LOCAL racing fans looking for 'inside information' should not miss out on the Cheltenham Festival preview being held at Newbury Racecourse next Thursday evening (8pm).

The panel, to be chaired by racing presenter Lee McKenzie, includes trainer Warren Greatrex, jockeys Page Fuller and Lizzie Kelly, and journalist James Burn.

The event is being organised by the West Berkshire Racing Club with members being admitted for £5 and non-members £10.

As it is taking place in the Owners and Trainers Suite, it will be best to use the Hambridge Road entrance (RG14 7PN) to the course.

THE Reading connection at Bracknell Town FC has grown stronger with Tilehurst-based manager Bobby Wilkinson signing Louie Soares, who was born in the town and started his playing career with Royals in the 2004–2005 season.

The 35-year-old midfielder, who made two appearances for Barbados in 2007, has moved around quite a lot in the past year, playing for Hampton & Richmond, Slough, Biggleswade (on loan) and Staines (on loan) before joining Bracknell last weekend.

The former Aldershot, Basingstoke and Hungerford player quickly realised his latest move was a good one, as Isthmian League promotion-chasing Bracknell slammed Staines 7-1 on Saturday.

ANOTHER Reading-born footballer to enjoy last weekend was Nathan Tyson.

The 37-year-old, who played for Royals from 1999-2004 before going on to make around 150 appearances for Nottingham Forest, netted a hat-trick for Chesterfield in their 4-0 National League win over Ebbsfleet.

Tyson, who is loan from Notts County, opened his account just three minutes after coming off the bench and took just another 23 minutes to complete his treble.

READING Under-23s' Berks & Bucks Senior Cup quarter-final tie at Isthmian League club Marlow has been arranged for Tuesday, March 10 (7.45pm).

Wycombe Wanderers became the first side to qualify for the semi-finals by winning 3-0 at Hungerford on Tuesday.

SONNING resident (well, some times) George Clooney is reported to be involved in a move to buy into Spanish second-tier football club Malaga.

The film star is connected to an American company understood to be in talks with club owner Abdullah Al-Thani, who is looking to sell his shares for 100 million euros.