Racing: Black tunes up for Hennessy

BLACK HUMOUR, favourite for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury tomorrow, was the subject of market interest yesterday, but not of the sort that affects his odds. The gelding was bought from R E A Bott by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, as a birthday present for his wife.

Lady Lloyd Webber, currently in Los Angeles preparing for the opening of the American production of the show Sunset Boulevard, said: 'I am ecstatic at getting the rare opportunity of owning such a magnificent horse and feel very lucky indeed.' Simon Marsh, the Lloyd Webbers' racing manager, added: 'Black Humour was bought not just for Saturday but because we think he has got a great future.' The chaser will stay with his current trainer, Charlie Brooks.

Fears that opposition to Black Humour would dry up with the ground eased yesterday, with a Newbury spokeswoman saying: 'The going is good at present and some spots of rain are forecast tomorrow. We are expecting good ground on Saturday.' Were that the case, the chances of Rolling Ball and Whispering Steel making the line-up would increase significantly.

Today's opening race at Newbury would not have looked out of place in midsummer, as several former Flat handicappers make their hurdling debuts. Bagalino, runner-up in the Autumn Handicap over this course, will attract support, but Ecu De France (12.55) is a better alternative. He showed progressive form on the Flat before appearing to lose his sparkle at the end of the season, and a change of scenery may rekindle his enthusiasm.

Cool Ground, the 1992 Gold Cup winner, and Kings Fountain, who fell when going well in the same race, both make their seasonal debuts later in the afternoon. The race-fit Guiburn's Nephew (next best 2.30) is a better bet, though, while FAIR BROTHER (nap 3.00) is fairly weighted to follow up his win at Towcester a fortnight ago.