STEWART KENNY was yesterday quick to react to reports that Ladbroke are about to take over management of the on course betting offices at Leopardstown and the Curragh from Tote Arena Ireland Limited.

The managing director of Paddy Power Bookmaker said yesterday: "Paddy Power Bookmaker have been assured by the Irish Horse Racing Authority that the franchise for the on course betting office at Leopardstown comes up for renewal at the end of October 1996.

"We presume that this will be put out to open tender. As Ireland's largest bookmakers we intend to bid a very large sum for this and also bid for other betting offices at a number of Irish racecourses. Our commitment to Irish racing is clearly shown by the sponsoring of the £80,000 Paddy Power Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting."

Ladbroke are no strangers to sponsorship either and next January celebrate the 11th running of Leopardstown's valuable Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle.

Punters at last summer's Galway Festival were able to avail of a wide range of bookmaker bets thanks to a Ladbroke office adjacent to the parade ring. The operation proved a resounding success.

Meanwhile, British challengers Shaamit and Glory of Dancer yesterday completed their preparation for tomorrow's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Vodafone Derby winner Shaamit, who will be reunited with his Epsom partner Michael Hills, had his final piece of work yesterday morning and was reported in good form.

Any Port looks the bet of the day in the Sean Graham Handicap Chase at Downpatrick this evening.