Racing: First Gold attracts for Sandown's big event

First Gold, the impressive winner of the Martell Cup at Aintree last week, is among 55 horses left in the £150,000 attheraces Gold Cup at Sandown Park on 26 April. The 10-year-old is set to carry 11st 1lb in the race, formerly the Whitbread, after yesterday's forfeit stage.

The entries are now headed by Hussard Collonges on 11st 12lb. Martin Pipe has the largest number of runners at this stage with 11, notably last year's winner, Bounce Back.

There are six Irish raiders left in including Harbour Pilot, who was third to Best Mate in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other Irish entries are Davids Lad, Foxchapel King, The Bunny Boiler, Hedgehunter and Wotsitoya.

Horses that ran in the Grand National at Aintree last Saturday and remain entered include You're Agoodun, Ad Hoc, Killusty, Carbury Cross, Supreme Glory, Torduff Express and Amberleigh House.

Sandown are continuing to water the track to ensure an "optimum racing surface".