WITH the flat, turf, season now over, attention turns to the jumpers and there was a good card at Carlisle on Monday and plenty of local winners too.

First up was Divine Port in the novices' hurdle for Alan Swinbank and Richard Johnson. A strong galloper who is owned by Christopher Harrison, who was on hand, saying: "He's been a bit novicey with his jumping at home, but Richard Johnson said that apart from the second last he's jumped like a stag.

"He was weak when we got him but he's come into his own this year. We're really pleased with the way he's going and he'll make a three-mile chaser."

The next race, the novices' chase, was an all the way win for the Phil Kirby-trained Stopped Out, a versatile grey who has now won on the flat, over hurdles and fences.

Kate Walton representing the trainer was delighted, saying: "That was superb, he's one of the stable favourites. He's too high in the weights over hurdles and it's hard for him to dominate in the top handicaps. We'll stay over fences and keep it low key for now, and keep his confidence up."

John Wade, has also got his horses in great form at present and he took the handicap hurdle with Spanish Fleet who carried top-weight under Brian Hughes.

Afterwards the trainer said: "I think he'll want a rest after that. He looks the type to jump a fence but we'll probably keep him over hurdles for now, depending on what happens with his weight."

Wade was also on the mark at his beloved Sedgefield on Tuesday, saddling a fine double on the day with both Jukebox Melody and Runswick Days coming home in front.

Today, the three-day Paddy Power meeting gets under way at Cheltenham but one horse we won't be seen is Sire De Grugy as he now misses his intended reappearance in the Shloer Chase on Sunday after returning lame following a workout on Wednesday morning.

Trainer Gary Moore had initially expressed satisfaction after the Queen Mother Champion Chase winner engaged in a routine spin on the gallops ahead of his weekend assignment, but a problem has now come to light.

"He worked well this morning and was fine straight after, but he's lame now."

The West Sussex handler insists it is too early to know whether his stable star will be able to defend his crown in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on December 6.

He said: "I'm hoping he'll be OK for Sandown, but it's up in the air. There's nothing obvious, but he is lame.

"It is a big worry."

The North have a fine chance of landing the prize on Sunday with Simply Ned who showed improved form over fences during last season, winning two of his seven starts and rounding off the campaign with second to Balder Succes in the two-mile Grade One Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree's Crabbie's Grand National Festival in April.

The seven-year-old took another step forward on his reappearance when defying a mark of 157 to beat Scotch Warrior by two and a half lengths in a handicap chase at Kelso on October 5.

He is trained in Crumbria by Nicky Richards who reported on Wednesday afternoon: "All being well, Simply Ned will run in the Shloer Chase. He is fine – everything has gone nicely since Kelso – and we are looking forward to it.

"I thought he would win at Kelso and he went and did exactly what we thought he would.

"Obviously, he is rated 161 after that so I haven't got a lot of options for him. We have got to dip our toe in at some stage and we will find out on Sunday if he is up to it."

Away from the jumpers this Sunday morning, as local racing fans have an opportunity to visit Ann and George Duffield's Sun Hill Stables at Constable Burton, near Bedale for a Yearling Parade.

All members of the public are welcome for the Parade which will get underway at 11am, with near 40 young horses on show and plenty of other stuff on as well.

If you'd be interested in seeing behind the scenes at the yard please get in touch with Ann on 01677450303 or email anna@annduffield.co.uk to book your place on what's sure to be a fun morning.