Trainer Paddy Curtin had a nice surprise on New Year's Day when Tiny Light, litter sister to Jo Lightly, whelped a litter of nine pups (six dogs and three bitches).

Sire Droopys Vieri was an Irish Derby finalist.

l THE Johnny Mayo-trained Burwood Freddie warmed up for the 2010 Arc at Swindon this week recording 16.28, while Special Image continues to improve over the hurdles at Wimbledon in readiness for the Springbok.

l NO sign of the credit crunch at Oxford Stadium last month with figures compared to last year when there were Tuesday meetings as well.