The whole of Ireland is basking in beautiful sunshine but I’m doing a rain dance. It’s getting warm and dry now, and Fairyhouse is drying up and Punchestown are pouring water on the course to beat the band. Let me be a spoilsport, I hope this weather breaks. I want it to rain.

Tommy Lyons Three days of action in Cork, with Flat racing today, National Hunt tomorrow, and National Hunt with a bent towards the point to point fields on Monday.

Willie Mullins confirmed last night that Footpad is likely to head for Aintree after being taken out out of the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

Douvan is the star name among 12 entries for the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Cork on Sunday.

Willie Mullins has admitted the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse tomorrow is "coming a bit quick" for Outlander as he aims to bounce back from his fall at last week's Cheltenham Festival.

With the kids off school for the Easter break, we took the opportunity to take a few days away to unwind after Cheltenham. 

The first of Cork’s three-day meeting takes place this afternoon, and Sr Carthage can make the most of the conditions to take the valuable Cork Handicap for Jim Bolger.

After a frustrating series of five second-place finishes, interrupted only by a late departure when in contention in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at the Aintree festival of 2015, the talented Alpha Des Obeaux earned a long overdue return to the winner’s circle with a convincing victory in the Galmoy Hurdle.

Douvan should make a winning start to his chasing career in the Irish Stallion Farms Beginners Chase in Navan tomorrow.

John ’Shark’ Hanlon is hoping Hidden Cyclone can show his true colours in the BoyleSports Champion Chase at Punchestown on April 28.

I am happy to be riding Perfect Gentleman in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Monday. I think he has the right profile for the race and 10-10 is a lovely weight.

Shaneshill looks the stand-out bet on tomorrow’s card in Fairyhouse which features two Grade 1 races.

Vautour is one of five potential runners for Willie Mullins after a total of 18 horses stood their ground for the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The Tullow Tank is being prepared for next month’s Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse following a wasted journey to the Cheltenham Festival.

Flemenstar will make his long-awaited return in Saturday’s Webster Cup at Navan.

Gitane Du Berlais ran her rivals ragged as she made all the running to win unchallenged in the Prix Juigne at Auteuil yesterday.

Liz Doyle will consider a tilt at the Champion Bumper for Golan Lodge following his winning racecourse debut at Fairyhouse on Saturday.