Residents of the small Essex town of Saffron Walden were quick to support moves for a change in the spelling of Ireland's big Epsom Derby hope, Saffron Waldon, before next Saturday's Classic race.

It's up to the Jockey Club to give permission for a name change if an error has occurred and earlier this week they considered the request from the Coolmore Stud, on behalf of Sue Magnier, the owner of Saffron Waldon. Magnier named the horse after a friend who lives in Saffron Walden, and the town's District Council has also contacted the Jockey Club backing the owner's move to have the name changed to the same as the town. Thankfully, all parties are now happy as yesterday the official name change was given the go-ahead.

Local punters in the market town, meanwhile, have been keen to lay their bets after picking up on the link with the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, even if the majority, through habit, have been using the `e' instead of the `o'.

Fortunately, H&K Commissions, Saffron Walden's top betting shop, have promised to stand by the bets should he win. "It was only after reading the Racing Post that punters knew the horse was named after the place," explained the shop manager. "Before, people thought it must have been different because of the spelling. Now a lot more want to back him."