Horse racing: French blockade causes a Destiny re-think

The French lorry drivers' dispute is causing major problems for British trainers organising travel arrangements for their runners in France this week. Peter Chapple-Hyam's Victory Note and Brian Meehan's Stone Of Destiny, the two British acceptors for the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte tomorrow, are now doubtful runners for the Group Two event.

Because of the blockade connections have been forced to search for alternative means of transport with little success. "We considered flying but flights are at a premium. If we did go across in a horsebox we could be stuck on the side of the road for days," a spokeswoman for Chapple-Hyam said.

And a spokeswoman for Meehan said: "We've decided not to go. MAFF [Ministry of Agriculture] are advising people not to travel to France."