Luca Cumani to have tack sale at Newmarket yard on Sunday

Luca Cumani, who ended his training career last year to concentrate on his Fittocks Stud operation, is to have a tack sale at Bedford House Stables in Newmarket this Sunday at 11am.

Cumani, who quit training after a glittering career which spanned 43 years, is to auction off hundreds of items which can be viewed at the yard from 9am on Sunday. Alternatively, a list can be obtained by emailing him at luca@lucacumani.com.

Among the items for sale are head collars (of which there are 75-plus), exercise bridles (30-plus), saddles (50-plus) and stable rugs and sheets (100-plus). Other items include turn-out cages and even a set of starting stalls.

Postmen in line for honours

The Racing Post's Alastair Down and Edward Whitaker are in the running for honours at the British Sports Journalism awards, which will be revealed at a ceremony at Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel on Monday night.

Down is one of seven shortlisted candidates for the specialist correspondent award of the year, while Whitaker has reached the final six for specialist sports portfolio and the 'away-from-the-action' award.

Whitaker is also in the running for the Ed Lacey Trophy for Canon sports photographer of the year – the main award is given to the overall best photographer of 2018 judged on entries into the five overall categories.

Nominated in the broadcasting section is ITV's coverage of Gold Cup day at Royal Ascot, while the Ed Chamberlin-Francesca Cumani pairing take on the likes of Gary Lineker and Mark Pougatch in the presenter category.

New sponsor for Ayr

The £100,000 novice championship handicap chase on Coral Scottish Grand National Day will be sponsored this year by J&D Pierce Contracts. Run for the first time last year when won by Crosshue Bay, the contest is the third-richest jumps race in Scotland and takes place on April 13.

Derek Pierce, managing director of J&D Pierce Contracts, said: "We are delighted to be involved with this fantastic event for the first time. As an Ayrshire business, we like to support organisations such as the iconic Ayr racecourse."

Tickets still available for Newbury Greatwood day

Newbury stages its annual Greatwood charity raceday next Saturday and tickets are still available for the fundraising event, which includes a champagne reception, three-course lunch with wine and afternoon tea in the hospitality suite.

Sasha Thorbek, fundraiser at Greatwood, said: “Our annual charity race day has become firmly established as a popular event. It costs us more than £500,000 every year to carry out our work, so the money we raise from this event is vital in enabling us to support former racehorses and children and young adults with special educational needs."

The highlight on the track is the Grade 3 Greatwood Gold Cup, won by Thomas Crapper last year.

The charity is also seeking donations for the silent auction which will take place on the day. For more information, call 01672 514535.

New area for Cheltenham racegoers

The Jockey Club has announced the launch of a new area for Cheltenham racegoers, which will offer a unique way for those attending the festival to enjoy the racing.

The Orchard is inspired by The Birdcage at Flemington and will give those in the Club Enclosure, annual members as well as owners and trainers the chance to explore a number of attractions offered by different brands.

Festival sponsors Magners will introduce ‘Ciderland’ to Cheltenham, while Bentley Motors will celebrate its centenary milestone with a number of cars on show.

Cheltenham managing director Ian Renton said: "We've been working on bringing The Orchard to life for a few years now and I'm excited that at this year’s festival our dream will become a reality. All of our partners are offering some really fun attractions, and I'm sure this will be an essential area to visit."