CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: NO. 28,324

Across

1 Supporting one of the Beatles in Melbourne’s excellent (7,3)

6 Southern racecourse excluding a northerner (4)

9 Knot that requires cold attachment – snag! (5,5)

10 Tot sees doctor before noon (4) 12 Mix porridge (4) 13 Replacement of trouser damaged round top of groin area (9)

15 Relating to a subject – one that’s generally taught seeing ma’s not around (8)

16 Blooming female learner seen before test (6) 18 Cut tax (6) 20 New York guy’s after kicks in Morecambe, say (8) 23 Clumsy admiral to set out (9) 24 A jumper’s shrunk – will it go over one’s head? (4) 26 Bird nesting in hibiscus (4) 27 Striking assorted elements of plum mingle (10) 28 Peer ahead endlessly (4) 29 Cockney who’s decorated a line in old capital (6,4)

Down

1 Promote footballer (4) 2 Preacher has a job on the outskirts of Liege (7) 3 Drink from America co-eds brewed (3-5,4) 4 Receives help that’s denied (8) 5 A French port – open a bottle (6) 7 Rough wind reported threatening ship (7) 8 Nottingham finally with place in Europe in draw showing Forest’s limitations (6,4) 11 Dish in kitchen where they’re all hoping for a strike (7,5) 14 Make smooth run in heritage railway? (10) 17 Tradition supported by the Queen as patron (8) 19 Dog, right one to work in pit (7) 21 One’s shaken, not stirred, seeing skill in car (7) 22 Book space (6) 25 The sound of a horse that’s eaten nothing, waiting impatiently (4)