Henrietta Knight might have retired last year but her influence on jump racing continued through two of the winners on the card at Lingfield.

Although the exciting Sgt Reckless has only raced under the care of Knight's friend and near-neighbour Mick Channon, who took on many of the horses when the triple Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer relinquished her licence at the end of May, he has strong links to the old operation.

Carrying the colours of Tim and Camilla Radford, who remain Channon patrons with ex-Knight stars Somersby and Calgary Bay, Sgt Reckless (13-8) coasted home on his debut in the spring and had no problems coping with a 7lb penalty in division two of the Forest Row Standard Open NH Flat Race.

Knight, who was joined by husband Terry Biddlecombe in the winner's enclosure, still assists Channon and said: "I've just been on the phone to Mrs Radford. She says he'll go for the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham and won't go for any more bumpers."

Ballygarvey (9-4) had looked to have a bright future when winning for Knight over hurdles exactly a year ago, but failed to build on that during the campaign and is now with Philip Hobbs. A return to Lingfield initiated a change in him, as he ran away with division one of the Ted Long Challenge Cup Handicap Chase.

Jockey Tom O'Brien said: "He was a bit keen to start with, but once he got going he was good. He was with Henrietta, who had schooled him fantastically well. It took him time to settle in, but he looks exciting."

Sir Alex Ferguson made a surprise visit to watch division one of the all-weather bumper, but only arrived by the skin of his teeth. His horse I'm Fraam Govan was sent off the 4-9 favourite and appeared to be cruising around the home bend, but weakened into fifth behind Paul Webber's Koolala (25-1).

Webber said: "She had been going well at home and has some good Kayf Tara stamina in there. I might keep her under wraps until the mares' bumper at Sandown in the spring."

A resolute Sunny Ledgend (5-1) defied the 2-5 favourite Maringo Bay in the Marsh Green Beginners' Chase for father and son Andrew and James Martin, who are better known from point-to-point racing.

Martin snr, who trains near Chipping Norton, said: "It was his first time over regulation fences and he was very green and idling. I think it helped when the other horse came alongsides."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests