Sport

RACING SHORTS

WILLIE Mullins believes a sound surface will bring out the best in Thousand Stars as he aims to clinch a French Champion Hurdle hat-trick at Auteuil tomorrow.

So often the bridesmaid behind brilliant stable companion Hurricane Fly, the admirable grey has enjoyed some fantastic days in Francel, winning this Grade One event for the last two years.

He was beaten into fourth by the Paul Nicholls-trained Celestial Halo when chasing back-to-back victories in the Prix La Barka at the Paris track last month, but while the Ditcheat runner reopposes, Mullins hopes the less demanding conditions will help his charge bridge the gap.

"I think the longer trip will be a help to him and probably the better ground will suit him better as well," said Mullins.

"I'm happy with him going into the race, he seems in good form, so we'll see what happens."

? TRAINER Gerard Butler has been charged by the British Horseracing Authority over his use of the drug Sungate, which contains a banned anabolic steroid.

The Newmarket handler admitted to being subject to a BHA investigation concerning the joint treatment, which was developed by an Italian company and contains stanozolol.

While it is legal to use the drug in Britain when it is imported under licence, the active ingredient is a prohibited substance in racing.

Butler admitted that several horses in his stable were treated for joint injuries after receiving assurances from a veterinary practice, and he entered it into his medical records.

The trainer has been charged with seven breaches of the rules, with the BHA confirming nine of his horses had tested posititve for stanozolol when samples were taken on February 20.

He has been charged with acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and/or good reputation of horseracing by administering the steroid.

Butler also faces further charges relating to injecting the horses' joints himself, which is contrary to the Rules of racing as he is not a qualified or registered veterinary surgeon.

? MICKAEL Barzalona finished 2012 as the top jockey on the July Course at Newmarket and he marked his return there with victory aboard Wedding Ring in the Countryside Alliance Foundation EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes yesterday.

The Godolphin filly showed bags of dash on her debut, overcoming her more experienced stablemate and the favourite Ihtimal, who finished a neck behind in second.

Ihtimal led them along until just inside the final furlong where 8/1 shot Wedding Ring asserted.

Both are now bound for Royal Ascot and it will be intriguing to see which races they end up in with the Group Three Albany Stakes and the longer Chesham Stakes possibles.

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "They ran well and should improve from this race a lot. Both of them will be taken to Royal Ascot where we will split them between two races."