Herefordshire Jockey Leaves Kings Caple

Herefordshire jockey Sam Thomas is leaving Venetia Williams's yard at Kings Caple to join the Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls.

The chance to become second rider to Ruby Walsh in Somerset results from a terrible injury to Weighing Room colleague Christian Williams who is likely to be out for the whole season as he recuperates from the racecourse fall.

Sam, who still hopes to turn out occasionally for his old boss, is set to have his first ride for his new training yard today (THURS) at Taunton Racecourse.

It comes at a time when the horses are still to perform to their best this season at Venetia Williams's stables.

However, other Herefordshire trainers have run into good form in the last few days.

Three winners in the space of 24 hours for Michael Scudamore at Haydock, Ludlow and Worcester Racecourses perked up the Bromsash yard.

Richard Price, at Ullingswick, sent out Wotchalike to win a hurdle race at Exeter under jockey Lee Stephens.

And then Byton handler Richard Lee enjoyed a winner at Aintree's two-day fixture. The winning horse was Iffy for rider Robert Thornton, a third victory since June.

Local trainers will be hoping for further successes for their horses at the next fixture - Union of Country Sports Workers charity day - at Hereford Racecourse a week on Sunday.

It's Bonfire Night, so there will be a fireworks display after racing. Children can bring Halloween pumpkin lanterns and Guy Fawkes Night guys for competitions that will be held throughout the afternoon. The prize for each winner is a family ticket to Alton Towers in 2007.

There will also be karaoke contests for under-14s, with the grand final after the horse racing but before the fireworks. Children need to register for the heats at the Classic Hits roadshow bus by 12.30pm.

Families coming along ONLY for the fireworks display (which is £5 for adults and free for children) should use the Holmer Road car park. Roman Road will be used only as an exit after racing.