IF Kauto Star is anywhere near the horse he has been throughout his career then you’d have to think him capable of dismissing the opposition at Down Royal today.

IT would be remiss of me this week not to start with Paddy Mullins, who was, quite simply, a genius and a legend.

I HAVE felt the need, for a little while now, to comment on the manner in which the Turf Club continues to roster its race-day officials.

CHELTENHAM is a magical place and I am really looking forward to seven rides there this afternoon for Paul Nicholls.

IN LOTS of ways, at least for me, today marks the real start of the National Hunt season. I’m at Chepstow and ride seven horses for Paul Nicholls.

I’VE won four of the last six runnings of the Kerry National, but am no more than hopeful off adding another aboard Deutschland today.

IT’S nice to be back with you this morning, if only briefly, having been on the sidelines of this great game of ours since last April.

LOOKING at the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown today the first thing which strikes me is from where is the pace going to come.

AS far as I’m concerned there is only one plus to me not riding today, and that’s the fact I don’t have to choose between Willie Mullins’ three runners in the World Series Hurdle.

I have little hesitation siding with Denman in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown today.