Power to swerve Aintree with Burning Ambition

Burning Ambition, who had been an ante-post favourite for Thursday's Foxhunters Chase at Aintree, will not travel after failing to spark in his latest piece of work, reports his handler Pierce Power.

The stable star was last seen finishing eighth behind Pacha Du Polder in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham and could now be aimed at the Punchestown festival instead.

The trainer said: "In fairness to him, he's usually a very good work horse, so when he didn't quite sparkle last week, we knew we'd no business going to Aintree with him."

He added: "We'll have a look at Punchestown but he could also go out to grass as he's still only a seven-year-old and there should be plenty of good days in him."

Boylan short-listed for award

Mark Boylan, who spent seven months with the Racing Post's editorial team in Ireland as part of his university course, has been short-listed for the Sportswriter of the Year prize at the National Student Media Awards - the Smedias.

Boylan, 20, first came to prominence in racing circles when he wrote and performed a song celebrating the Cheltenham Festival as a 13-year-old and he has since done the same sort of thing for Kauto Star, Sir Anthony McCoy, the Breeders' Cup and Campbell Gillies. However, it is his work for the Racing Post which has led to the nomination.

He said: "I submitted several of the pieces that I did while I was with the Racing Post, including a colour piece from Laytown and a spread on Beef Or Salmon, who was a favourite of mine, and luckily they liked what I had done. I'm one of six in the running for the award, and I'm delighted, but it's a complete surprise."

Boylan is taking a four-year course in journalism and new media at the University Of Limerick, the third year of which took him to the Racing Post - "the best time ever" - and then on to the University of the West Of Scotland at Ayr, where he is studying now.

He hopes to make a career in racing journalism when he graduates.

Death of jockey Peter Cullis

Former jockey Peter Cullis, who had his one and only ride in the Grand National at the age of 43 when Red Rum beat Crisp in 1973, has died. He was 87.

Cullis, who finished last on Mill Door, started in racing as a six stone apprentice and was barely 15 when he enjoyed a first win on Weathercock at Salisbury in 1945.

The Sporting Life reported: "The opening event in the programme, a race for apprentice jockeys, was won so easily by Weathercock, ridden by young Cullis, that it does not call for any description except to remark that this small boy kept his mount going steadily once he had taken the lead".

His last winner came over jumps at Taunton 30 years later on May Gate. He retired immediately afterwards.

Although he had ridden at 6st 7lb at Salisbury Cullis put on weight quickly afterwards and was effectively forced to go jumping in 1948, but not before he had ridden in that year's Oaks on Special Scotch, who finished last behind Masaka.

His career was interrupted when he broke his neck at Kempton on Boxing Day, 1960, and he enjoyed only occasional success afterwards.

He worked for BP after retiring from the saddle.

Carlisle appointment

Molly Dingwall as been appointed general manager of Carlisle, where they race on Sunday.

Dingwall, 27, joined Jockey Club Racecourses as a regional conference and events business development executive in November 2015 and progressed to trainee general manager before succeeding Geraldine McKay as general manager.

She said: "I absolutely adore Carlisle racecourse, and this is a brilliant opportunity to join a fantastic team responsible for top-class racing and events that are the pride of Cumbria.

“I am passionate about horse racing and through my roles at the Jockey Club I have been lucky enough to work at some of the most prestigious racecourses and festivals in the UK. I cannot wait to become part of the local community and to continue to develop this fantastic venue."

John Baker, the north west regional director of Jockey Club Racecourses, was himself once manager at Carlisle and said: "We are delighted Molly will lead our dedicated and talented team at Carlisle into an exciting new era for the course.

"She has a natural enthusiasm, exuberance and vast knowledge of our wonderful sport. Her commercial skills and engaging personality will be a great asset."

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Sign Of A Victory, the high-class Nicky Henderson-trained hurdler, has been retired aged nine.

Sign Of A Victory won six times – two bumpers, three over hurdles and once on the Flat from 17 starts in a rather stop-start career in which he experienced plenty of niggling setbacks.

His victory in a Listed handicap hurdle at Ascot in November 2014 earned him a career-high Racing Post Rating of 156, but it was to prove his final success over jumps.

