TOP Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh is the star riding attraction at tomorrow's charity evening fixture at Pontefract.

This is the annual 'Red Shirt Night', largely organised by former trainer Jack Berry to support the Injured Jockeys' Fund Tenerife Holiday.

Murtagh, a dual Derby-winning jockey in Britain and who won the Irish Derby earlier this month on Alamshar, has accepted a request from Thirsk trainer Lynda Ramsden to take two mounts at the meeting.

Ramsden made the approach after discovering that several jockeys are currently under suspension during a hectic racing period.

Murtagh can win the opening race, the Tim Tounsend Memorial Maiden Auction Stakes, aboard New Mexican.

The two-year-old has run well in his two outings, most notably the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he finished a close-up third to Pearl of Love.

Tomorrow's drop back from seven furlongs to six may not exactly be in his favour, but New Mexican should be good enough.

Ramsden has also booked Murtagh to partner Hiccups in the Antonia Deuters Handicap, but this tricky customer spoiled his chance with a slow start at Ayr on Monday.

I prefer Strensall, Ronnie Barr's consistent sprinter, who had a cracking run at York last Friday when he finished third to Talbot Avenue.

Also worth noting at Pontefract are Tim Easterby's course-and-distance winner Cheeky Girl (7.05) and the John Quinn-trained course winner Mizhar (8.05).

The best of the afternoon action tomorrow is at Newbury, where Mark Johnston's Middleham stable could score with Venetian Pride in the £25,000 Shadwell Stud Rose Bowl Listed Stakes.

A good winner at Hamilton, despite missing the break and racing green, Venetian Pride is open to any amount of improvement. This is a much tougher assignment, but I fancy that she will prove equal to the task.

My Nap vote is awarded to Dispol Katie in the Your Communications Ltd Maiden Auction Stakes at Carlisle.

David Barron's filly, placed in both her outings, chased home the speedy Demolition Molly at Ripon recently on her first outing for three months.

Tomorrow's tips

Pontefract

6.35 New Mexican, 7.05 Cheeky Girl, 7.35 Strensall, 8.05 Mizhar, 8.35 Beau Artiste, 9.05 Wilson Bluebottle.

Newbury

2.00 Red Bloom, 2.35 Dance Solo, 3.05 Approval, 3.35 Venetian Pride, 4.10 Colourful Lady, 4.40 Bahrqueen, 5.10 Gems Bond.

Carlisle

2.10 Forbearing, 2.45 Dispol Katie (Nap), 3.15 Laurel Dawn, 3.45 Secret Spoof, 4.20 Pop Up Again, 4.50 Blanco.

Tomorrow's other race meetings are at Newmarket (evening, Flat), Hamilton (evening, Flat), and Southwell (afternoon, National Hunt).

Updated: 14:25 Thursday, July 17, 2003