Fracas and Merger will bid to add to Ireland's impressive haul of recent British races when the pair line up for the Betfred Classic Trial at Sandown. Racing News round-up: Both the Greenham and Craven Stakes winners last week were trained here and today's challengers, trained respectively by David Wachman and Dermot Weld, are likely to be popular in the Group Three event at the Esher venue.

Wachman, who was responsible for Greenham winner Indesatchel, wants to take his time with Fracas, who outpointed Aidan O'Brien's Down Mexico Way on his debut at Leopardstown earlier this month.

"He's travelled there now and he's grand," said Cashel-based Wachman. "He has not done much at home since his run, as it was not long ago but I think he's improved. I hope so. I decided to go to Sandown with him as otherwise we'd have to wait for the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial (at Leopardstown on May 8th).

"We're just taking it one step at a time with him, see how he gets on and take it from there."

Fracas is entered in the Vodafone Derby and is a 40 to 1 shot at this stage and he looks set to take today's feature.

Merger is not entered in the Epsom Classic, but Weld will know what is required of his son of Mr Greeley as he was comfortably beaten on his seasonal bow by Indesatchel. However, his trainer believes the colt, who won the Beresford Stakes as a juvenile, will be suited by the step up to 10 furlongs at Sandown.

"He's a nice colt and was beaten by a good horse (Indesatchel) on his reappearance over seven furlongs at the Curragh," said Weld. "He gives me the impression that he wants to go further."

Six others line up for the race which produced 1997 Derby winner Benny The Dip, with four other Epsom entries headed by Mark Johnson's Hearthstead Wings, last seen when a close third in the Italian Gran Criterium. Others engaged in the Derby are Feilden runner-up Kings Quay, plus Hattan and recent Lingfield scorer Tragedian. The remaining two are Glen Ida and Bridge Loan, both of whom have won their last two starts.

Strike action by France Galop staff forced the abandonment of yesterday's meeting at Longchamp. Employees of French racing's ruling body, who were protesting over pay, invaded the parade ring at the Parisian venue, causing the eight-race card to be called off.

The demonstration at France's flagship track could also throw into doubt today's jumps card at Auteuil. And France Galop will want to ensure the dispute does not jeopardise Sunday's fixture at Longchamp featuring the Prix Ganay, which sees Arc winner Bago's racecourse return.

Rodi Greene comes out of retirement today in a bid to help Martin Pipe retain the champion jumps trainers' title. The 35-year-old will ride Tell The Trees in the Lan Jam Network Services Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot - one of six runners for the Nicholashayne-based handler in the two-and-three-quarter-mile contest that is worth £5,668 to the winner. "They were struggling for jockeys so I said I'd ride this one. These are desperate times," said Greene.

Rooster Booster may bring his long and distinguished career to an end today after he contests the Concept Hurdle at Sandown. Although owner Terry Warner has not ruled out retirement if the 11-year-old puts in a good performance in the extended two-mile race, he has no wish to see the horse go into decline. The winner of the 2003 Champion Hurdle has only won once since his big day at Cheltenham, but has been placed a number of times, including when second to Harchibald in the Christmas Hurdle.