YOU’D wonder if Aidan O’Brien stared wistfully at the winner’s enclosure after the first race at Leopardstown last Sunday, a maiden for three-year-old fillies?

THE Punchestown executive must be smacking their collective lips in expectation of a massive spin-off from Cheltenham for their forthcoming festival.

WHEN Kauto Star landed the Gold Cup two years ago he created history.

HERE’S a tip for Cheltenham — don’t bet. But, of course, such words of wisdom will be completely lost in the festival air — though there is the possibility they might be fleetingly recalled after the last race has been run next Friday.

EVERYONE in the racing industry, trainers, jockeys and owners: did you all enjoy your time off over the last few days?

NICKY HENDERSON must wake up most mornings and thank his lucky stars he had the foresight to appoint Barry Geraghty as his number one rider.

IF there was one horse to take out of Leopardstown last Saturday, with the future very much in mind, it was surely the Jessica Harrington-trained Oscars Well.

IT’S been a dreadful National Hunt season and, quite frankly, we will lose little sleep when it finally finishes.

WILLIE MULLINS is a phenomenon. That five-timer at Punchestown last Sunday, from just six races, was a remarkable feat and emphasised that, at least in this country, he operates on a different level to all other trainers.

IRISH racing may have its share of problems at the moment, but one of the more positive stories has to be the growing success of Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud.