Danoli responds

Danoli was giving vets cause for optimism yesterday as he progressed from major surgery to mend the damaged leg that threatens to end his racing career.

Ireland's favourite jumper, injured as he landed the Aintree Hurdle on Saturday, has pleased surgeons at Liverpool's Leahurst Veterinary College and is responding well to the operation on his off-fore fetlock joint.

Goretti Foley, wife of the horse's trainer, Tom, said: "The vets have fallen in love with him. He can be quite difficult but he is proving easy to get on with.

"The most important thing is that he doesn't pick up an infection and so far there are no traces, but it will take a week before we know for sure."

n Mark Perrett, knocked unconscious in a fall at Worcester on Wednesday, will be out of action for three weeks.

n Racing, as usual, abstains for Good Friday, but resumes tomorrow with seven meetings.

n The Lambourn open day starts at 10am, with Barry Hills's new stable and bungee jumping by Jamie Osborne and John Hills among the prime attractions. Thirty trainers will open their stables to the public and the admission price of £5 will go to Lambourn Racing Welfare.