Disappointment as conditions contest attracts only three

Officials at Newbury and the BHA have described the three-runner turnout for a 1m2f conditions race on Thursday evening as disappointing, although Ralph Beckett has welcomed the chance to run Red Napoleon.

The £8,000 South Downs Water Conditions Stakes (7.40) is one of a small handful of interactive races each month allowing trainers to request certain conditions for horses who are not catered for in the advanced racing calendar.

Eight horses were entered, including Godolphin's Bachelorhood, whose trainer Charlie Appleby is thought to have requested the race. However, he was not declared, leaving Red Napoleon to face the John Ryan-trained pair The Gay Cavalier and Thecornishcavalier.