Going updates, market moves and tips on Ladbrokes Trophy day

Ladbrokes might have bought into a race that will still be called the Hennessy by most even in ten years' time, but they have also bought into one of the great races on the National Hunt calendar.

The names to have won the race is one thing and the promise of this year's renewal is well up to the race's heritage. With a good pace more or less guaranteed with a hatful of front runners in the field, it should be some spectacle.

The Newbury undercard is as strong as would be expected for a top Saturday fixture, but head north and we also have the sole top-level race in Britain held north of York.

Newcastle's Fighting Fifth Hurdle has attracted Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D'Air, who has a point to prove with Faugheen back on the scene. The supporting races are also packed with quality and intrigue.

There are also fixtures at Doncaster, Bangor, graded handicap action at Fairyhouse and Wolverhampton in the evening.

Going report

Newcastle - first race 11.55
Soft, heavy in places (GoingStick 4.9 on Friday at 2.15pm)

Doncaster - 12.05
Good to soft, good in places (GoingStick 7.2 Hurdle, 7.1 Chase on Saturday at 6.15am)

Newbury - 12.10
Good to soft, soft in places (Hurdle), Good to soft (Chase)
GoingStick 5.8 Hurdle, 5.9 Chase

Fairyhouse - 12.15
Soft

Bangor - 12.25
Soft (GoingStick 6.1 on Thursday at 7am)

Wolverhampton - 5.45
Standard (AW)

Market movers

Bangor 12.25
Town Parks 11-2 (from 9)

Newcastle 12.30
Maxed Out King 5-1 (from 6)

Doncaster 1.15
Sword Of Fate 9-1 (from 12)

Newbury 3.35
Theinval 5-1 (from 6)

What to back

There is lots to get through today, so be sure to check out our team's best bets.

What to read

Tributes flowed in last night with the news that Steve Drowne, six times a Group 1 winner, will retire from the saddle at the end of the year.

You can also brush up on the Irish hoodoo in the Hennessy, as it was, which has claimed some big names.

What to watch

Catch up on our team's best bets for the weekend in What's The Word.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Our sport team have been quick off the mark and produced both reaction to the World Cup draw and an early look at every side in the tournament, including those in England's Group G.

Final thought

Newcastle's meeting, the only 'second card' in the calendar to include a Grade 1, is now much more than a one-race fixture. The Rehearsal has been a truly indicative contest in the last couple of seasons and the best of the north will clash with strong southern raiders in plenty of other races.

Read Lee Mottershead's live blog on Ladbrokes Trophy day