Owner Matt Morgan tweeted: "After a long consultation with it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to retire Sign Of A Victory. Unfortunately on returning from injury he has not shown his old enthusiasm and it is crucial that we do what is best for him. Happy retirement my old pal ."

Michigan left with no thoroughbred racing

Hazel Park Raceway in Michigan has been closed after ownership group Hartman & Tyner announced the property was in the process of being sold, just under a month before the scheduled opening day of the meeting.

The closure of Hazel Park marks the fourth thoroughbred venue to shut its doors in Michigan since 2007, when Great Lakes Downs held its final fixture. Hazel Park opened in 1949 as a dual-purpose facility for thoroughbreds and standardbreds.

Michigan's lone remaining racetrack following the closure is Northville Downs, a standardbred facility on the outskirts of Detroit.

In a press release, Hartman & Tyner revealed Hazel Park has entered into an agreement to sell its assets, and closing of the transaction is expected within the next few weeks. The track was scheduled to race from May 4.

"Over the past 25 years, the gaming industry has dramatically changed throughout the country," read a statement from the racetrack.

"Clearly, this has had a significant impact on the proud tradition of horseracing throughout Michigan. For nearly 70 years Hazel Park Raceway has appreciated the hard work and support of employees and fans, as well as the economic and entertainment value this venue has brought to the community."

Mrs Danvers nearing return

Mrs Danvers, the punters' darling two years ago when the bargain buy won her first five races, is on the comeback trail.

Trainer Jonny Portman is aiming the grey sprinter at the Listed Lansdown Whitsbury Manor Stud and EBF Stallions Stakes at Bath on April 20.

Portman said: "Mrs Danvers is back in fast work and has done very well over the winter. She has filled out, looks fantastic and has never taken a lame step since coming back in.

"I'm hoping to get her back for that Listed race at Bath but I'm guarded about her long-term outlook. We've never got to the bottom of what happened and it could have been growing pains after her two-year-old season."

Mrs Danvers was too good for top sprinter Battaash in the 2016 Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket but raced just once last year when sixth in the Group 3 Prix Sigy at Chantilly.

Death of Bob Gilling, inventor of the plastic running rail

Bob Gilling, who revolutionised racing safety with his plastic running rail design and product, has died at the age of 92.

Gilling set up Racing Ancillary Services Ltd in 1973 and leaves a lasting legacy of the 'Gilling rail', which will be much in evidence at the Randox Health Grand National meeting at Aintree next week.

His collapsible rails are used widely through racing as well as on many gallops and point-to-point courses.

Gilling's plastic products also included wings for fences and hurdles and he was working up until last year when he sold his company to Watt Fences, whose owner Bob Watt paid tribute to Gilling.

"Bob was a kind, thoughtful and helpful man whom I worked closely with for the last 20 years," he said.

"He will be remembered for the great contribution he made towards racecourse safety through his development of the Gilling Running Rail. Groundstaff are also in his debt as his special rail is so easy to move with its simple design.

"Bob will always be affectionately remembered throughout the racing fraternity and I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Racecourse Services Director Caroline Davies said: "We were very saddened to hear the news of Bob's passing. He was a pioneer in racecourse safety and much of the infrastructure you see out on the track today is as a result of his work and innovation."

Bob Gilling: 'A pioneer in racecourse safety'

Gilling’s funeral service will be held at East Devon Crematorium, London Road, Whimple EX5 2PT on Friday, April 13 at 4pm. Everyone is welcome.

Family flowers only, but if desired any donations to Cancer Research UK at the service or c/o Layzells Funeral Services, Dowell St, Honiton, Devon EX14 1LZ. Telephone 01404 44646.

Twiston-Davies appeal

Sam Twiston-Davies's appeal against the decision of the Cheltenham stewards to fine him £1,000 for a breach of the rules relating to parades, before the Champion Chase in which he partnered Politologue, will be heard by the disciplinary panel of the BHA on Friday.

Twiston-Davies was found in breach of Rule (B)30 in that before the running of the race he left the parade early.

