LILY Rules, or she did, until a computing error led to the Richard Yeates-trained runner being turned down twice by Romford racing manager Peter O’Dowd.

It left owners Wendy and Matt Richards non-plussed as the bitch, a good winner at Oxford and runner-up in the recent Warwickshire Oaks, failed to get an entry into an open race at the Essex track.

When asked why, O’Dowd rang his counterpart at Oxford Gary Baiden to explain that the computer form on the card had displayed Lily as ‘ran out’ instead of ‘ran on’.

On that basis O’Dowd was naturally very wary of accepting the bitch for an open race.

After all, Lily’s form stands up to any scrutiny and thankfully the problem has been cleared up and Lily will be accepted for future open races at Romford.

  • OXFORD stage an all trophy meeting in aid of Children in Need on Thursday where they hope to raise over £500 for the worthy cause.

The Stadium bookmakers have proved they are all heart by kindly sponsoring eight of the 12 races, and R&R Security, who police the Stadium, will back an event.

With Pudsey Bear and BBC Radio Oxford presenters on hand, it should be a great night.

  • NICK Colton is on his annual pilgrimage to Ireland, looking for around four to six top-class hounds, to run at Cowley.

Meanwhile, Angie Kibble trials Hillcross Orion ready for a crack at the Christmas Festival meeting at Monmore.

She has also taken in Kellsboro Rocket, who has trouble with Hall Green’s tough 480 metre trip, from double Derby winning trainer Tony Meek.

  • IT is looking good on the festive front, with restaurant and executive box bookings up 15 and 33 per cent respectively.
  • THERE will be no increase to the £6 admission fee for the big 14-race Boxing Day meeting and remember it’s free for pensioners.

There will be extra meeting son Friday, December 4, 11 and 18, plus BAGS on December 27 and New Year’s Day.

  • WIMBLEDON Stadium, home of the Derby and flagship of the GRA, owners of Oxford Stadium, have announced big changes for the New Year.

Out goes Tuesday racing and the main grandstand is to be mothballed, switching operations to the Mick The Miller stand.

The moves are to protect the long-term future of the track.

  • GRGB track welfare officer John Haynes has carried out work on the third bend to improve the drainage, while work is going ahead to waterproof the Stadium kennels.
  • TRIPLE big race winner at Cowley, Jolly Poacher, posted a fast 24.06 trial at Romford ahead of the Christmas Vase.