SPORT | IN BRIEF
Button’s eyeing Aussie success
FORMULA ONE: World champion Jenson Button says McLaren can close the gap on their rivals at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
Button could only finish seventh in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix a fortnight ago, while team-mate Lewis Hamilton was third.
But Button said: “It’s a low downforce circuit which suits us. I’m excited – I wouldn’t be if I didn’t think we’d have a good race.
“Ferrari are quick and Red Bull are very strong but we’ll be a lot closer.”
Mon Mome leads the way
RACING: Last year’s winner Mon Mome is among the 75 horses remaining in the John Smith’s Grand National after the latest entry stage.
The 10-year-old famously romped home as a 100-1 shot last season but will be a front runner this year following his third-place finish in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last week.
Another Cheltenham big-hitter, Albertas Run is, arguably, the most notable scratching, while Madison du Berlais and Notre Pere remain at the head of the weights with 11st 10lb.
Hoy leads British assault
CYCLING: Triple Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy leads a team of 19 British riders as they look to reassert their global dominance at the World Track Cycling Championships in Denmark, starting today.
Hoy missed the 2009 event through injury but believes he is back to his best.
“I’ll do my best and I know when I’m at my best, there are not many people who can beat me.”
Britain dominated the medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but struggled to replicate that form at last year’s World Championships in Hoy’s absence.