Media: Talk of the Trade: Two-horse race

THE BBC is secretive about exactly when it will be broadcasting its souped-up racing serial Trainer this autumn; but at last week's press outing to Newbury races to launch it, the word was that at least the first few of the 10 instalments would go out on Wednesdays opposite repeats of the ITV hit The Darling Buds of May. This will make it hard to achieve viewing figures higher than last season's 8 million. Trainer needs at least 10 million to justify continuing for a third year, but Gerard Glaister, the producer, is confident. He must hope that his judgement on such matters is better than his racing tips, which proved distinctly unprofitable for the journalists and actors who joined him at the course.