Racing: County Derry ready to confirm his position

The West Country season gets under way this weekend at Black Forest Lodge, near Exeter, on Sunday and there will be a nine-race card as the maiden has been split five ways.

Sunday's Barbury winner County Derry can hardly be opposed if he turns out again in the Land Rover Men's Open (1.30) for which there are 29 entries. The first of Mollington's three meetings this season takes place on Saturday where Minella Silver can enhance his prospects for the Cheltenham Foxhunter in the men's open (12.45) which he won last year. With more rain expected the going, currently good to soft, will be ideal for this relentless front-runner.

FIXTURES: Saturday: Royal Artillery at Larkhill (10.55). South Midlands Area Club at Mollington (11.00). Sunday: Essex Farmers & Union at Marks Tey (12.00). Midlands Area Club at Thorpe Lodge (12.00). Silverton at Black Forest Lodge (12.00).