The rider explained at the time that Politologue was unruly in the preliminaries and a danger to others.

As De Mee ruled out of Grand National with leg injury

As De Mee, a general 50-1 chance for next Saturday's Randox Health Grand National, will miss the race after sustaining a minor leg injury.

The eight-year-old, who is owned by Andy Stewart and Dame Judi Dench, has a decent record over the Grand National fences, winning the Grand Sefton in 2016, and he has also finished fifth and seventh in the Topham.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said on his Betfair blog: "I'm disappointed to report that As De Mee is out of next week’s Grand National after sustaining a minor leg injury.

"I've been preparing As De Mee all season with the Grand National in mind. Hopefully he might get there next year if he is back in full training by Christmas."

Carver term of office extended

The Racecourse Association has announced that Maggie Carver's term as chairwoman has been extended for another three years starting from July 1.

Carver, who took over the role in 2015, succeeding Ian Barlow, said: “I consider it an honour to serve the racecourses in what I suspect will be a challenging but hopefully productive three years. This is a crucial time for racing as we move into the new era of the Racing Authority.

"I look forward to working with industry colleagues to help grow and improve the sport, and to working with my colleagues at the RCA on both new and existing initiatives to deliver the best possible service to British racecourses.”

Walsh's Punchestown target

Ruby Walsh is to have an x-ray on his injured right leg in a fortnight's time and will be hoping for good news with the Punchestown festival starting on April 24.

The rider, who suffered the injury when falling from Al Boum Photo in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month, said: "My right leg remains in a boot. Time is the best healer of all and hopefully I have enough of it to be back in time for Punchestown three weeks today.

"I’ll probably have an x-ray in two weeks and see what the story is. I’m hoping they tell me it’s 100 per cent but I’m an optimist."

Walsh also told Racing UK: "The gym would not be my favourite place but you do what you can do for strength and conditioning."

Tote renew Galway Plate backing

The historic Galway Plate will have a new evening slot this summer but its sponsor will remain the same, with the Tote signing up for another three years.

In February it was announced that the Plate fixture was moving to an evening slot in an effort to boost attendance.

The feature race, which boasts a prize fund of €250,000, will be run at 7.20pm this year, with the first race due off at 5.10pm.

Tim Higgins, chief executive of Tote Ireland, said: “We are delighted to continue this mutually beneficial partnership with the Galway races team. TheTote.com Galway Plate is a real high point of the year for all of our team and the week itself is eagerly anticipated every summer.

“The continued high quality of horse entering and winning the race is great to see and we look forward to seeing what the 2018 winner goes on to achieve.”

Ghazali banned

Mohammed Ghazali, son of multiple Qatari champion trainer Jassim Ghazali, has had a ten-month suspension extended by two months and been given a hefty fine after his veteran sprinter Sandbetweenourtoes tested positive for a banned substance.

Regulatory officials at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club initially disqualified Ghazali for one year after the presence of the prohibited substance Hydroxy Xylazine – a sedative – was detected in a sample taken from the nine-year-old after he finished third at Doha on January 24.

However, the penalty was reduced at an appeal board hearing this week to two months plus a fine of 200,00 riyals (£39,000/€44,000).

The original stewards’ report noted that Ghazali’s "very poor previous record" was taken into consideration when the one-year ban was handed down. This was the fifth positive post-race sample taken from one of his horses in the three years he has held a licence, and he was already serving a ten-month ban – reduced from 12 months on appeal – which began the day after Sandbetweenourtoes was tested.

Despite his shortened season, Ghazali is sixth in the Qatar trainers’ championship, led again by his father, with 17 winners. Having already missed Qatar’s biggest festival in February, he will now sit out a core part of the new campaign over the new year period.

Penalties for Huntingdon and Fakenham

Huntingdon and Fakenham have been fined after breaching BHA rules at meetings this year.

A £4,500 penalty was imposed on Huntingdon after the sampling box on January 12 did not meet the regulator's standards of being "scrupulously clean and hygienic" and was described by the veterinary officer on duty that day as unacceptable.

Fakenham was fined £2,500 following a fixture on February 22 when a wing support was left on the wrong side of a hurdle.