Sport

Bicton Arena has announced it has been awarded international status for its August 2015 horse trials.

The venue will run CIC and CIC2 classes. Both are regarded as a necessary stepping stones for riders wishing to compete at international level in the UK and Europe.

Arena manager Helen West said: “We canvassed competitors and the support we have received in our quest to gain a CIC for the area has been overwhelming. We then took our case to British Eventing, the sport’s governing body, who agreed with us that there is a lack of opportunity in the South West.

“It...

Tom Johnson admits he is already playing “catch-up” on his Exeter Chiefs team-mates after reporting back this week for pre-season training.

The 32-year-old, along with new signing Moray Low, have been granted extended leave after they were both involved in summer tours with England and Scotland respectively.

Refreshed and revived, however, the duo are now back in harness alongside their team-mates as the countdown to the new 2014/15 season continues.

For Johnson, tackling the demands of an Exeter pre-season programme is nothing new and he says the work put in now by...

England Rugby 2015, the Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015), is in Exeter for the fourth leg of the volunteer Try Outs to find members of 'The Pack'.

The selection process is an exciting and informative experience where potential members of 'The Pack' will find out more about RWC 2015 and take part in a one-to-one interview. The Try Outs include an exhibition space dedicated to the history of rugby, a motivational video for would-be volunteers and a real-life changing room to try kit on for size, complete with vintage rugby sweaters and an authentic heat spray...

Littlehempston trainer Martin Hill and jockey Hadden Frost had an afternoon to remember at Newton Abbot on Sunday, landing three races, including the feature with the popular mare Detroit Red.

With the holiday season getting into full swing, there was a bumper crowd to cheer the nine runners on their way in the Class 3 Happy 18th Birthday Scott Butler Handicap Hurdle. Top weight was Street Entertainer from the David Pipe stable, who had got the better of Ittirad at Fontwell Park last time out.

But, the runner-up had gone on to win easily at the last meeting and punters made...