With maiden victories in the Irish Gold Cup and Cheltenham Gold Cup already safely tucked away, a remarkable season of firsts continued for Commonstown trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Robbie Power, as Our Duke belied his inexperience to win the Boylesports Irish Grand National, and, make no mistake, did so in the style of a future Cheltenham Gold Cup horse.

Fortune has not always favoured Noel Meade at the Cheltenham Festival, but the seven-times champion Irish trainer is hoping Road To Riches can enjoy the rub of the green in this year’s Gold Cup.

Beef Or Salmon is now as low as 7-1 for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after an impressive success in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.

Mr Dinos, winner of the 2003 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, has been retired.