Racing: Humour holds Hennessy attention

BLACK HUMOUR, one of the few entries for Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup who would be suited by fast ground, was strongly supported for the race yesterday.

Coral cut Charlie Brooks's gelding to 11-4 from 7-2, though punters holding ante- post vouchers about soft- ground performers were encouraged by a forecast of some rain today and tomorrow.

Whispering Steel, one of the uncertain runners, was eased a point to 9-2, while Martin Pipe's Rolling Ball is 5-1.

The prospects of the meeting taking place at all improved as temperatures rose throughout the south, but Carlisle remained frostbound and today's meeting has been abandoned. Nottingham's stewards will inspect this morning but rate the chances of racing going ahead as '85-15 in favour'.