The Cheltenham October Showcase Meeting recorded its highest ever attendance, with 20,585 punters going through the turnstiles across the two days. Racecourse bosses have attributed this to the student racing initiative Invades, who brought 5000 to the Best Mate enclosure on Friday. This represents the biggest turnout for the meeting since the 2007 renewal, when the fixture was shifted to the weekend for the first time.

Man of the moment Gavin Sheehan looks set to partner Hewick for the first time in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Brian Hughes is preparing to thrust himself straight into another title bid ahead of being crowned champion jockey for the third time on the final day of the season at Sandown on Saturday.

The curtains close on 2022/2023 jumps season this Saturday with the final fixture being staged at Sandown Park. Traditionally champions will be crowned, and horses have one final opportunity to show their talents before the summer break.

Brian Hughes will partner Ahoy Senor in Thursday’s Alder Hey Aintree Bowl with Derek Fox still recuperating from injury.