Former Epsom chairman Anthony Cane dies aged 69

Anthony Cane, who was chairman of Epsom racecourse from 2008 until 2016, has died aged 69. He had been battling motor neurone disease.

Cane played an important role in the completion and opening of the Duchess's Stand and hotel development at Epsom, and was instrumental in helping secure Investec as a long-time supporter of the Derby.

Simon Durrant, Epsom's general manager, said: "We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Anthony Cane. Anthony was immensely passionate about the Derby and Epsom racecourse and our unreserved thanks goes to him for his enthusiasm and work throughout his tenure as chairman.

"Our thoughts are with his wife Sue and their family and friends at this time. He will be sorely missed."

Timmons escapes jail sentence

Chris Timmons, who has ridden 19 winners in Ireland, has escaped jail for punching and eye-gouging a taxi driver.

The 29-year-old was given 200 hours community service instead of an 18-month prison sentence after pleading guilty at Dublin Circuit Court to assault causing harm on the night of July 24, 2016 on Morehampton Road in Donnybrook.

Timmons has ridden 27 times for Gordon Elliott in the last couple of years.

Death of Corbiere's lad

Former groom Gary Curran will return to his home village of Upper Lambourn next weekend to be laid to rest after his death at the age of 54 in Sweden last month.

Curran lived for many years just a stone's throw from Jenny Pitman's former base at Weathercock House and looked after her 1983 Grand National winner Corbiere.

The service takes place at the Upper Lambourn Cemetery at 2pm on Saturday. Family flowers only, but donations can be made to Racing Welfare.