The Lowdown: going updates, racecards, news and tips for Thursday's racing

Today's news

• BIG DIPPER:Champ made a dramatic exit two from home in the Dipper Novices' Chase, which paved the way for Midnight Shadow to land the Grade 2 at Cheltenham.

• EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER: Dan Skelton's holiday to Disneyland has been ruined according to assistant Tom Messenger, after the stewards at Cheltenham reversed the placings of the Listed Ballymore Novices' Hurdle meaning his runner Protektorat was demoted to second.

• FACING THE AXE:Cheltenham expects to make a decision on which festival race will be ditched for a mares' chase in the early part of the summer.
• DUBAI DIAMONDS: the Dubai Carnival gets under way at Meydan this afternoon with Saeed bin Suroor, Simon Crisford, Mick Appleby, Charlie Hills and David O'Meara among the Britain-based trainers with runners. Read Ron Wood's comprehensive guide.

Key links

Today's racecards
Today's non-runners
Today's free racing tipsLatest free bets

Today's meetings

**STAR FIXTURE**
Ayr (first race 12.30)
An interesting seven-race jumps card includes a competitive 2m5½f handicap hurdle (2.40) in which the Warren Greatrex-trained Portrush Ted returns to action for the first time in 519 days, and for only his second start since defeating Kateson and Al Dancer in the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree. Read the preview here.
Going Soft, heavy in places (GoingStick 6.7 at 7.15am)
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Portrush Ted (2.40)

Lingfield (11.45)
Going Standard

Chelmsford (4.00)
Going Standard

Key non-runners

Keep up to speed with today's non-runners and the latest changes with Raceday Live

Today's tips

Tom Collins' top tip

Puerto Banus (12.15 Lingfield)
Winless in seven starts but caught the eye when second over this course and distance last time and the booking of Adam Kirby is a positive.

Live Tipster
Keith Melrose will be sharing his best bets throughout the afternoon on Raceday Live.

Today's video

Meet the dam of the great Hurricane Fly . . .

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app