PLEASE, please Willie run Benie Des Dieux in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and give us the battle that will light up the festival.

Christmas was different, very different. It only really dawned on me how different as I strolled through Dublin airport on St Stephen’s morning at 7.45 rather than 5.45.

On a card that offers little cause for optimism at Cheltenham this afternoon, Faugheen is fancied to turn back the clock and land the Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle.

Faugheen, Laurina and Benie Des Dieux are among a strong Willie Mullins entry for next month's baroneracing.com Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Faugheen returned to his majestic best with an impressive all-the-way win in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown.

Aside from Footpad’s crystal-clear claims in the Ryanair Novice Chase, today’s card looks quite difficult for punters.

Life as a hurdler hasn’t been plain sailing for former high-class Flat horse Penhill, but the seven-year-old has a happy knack of producing the goods on the days that matter.

After the Passchendaele that was my Wednesday, a change of tack is called for, writes Enda McEvoy. Tanks. Poison gas. Creeping barrages. Americans. Whatever it takes.

Ireland's domination of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival reached new heights on St Patrick's Thursday, when trainers from the Emerald Isle saddled the first six winners to wrap up the BetBright Cup from Great Britain with a day to spare.

After the highs of Tuesday, I suffered the lows of racing when falling from Al Boum Photo in yesterday’s RSA Chase.

Willie Mullins has had to shelve plans to send Cheltenham Festival winner Penhill to Australia for the Melbourne Cup.

We’re delighted with the way Djakadam has been working recently, and think he is in great order, writes Ruby Walsh.