Maybe our luck is just turning. I knew I was up two strides from the line on Nichols Canyon in yesterday’s Stayers’ Hurdle but, on the line, the winner had battled back.

Nichols Canyon is not the best work horse in the world, but he’s going as well now as he was before Cheltenham, writes Ruby Walsh.

The Punchestown Gold Cup is the feature on day two of the festival and, while former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree adds a different angle to it, all the form points to Sizing John.

Given that, based on official rating, Fox Norton is superior to Un De Sceaux and a bigger price, it makes sense that he should be the selection in the Boylesports Champion Chase, but the make-up of the race is such, Un De Sceaux is likely to enjoy a solo up front, and that can ensure a fourth consecutive victory in a perfect season.

In years gone by, I might have been preparing to ride in the Scottish National at Ayr this afternoon. Today, however, I will be riding work and, hopefully, will make it to the Aviva for the Munster match in the evening.

Ruby Walsh gives his assessment of the 40 runners in today’s Grand National.

Just the four for me this weekend, but three of those are graded races on a very good card at Fairyhouse tomorrow, so plenty to look forward to to start the final month of the season.

Once again, the Irish people showed themselves in great stead, and I hope the Irish rugby team gives the English as good a hiding today, writes Ruby Walsh.