Racing: Carson misses Tenby gallop

(First Edition)

WILLIE CARSON failed to keep his appointment with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes challenger Tenby yesterday. Recruited to guide the Eclipse third through his final piece of work, Carson was prevented from getting to Newmarket when his plane had a puncture and could not take off.

In his absence Willie Ryan took over as Tenby completed a satisfactory spin with Sculler. His stable-mate Commander In Chief, ridden by Tony McGlone, went equally well with Allegan.

Henry Cecil, the pair's trainer, and Grant Pritchard-Gordon, who is racing manager to Khalid Abdullah, will meet the Saudi prince today to finalise running plans.

With the ground now good at Ascot, they must decide whether Tenby or Wemyss Bight will join Commander In Chief in the big-race line-up. However the favourite's place could be in jeopardy if the track dries out any further.

William Hill's spokesman, David Hood, said the delay by the Juddmonte team was not helping punters. 'It is a shame that the picture has not been made clearer, especially since they must have a decision in their minds. Turnover on the race has been ok but it could be a whole lot better,' he said.

William Hill lengthened Tenby to 6-1 (from 11-2) but cut Opera House to 13-2 from 7-1. They reported further support for Ascot specialist Drum Taps, now 20-1 from 25-1.

Jeune is 50-1 from 33-1 but Ladbrokes shortened Geoff Wragg's colt to 33-1 from 40-1. Ladbrokes bet: 7-4 Commander In Chief, 11-4 User Friendly, 5-1 Tenby, 7-1 Opera House & White Muzzle, 16-1 bar.