The acting stewards are responsible for enforcing the sport's rules on any given race day. The rules don't accept assumptions from anyone else, so why are the enforcers granted one?

Irish racecourses will soon realise that big-field handicaps are the most profitable races they will run, and they will join the chorus of the people looking to restructure the Irish National Hunt programme

The fact Paul Townend has left Facile Vega for Patrick Mullins to ride at Leopardstown is a hint in itself

Having no Irish racing the Saurday before Christmas is baffling

After all, gambling, like playing the Lotto, is a legal action intended to provide fun with no harm. Intended is not the reality of it, and gambling has always had a downside for some, and it always will.

There seems to be more anger than delight at the success of the elite band of trainers sitting at the top of the Irish training ranks

History shows us a lot we want to forget, and many see what they would like to change, but it also shows us what was done right. But you just have to look for the positives.

Is Gentlesmangame a Gold Cup horse, or did Bravemansgame just get tired and go under to a fitter rival last Saturday?

Lunchtime starts with cold air, soft ground, heavy coats, woolly hats, gloves, atmosphere and big-name horses.

Ruby Walsh runs the rule over the racing hot topics.