Racing: Williamson gets Cross

NORMAN WILLIAMSON rides Nicholls Cross for Edward O'Grady in the First National Gold Cup Handicap Chase over two miles three-and-a-half furlongs at Ascot on Saturday.

Nicholls Cross has won handicap chases at Listowel and Gowran Park this autumn before unseating his rider on his latest start at Naas two weeks ago. O'Grady is not concerned about the ground which was yesterday described as good, good to firm in places, although rain is forecast. Nicholls Cross is 13-2 for the contest with William Hill.

Among his rivals is Dines, who refused to race at Cheltenham last Friday. William Hill quote Dines at 14-1

Rince Ri misses the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday week for a race at Punchestown a week later. The six-year-old goes for the John Durkan Memorial Chase. He faces Imperial Call in the two-and-half mile contest.

n

RICHARD EDMONDSON

Nap: Townleyhall

(Kempton 2.20)

NB: The Land Agent

(Kempton 2.50)