PAT HUGHES could leave a horrendous couple of months behind by saddling Point Barrow to land a typically wide open Powers' Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

IF Beef Or Salmon never wins another race, he will owe connections nothing.

Conor O’Dwyer is worried the drying ground and a drop in trip might not be ideal for Southern Vic in the Dr P.J Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

YOU SIR is fancied to make a winning debut over flights in the first division of the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.

THE talented David Casey has real prospects of enjoying a treble at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

BRAVE INCA, with Tony McCoy confirmed as his new partner, gets the nap to outbattle Harchibald in a fascinating Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.

Reigning champion hurdler Hardy Eustace and Irish darling Solerina are set to clash in Sunday’s Giltspur Scientific Tara Hurdle at Navan.

HARDY EUSTACE, current favourite in most lists for the Champion Hurdle, will miss his planned comeback at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

THE Clonmel Oil Chase at Clonmel this afternoon may be short Beef Or Salmon, but has still attracted a strong field, headed by English challenger, Impek.

WILLIE MULLINS’ Major Vernon duly outclassed his rivals in the first division of the Cashel Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel yesterday, giving the impression there was plenty in the locker.

THE National Hunt season in Ireland has made a smashing start and Clonmel this afternoon keeps the trend going, housing a decent programme.

ANYONE who doubted the quality of Hardy Eustace had their answer at Punchestown yesterday.

Willie Mullins remains hopeful that stable star Florida Pearl can win his third race at the Cheltenham Festival next month as the veteran lines up at the meeting for the seventh time.

WILLIE MULLINS yesterday confirmed that Florida Pearl has emerged fit and well from his historic victory at Leopardstown on Sunday and will now bid to win the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup at the fourth attempt.

Willie Mullins today confirmed that Florida Pearl has emerged fit and well from his historic victory at Leopardstown yesterday and will now bid to win the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup at the fourth attempt.

NATIVE UPMANSHIP duly landed his third MacLochlainn Road Markings Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday, but not before Conor O’Dwyer had given odds-on punters severe palpitations.