Racing: Eclipse Return

BOB'S RETURN, last year's St Leger winner, has been introduced into the betting for Saturday's Eclipse Stakes after suggestions that the four- year-old could be switched to the Sandown feature from Sunday's Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Coral, the race sponsor, quote the Mark Tompkins-trained colt at 10-1 with a run, while Ladbrokes have him on offer at 12-1 in their opening book on the Group One prize.

Best-backed contender with Coral was Ezzoud, who is 11-2 from 7-1 and challenging Turtle Island for second favouritism. The latter is 5-1 from 4-1. The Derby winner, Erhaab, remains the firm's solid 4-7 favourite.

Among the 15 acceptors yesterday for the Saint-Cloud race were the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Urban Sea, the Coronation Cup winner Apple Tree, and John Gosden's recent Royal Ascot winner Muhtarram.

Paul Eddery will ride Owington in next Thursday's July Cup as the colt's regular jockey, Michael Hills, has withdrawn his appeal against a four-day suspension imposed on Saturday for irresponsible riding. The ban rules him out of the entire July Meeting at Newmarket.