Trainer Paul Nolan is hoping for dry conditions when he saddles his first runner at Worcester today. The Co Wexford-based handler sends Red Calima to the track by the River Severn in search of decent ground.

And Nolan has booked multiple champion Tony McCoy to ride the four-year-old in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle. “He’s been disappointing. He won what looked a moderate contest in Wexford,” said Nolan. “He’d appreciate better ground, so we’re coming across to Worcester hoping it doesn’t rain overnight and that the ground will be good.

“I’ve never had a runner in Worcester before. AP (McCoy) rides him and he travelled over with Gordon’s (Elliott) horses on Monday night. We just hope the rain stays away and the horse runs well.”

* The Downpatrick fixture lost to waterlogging on Monday has been rescheduled for next Tuesday. The original programme of races stands with a 4.20 start.