Dunwoody stretches lead

Adrian Maguire now trails Richard Dunwoody in the jump jockeys' title race by 11 after the champion scored a double at Hereford yesterday with Saffaah and Petty Bridge.

Petty Bridge, who had been partnered by Maguire when winning on all four previous runs this season, was ridden by Dunwoody yesterday because Maguire had been claimed by his stable for Master Jolson, who finished last of the four runners.

Paul James, the trainer of Petty Bridge, said later: "It has always been the plan to come here for this as the owners are having their Christmas party here today.''

Today's card at Hexham has been abandoned because the course is badly waterlogged. The meeting, which fell victim to snow 12 months ago, is the eighth of the season to be lost so far.