Racing diary

Congratulations to all those tying the knot this summer and staging their wedding ceremony and reception at any one of the increasing number of racecourses which offer this service. But just a word of warning.

One such happy couple settled on a date at Fontwell House in West Sussex. As the big day drew near, the groom increasingly added elements to the occasion in keeping with the wedding's unusual location - races around the paddock, bridesmaids and page boys dressed as jockeys, race cards for orders of service . . .

The bride finally snapped on learning that she was expected to carry a whip.

Few surprises at the racecourse, then, when, after monitoring these developments, the call came to inform them of a "postponement". In such circumstances, gentlemen, restraint is advisable.

Expensive business, racing. Sold last week at auction in Keeneland, Kentucky, for a cool $63 million (£44m), 89 one-year old horses - that's an average of $710,000 each - who will come of racing age next year. Included was a yearling colt who cost John Magnier and Michael Tabor, joint owners of Epsom Derby winner Galileo, a top price of $4m. And closer to home at Sotheby's last Wednesday night, a set of jockey's silks went for over £40,000. All before you have even paid the trainer, who certainly won't come cheap, either.

The inquiry set up by the Government to consider some of Britain's more antiquated laws governing bookmakers and betting published their review of gambling last week. As had been widely predicted, it was recommended that, racecourses and casinos aside, there should remain a ban on betting in places where alcohol is for sale. I suppose that also means the local pub, where punters watch the afternoon's racing on BBC or Channel 4 and then use their mobiles to place a bet.