THE North-East coast suffered some major damage from last week’s storms, but Redcar Racecourse survived with only minor issues to address.

Redcar’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “There was some filthy weather, but thankfully they have spent a lot of money on sea defences recently and that certainly helped us. Places like Whitby and Saltburn, just down the road, were seriously affected.

“We’re very lucky we’re not racing though because the front of the commentary box, which stands proud on the roof, has been ripped off.”

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SAM TWISTON-DAVIES made a rare foray to Kelso on Sunday, and the trip proved worthwhile as he partnered Royale Knight to victory in the four-mile Borders National.

The seven-year-old powered clear of Scotswell to land the £16,000 first prize for trainer Richard Newland, with Twiston-Davies following up Saturday’s high-profile double at Aintree.

Newland said: “I’ve had this race in mind for him for some time as he’s been getting outpaced over three miles and I thought that four miles would suit him. He’s been a sensational horse for us and that’s his seventh and biggest win.”

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The second meeting of Catterick’s jumps season takes place on Tuesday, December 17 with a seven-race programme getting under way at 12.10pm.

The principal races are a pair of novices’ limited handicap chases, supported by The Horserace Betting Levy Board. The Buy Your 2014 Annual Badge Today Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase over an extended three miles and one furlong offers prize money of £15,000, while The Catterick Interactive Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase is a £10,000 contest over two miles and three furlongs.

Applications for membership at Catterick in 2014 are now being taken, offering 27 scheduled racedays at Catterick along with 30 reciprocal fixtures at other racecourses and ten selected Yorkshire County Cricket Club games.

The cost of membership is £135 (single), £230 (joint – husband and wife), £240 for a member and guest (transferable).