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On the face of it, only one of the novice hurdle winners at Taunton yesterday could be described as breathtaking. The first, after all, was returned at 200-1; and the second, sent off at odds-on, won by only half a length. But the manner of Darlan's success was such that he stole the show even from the eye-watering starting price of Lights Of Broadway.

No matter what the heart says, one look at the odds is enough to make the head hopelessly confused.

When Simonsig coasted up to challenge Fingal Bay at Sandown yesterday, it seemed clear that a new star was about to announce himself. The twist was that the star was Fingal Bay.

These things tend to level themselves out in the end. Just as an unnervingly mild, dry autumn could not last forever, so Nicky Henderson knows that the very best horses in his care will ultimately complete a cycle rendered almost as inexorable by his past champions.

Proposals to change the taxation of online betting companies which are based offshore could lead to 40 per cent of gamblers using unauthorised traders.

Cash-strapped families across Britain are increasingly putting their faith in winning a bumper jackpot, as sales of National Lottery tickets hit record highs.

National Lottery operator Camelot has paid out record amounts to prize winners and good causes after its draws and scratchcards surged in popularity.

Frankie Cocozza, the party-loving X Factor hopeful, has been axed from the ITV competition.

Thailand's new prime minister last night opted for a high-risk gamble to try and save Bangkok from devastating flooding by allowing some of the surging waters to enter the city.

Centamin Egypt; Netplay TV

Trying to coax another bid at 250,000 guineas, the auctioneer here yesterday made the preposterous claim that the colt before him would "look very cheap when he wins his maiden first time out". But if it is easy to overstate the value of a debut success, then nor should anyone be deceived that defeat first time out spells the end of the dream. That was when Sea The Stars suffered the only reverse of his career, after all, and at least one trainer would almost prefer his debutants to remain eligible for a second maiden.