Racing: Drum Taps turns to the Continent

DRUM TAPS, the Gold Cup winner, is expected a join a strong British contingent in this weekend's big races on the Continent.

Lord Huntingdon's six-year-old, a late absentee from last Saturday's Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury, has been supplemented for the Group Two Prix Kergorlay at Deauville on Sunday, joining Shambo (Clive Brittain), Hateel (Peter Walwyn), Supreme Choice (Barry Hills) and Michelozzo (Richard Hannon) among the likely starters for the 15-furlong event.

The British challenge for the Group One Prix Morny the same day will include Mark Johnston's Marina Park and Port Lucaya, trained by Richard Hannon.

Clive Brittain reported yesterday that User Friendly lost 17 kilos when winning the Yorkshire Oaks on Wednesday, commenting: 'It's more than usual, but I'm not surprised. The filly was heavier than usual before the race. Now I'll train her for the St Leger.'

A gamble on Flash Of Straw, trained by Geoff Lewis, went astray in the third race at Yarmouth yesterday when the three-year-old trailed in sixth. Flash Of Straw had been backed from a morning price of 25-1 down to being a 4-1 favourite at the off.