contingent.

Murtagh, having enjoyed a dream season, is part of a European trio which includes Frankie Dettori and the 1998 winner, Olivier Peslier.

Also taking part are Jerry Bailey (USA), Kent Desormeaux (USA), Damien Oliver (Aus), Lance O'Sullivan (NZ) and Robbie Fradd (HK).

The top rider in the four-race event, determined on a points basis, will scoop five million yen ($45,000) in prize money in addition to receiving a trophy worth a million yen ($9,000). Murtagh looks to have a leading chance in the opening Golden Boots Trophy on Ibuki Commander. His other mount today is Tosho Trigger (Golden Spur Trophy).

Both of his mounts tomorrow, Darling One (Golden Saddle Trophy) and Tokai Rocky (Golden Whip Trophy), are outsiders.

Meanwhile, Henry Cecil's Generous Diana (Richard Quinn) bids to continue her good run in the Listed Prix Edellic (101/2f) at Saint-Cloud today. The Generous filly is on very good terms with herself following wins at Yarmouth and Doncaster. A hat-trick remains a distinct possibility.

Caerau, fourth in the Group Three Prix Fille de l'Air at Toulouse, is one of a number of dangers in the French contest.

The in-form Kadistar, Roli Albi and Honorifique may also have a say in the outcome.