Coral Racing Ambassador, Joe Tizzard, is in incredible form right now with 11 winners from 29 runners in the last fortnight, and he sends two runners to Newbury on the first day of the Coral Gold Cup Meeting.

A big two days coming up at Newbury, and after another good weekend we’re hoping the horses keep running so well. We’re building up to the big Coral Gold Cup with a couple of runners on Friday, starting with Western General.

14:25 Newbury – Western General

He’s high enough in the handicap for what he achieved last season, but he ran OK on his return to finish seventh at Ascot at the start of the month. That was over the extended two miles and I think this step up to 2 ½ miles will suit, as will the track. I just don’t know how well he will go off this mark of 134, that’s the question mark over him here.

15:35 Newbury – Diamond Ri

Diamond Ri is a lovely young horse who missed the whole of last season through injury and we’re really excited to have him back on the track. Everything has gone well with him since he’s been back in work but obviously we can expect him to come on plenty for this first run in nearly 600 days.

I haven’t lost any confidence in him despite his absence, I think he’s a really good horse, and we’ll ride him on his merits here. If he gets a bit tired, Brendan {Powell] will look after him. However he goes in this race, I really would expect him to not be too far away next time.

Joe Tizzard, Coral Racing Ambassador