Racing: For the notebook: A weekly list of horses to follow:

INDIAN ORCHID: this half- sister to Desert Orchid was beaten almost seven lengths when fifth to winning stablemate Maybe O'Grady in a National Hunt Flat race at Sedgefield on Wednesday. Maybe O'Grady, the straighter of the two that day, was preferred in the betting but it was Indian Orchid who really caught the eye, making rapid headway on the outside of the field to chase up the leaders on the home turn before lack of race fitness told. (Trainer: Mrs M Reveley)

OTTOMAN EMPIRE: displayed promise in bumper races last season and this six- year-old indicated he has fine prospects over obstacles when reappearing at Wetherby on Friday. Short of condition, the gelding drifted out to 20-1 in the betting that day but raced keenly, jumping fluently. He faded after the third flight from home in the 15-runner novice hurdle won by Auburn Boy, but will be a different proposition next time. His capable trainer has made an encouraging start to the season. (O Brennan)