An uncharacteristic fall by Carbury Cross in the Scottish National last Saturday put a damper on an otherwise pure gold season for Jonjo O'Neill.

Since being installed by the legendary Irish gambler J P MacManus at the lavishly-appointed training established of Jackdaws Castle in Gloucestershire, O'Neill, it seems, can do little wrong.

With 113 winners already in the bag, Jonjo's confidence is riding high and the fact that he sends Carbury Cross back to the front line so quickly for Sandown's £120,000 Attheraces Gold Cup suggests he fears no-one in the 20-runner star-studded line-up.

And nor should he, since Carbury Cross (3.30) was positively bolting when carelessly clipping the top of the 18th fence at Ayr. Jockey Liam Cooper will have to be on his guard for a repeat of that clumsy error, but if his horse can stand up the partnership must go close with only a featherweight to carry.

Twelve months ago it was Ad Hoc who strolled to glory in the contest, much better known as the Whitbread Gold Cup.

Regrettably Ad Hoc has since suffered shatteringly bad luck when bang in contention for the Aintree Grand National, only to endure the desolation of being brought down at the fourth last.

Unfortunately Ad Hoc's supporters may now have the agony of a double-whammy to contend with because the useful eight-year-old looks all shot up off a 13lb higher mark for this year's re-run.

Another previous winner, Beau, might also be anchored by his welter-burden despite a strong affinity for both track and going.

By a process of elimination, more danger may come from Frenchman's Creek, who denied Carberry Cross Cheltenham Festival glory with a late charge in the William Hill National Hunt Chase.

* The new racing season at one of the region's best-loved racecourses comes under starter's orders next week.

The 18-day season of Flat racing starts at 2.20pm at Redcar on Thursday, when the racing programme is supported by Manny Bernstein Bookmakers.

And to celebrate, all the racecourse catering outlets will be offering their usual selection of food at half the normal price and there will be a chance to see the £67,000 refurbishment to the main grandstand.

Other highlights of the season include The Northern Echo Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 11, the Queen's Jubilee meeting on June 3 and 4 and the £150,000 betabet two-year-old trophy on October 5.

For further information check out the course website at www.redcarracing.co.u