Stadia UK director Bill Glass was in buoyant mood following the draw for the Calne Racing Arc which gets underway at Swindon on Saturday.

He said: “When the competition closed I exchanged texts with Clive Oseman saying he was not looking forward to having to select the 36 runners from the 54 entries. He later said it had been really tough and that he had to leave out ‘some seriously good dogs’ because the standard of the 54 was high.
“The standard is first-class for sure and it has all the hallmarks of an excellent, balanced competition – our thanks to all who entered and we are really looking forward to a great three nights racing.
“Everyone at Swindon and indeed the patrons have really warmed to the Arc and it is always keenly anticipated and supported. Calne Racing stepping in as this years sponsor is an example of that”