Extra Racing TV coverage

GIVEN the bumper racing schedule on December 26th, Racing TV's main channel will show all the best racing from Britain and Ireland, while Racing TV Extra will, as usual, stream uninterrupted live coverage from each of the eight racecourses covered by the channel.

Additionally, a dedicated Irish channel, focused on all the action from Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal is available through Racing TV Extra at racingtv.com, via Racing TV's large screen apps and the Racing TV YouTube channel (YouTube is accessible through most Smart TVs).

First winner for Brian Toomey

BRIAN Toomey trained his first winner at Kempton this week. The 34-year-old from Co Limerick sustained life-threatening injuries in a fall at Perth 10 years ago. After a near-miracle recovery, Toomey made a short-lived return to the saddle before changing direction and aiming for a trainer's licence. Based in Buckinghamshire, he had his first runners last month and got his first winner on Wednesday when Wake Up Harry won in the colours of Harry Redknapp.

Rossa Ryan rides 200 winners in 2023

CO Galway-born jockey Rossa Ryan joined an elite band of riders this week when he rode his 200th winner of the year in Britain. Although Ryan has ridden more winners than any other jockey in Britain this year, he is not champion jockey. That title is decided on the number of winners ridden between the Guineas Festival in May and Champions Day in October. However, Ryan is likely to win the Annual Flat Jockey title, which is judged on the full calendar year.

O'Neill is Breeder of the Month

RONNIE O'Neill of Whyyemount Stud in Kells, Co Kilkenny, has won the Connolly's Red Mills Breeder of the Month for November. O'Neill bred Knappers Hill, winner of the Grade 2 Rising Stars Novices' Chase at Wincanton.