Crossbar No 1494

Across

1 Report alternative to runner at an English racecourse (11)

6 He’s a top player, managing to be in form (5)

9 Half of a Glasgow rivalry in company (4)

11 Some of the defenders are title-holders (9)

14 May have had to imitate some of the choir (4)

15 Got rid of old sports cars to a little boy (6)

17 Left one US institute on the boundary (5)

18 Employs some house servants (4)

19 Bags about the design of some boats (5)

21 Trees growing up, at the end, in a way (6)

23 Pin one down with a sharp spike, in the end (4,2)

24 After left turn, perform in popular board game (4)

25 Perform with a soldier, taking in one estate (6)

27 Did Nigel turn out for a Highland side? (5)

28 Little rascal playing in a simple way (3)

29 Ulster got up to achieve the best outcome (6)

30 Give thanks to set out with relish (5)

Down

1 Great German footballer, who won the World Cup as a player, coach and manager (11)

2 Ready to play in a sporting event (4)

3 The away team are offering some resistance (10)

4 Talk about a top striker leaving a field event (6)

5 It may take a long time to start at 5 down (3)

6 Is a bit timid when taking a throw-in (3)

7 Was it hard for Ian to become a Roman emperor? (7)

8 Is like 6 across, in the circumstances (9)

10 Irish racehorse who won the Irish Oaks in 2008 (9)

12 Aim at the target in football, but avoid it in tennis (3)

13 Takes a chance having made wagers (4)

16 Want to see a runner make a comeback (4)

17 One of many items for sale at an auction (3)

20 One’s a bit blue at Stirling, Ayr and Dundee, initially (3)

22 Axes first match organising trials (5)

25 Little girl started out at Derby, Oxford and Tottenham (3)

25 Aim to come back with a girl (3)