Racing: J P active in France

J P McMANUS has purchased Le Coudray, France's leading four-year- old hurdler, for an undisclosed sum. It is thought that he will now be trained in Ireland.

Le Coudray, who had been trained in Chantilly by Marcel Rolland, has won four out of his last five races. Rolland said "This horse has lots of quality, can jump quickly and has plenty of stamina. All I hope is that if he does not adapt to the obstacles in England and Ireland, then he will be sent back to me."

The David Chapman-trained Soaked makes his first attempt at the outright 20th Century Flat handicap record of 10 wins at Wolverhampton today. Other joint-holders include Sihafi and Chapman's Chaplins Club and Glencroft.