WHILE Sally Hall doesn't have the numbers as in years gone by, she showed the racing public at Thirsk last Saturday she is still as sharp as she sent out Altharoos to take the feature Thirsk Summer Cup.

Well ridden by Dougie Costello, the horse has been a credit to the yard this season, winning three times, with the promise of more to come.

Altharoos is owned by Colin Platts, who said afterwards: "He didn't have a great draw, but it worked out well for him in the end. He was previously trained by Sir Michael Stoute and is a decent horse."

The new week started with a unique fixture up at Carlisle, as all the seven races were for female riders.

Trainer Phil Kirby enjoyed a fine night, saddling a fine double on the evening as both Iftikaar and Call It On came home in front.

Kirby's string are back in top form at present and, with this in mind, it will be no surprise to see many more winners coming from his team in the weeks to come.

Also on the scoresheet was Alan Swinbank, who saddled Jubilee Brig to success under Megan Nicholls, daughter of champion jumps trainer Paul.

Afterwards, a delighted Swinbank said: "I've only had him for a month and I'm pleased for his new owners, who are new to the yard. He ran last Friday, so I was a bit worried about running him again so quickly."

A good crowd gathered at Ripon on Tuesday evening and the best performance for me came in the nursery when Rosina, trained by Ann Duffield, showed a willing attitude to get up close home under PJ McDonald.

The winning jockey predicts a smart future for the winner, saying: "Rosina picked up lovely. Once she levelled out and got going she was always going to win. She could be smart."

News broke earlier this week that Tony McCoy will be back in the saddle, albeit only to take part in the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends charity race next month at Doncaster.

The 20-time champion jump jockey retired in April, bringing to an end a record-breaking career, and has since taken up an advisory role for leading owner JP McManus.

However, racegoers will get a chance to see McCoy riding again in the sixth edition of the charity contest, which is run to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund's Jack Berry House and the Northern Racing College.

McCoy is one of 16 riders lined up to take part in the Leger Legends contest on September 9, along with the likes of Johnny Murtagh, Kevin Darley, Jim Culloty, Michael Hills and George Duffield.

As well as featuring some famous names from the past, the Leger Legends race has produced some thrilling finishes, with the last three runnings won twice by a nose and last year by a neck.

Dale Gibson was the successful rider last year on Bob and is set to take part again at Doncaster, along with helping to organise the race. He said: "I'm delighted that we have secured the services of AP McCoy and Johnny Murtagh to add to the list of leading jockeys to have ridden in the Leger Legends.

"Not only does the race bring people together for a terrific social occasion, but it raises funds and awareness for Jack Berry House and the NRC."

He added: "I would personally like to thank all the jockeys for giving up their time and getting fit again for this wonderful day."

More than £500,000 has been raised through the Leger Legends race and Tim Adams, chairman of the Leger Legends committee, is hoping for another special guest at Doncaster along with McCoy.

He said: "The Leger Legends race has been a great success for the past five years, raising over £500,000 for the Northern Racing College and the Injured Jockeys Fund, Jack Berry House.

"We are hopeful that this year's event will surpass all expectations with the visit of the Princess Royal for the second time adding to the presence of AP McCoy and Johnny Murtagh in the race itself, which it is going to be the best yet."