Next year's Pall Mall at Oxford will be return to four rounds in 2009 – by popular demand.

This year a massive 100-plus entries were received. And with only three rounds, a select 36 were chosen, which meant more than 70 disappointed connections.

This led to calls to revert to the traditional four rounds, to which Oxford Stadium have agreed.

Oxford's main event will again be sponsored by William Hill and shown live on Sky TV.

Assistant racing manager Simon Pearson, said: ‘‘We are delighted to revert back to four rounds as this enables us to satisfy more owners and trainers during the competition.

"It will also allow us to choose another couple of Oxford hounds to run in the premier event.’’ THE litter bred by Angie Kibble by Droopys Woods out of Fragrant Blossom have started to produce quality runs. Admiral Benbow, Run For Cover and Sutton Gem have all reached top grade and will go further.

PATRICK Curtin reports that Farloe Ferdinand is progressing well after injuring a hip muscle at Monmore and he was extremely pleased with Tirmaquin Eagle who recorded 24.30 in a trial at Romford in preparation for the Essex Vase.

TONY Magnasco played host this week to Oxford's biggest owner Max Picinelli, who was over from Italy.

THE racing strength has dropped slightly to 388, despite a much larger trial session than in recent weeks.