Racing: Rainbow's followers chase Gold Cup cash

PUNTERS YESTERDAY latched on to the Chester Cup winner Rainbow High to make a successful step up to Group One company next month. Coral cut the Barry Hills-trained colt's price for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot from 14-1 to 10-1 after substantial support.

"Plenty of people who backed Rainbow High to win the Chester Cup are playing up their winnings on the Gold Cup," Simon Clare, Coral's spokesman, said.

In the United States, Valhol, who ran in last Saturday's Kentucky Derby, has been disqualified from first place in the Arkansas Derby after an inquiry decided that his jockey carried an electrical device.

Billy Patin has been suspended for the rest of the year - the maximum penalty allowed - though he is planning to appeal.

Arkansas racing stewards saw video evidence which showed a black item falling from the rider's hand soon after he passed the post in front on Valhol at Oaklawn Park on 10 April 10. They ruled it was an illicit device and referred Patin, who claimed it was an elastic band, to the state racing commission with the suggestion that he should be given a five-year ban.

RICHARD EDMONDSON

Nap: Keld

(Lingfield 3.50)

NB: Fantastic Belle

(Lingfield 3.20)