The trainers' ranks at Sandy Lane have been boosted by the appointment of Reading's top trainer Richard Yeates.

The High Wycombe-based handler has quit the Berkshire track which is closing due to redevelopment of the Smallmead site.

It is unlikely Reading will get another track until at least 2010, so trainers are on the look-out for pastures new, just as Reading bookie Steve Harris did in joining Oxford.

Oxford will be hoping to attract some of the Reading faithful to Cowley, and in Yeates's case he has confirmed that most of his owners will follow him to Oxford.

He will bring around 20 hounds when he joins Oxford next month. With a quality kennel, he is no stranger to the winners enclosure at Sandy Lane.

Yeates reckons one of the fastest dogs he owned was Mailroad Dreamer, a Pall Mall finalist here, but was plagued with injuries.

His biggest training feat was landing the Rubicon Classic at the now defunct Milton Keynes.

With the racing strength still 50 below what is required, his appointment is most welcome.

Meanwhile, trainer, Steve Raynor, is settling in nicely and has high hopes for Tourna Burren, litter brother to recent winner Tourna Tommo  Champion trainer leaders Ian Wills and Paddy Curtin should be looking over their shoulders as Angie Kibble is making a big challenge with a fantastic 38 winners so far this month.

 Tony Magnasco's Hey Bucko landed the Stadium Bookmakers Standard on Tuesday.

However, the star of the night was Reading's Bob Gilling, who produced Brickfield Class at his best, as the Oxfordshire Stakes winner romped to his 43rd open race victory.

 The new 'dine for a denny' scheme has started at Oxford. Free admission, plus the choice of either a hot dog, burger or chicken burger – all with chips – for 1p