Racing: Huntingdon bows out

LORD HUNTINGDON'S career as a trainer, which began in 1976, is over. The trainer who has been based at the West Ilsley stables of the Queen, will not be renewing his licence next month and had hoped to sign off with Browning, who is now lame, in today's Armagh Handicap at Lingfield.

"My first runner, Better Blessed, was a winner," Huntingdon said, "and my last two, Just Wiz at Southwell on Saturday and Violet on Wednesday both won as well. I'll have a sabbatical and see what happens."

Huntingdon's winners for the Queen included the Royal Hunt Cup with Colour Sergeant in 1992 and the Ribblesdale Stakes and St Simon Stakes in 1995 with Phantom Gold. He also saddled Indian Queen (1991) and Drum Taps (1992 and 1993) to win the Ascot Gold Cup.

n Heavy rain has caused the abandonment of today's meeting at Haydock Park which was due to be televised by the BBC.