Zoustar proves himself - Dual Raid on Rosebery stakes - Marathon recognition

Standing this Southern Hemisphere season in New South Wales, Australia, at Widden Stud, champion sprinter Zoustar (pictured in London before retiring to stud) has taken to his new role with alacrity, and, of the mares he has covered, nine of ten tested are in foal.

He is standing alongside another new sire and champion on the track, Shamus Award, and Antony Thompson, the head of Widden Stud, told breednet.com: "Thankfully, like they did in their race careers, these two fine young stallions haven't let us down. At this early stage they both have excellent libido and are proving exceptionally fertile."

Thompson revealed that mares booked to Zoustar include Gold Anthem, the dam of top sprinter and leading first-crop European sire Starspangledbanner. He added of Zoustar: "I can't recall a new stallion with such an abundance of quality in their first book."

Mind Of Madness - runs at Ayr today (15.45)

AYR'S Western Meeting, which builds to a crescendo on Saturday with the famous Ayr Gold Cup, continues at the Scottish track today when the feature event is the Listed Harry Rosebery Stakes (15.45).

Qatar Racing is represented by two runners in the five-furlong contest - Mind Of Madness from David Brown's stable, and Cool Strutter, who is trained by Richard Hannon.

Mind Of Madness has to concede a 3lb penalty to his 14 rivals, and was disappointing when unplaced at Doncaster a week ago when tackling the Gr.2 Flying Childers Stakes. However, he is now down in grade and won a race at this level at York - his Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes second at Royal Ascot in June was another very good effort.

Jamie Spencer has chosen to Ride Mind Of Madness, while Philip Makin partners Cool Strutter, who was fifth behind his Qatar colleague at York, but was impressive when winning a Sandown maiden on his previous outing.

Marathon Man - recognition for the efforts of Sheikh Fahad

SHEIKH FAHAD'S involvement in this year's London Marathon has led to Racing Welfare winning an award for being the biggest single fundraiser.

Thousands of charities benefited from the efforts of runners fast and slow in this year's famous slog around the streets of London, but the £218,849 raised for Racing Welfare - which gives help to people in need from the racing and breeding industries - headed the rest. At a ceremony this week, John Maxse, a trustee of the charity, received the Gold Bond Award.

Maxse was quick to give credit to Sheikh Fahad, who completed the 26-mile course and had encouraged his racing and bloodstock manager, David Redvers, and six trainers who handle Qatar Racing horses, to take part. All eight completed the course - the trainers were Andrew Balding, Robert Cowell, Richard Hannon, Charlie Hills, David Simcock and Olly Stevens.

Pictures Ce and Laurence Squire