It has been a turbulent week in Irish racing circles and, in the days dominated by the controversial process involved in the reappointment of Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh, the news that two of the superpowers of National Hunt racing in Ireland have parted ways has kept the sport in the headlines.

Cheltenham is back for another year, to the joy of punters up and down the country.

Nicky Henderson has been forced to rule Arkle Trophy hero Simonsig out for the season.

Sir Des Champs could yet travel to Kempton to contest the William Hill King George VI Chase on St Stephen’s Day with trainer Willie Mullins describing his decision as to whether to run in that race or the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown as “a 50/50 call”.

There was a fairytale 33-1 success for the connections of Lion Na Bearnai in the Ladbrokes Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Get Me Out Of Here finally landed the decent prize his consistent efforts have deserved when winning the Grade Two Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Former Vita Cortex workers are currently in extra-time in a fight for redundancy payments — the ‘point nine’, as they call it — on top of their statutory entitlements

Powerstation will head to Leopardstown at Christmas after rolling back the years to record a popular victory in the Proudstown Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

Is today the day Gordon Elliott breaks his Cheltenham Festival duck?

IN 2010, Enda Bolger’s complete domination of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase was interrupted for just the second time since its inception in 2005.

IRISH OWNER

Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2m 1/2f

ADRIAN MAGUIRE didn’t half celebrate in style in the press room at Limerick last Sunday, after his Golden Kite had beaten Fisher Bridge a short head in the Munster National.

A decision on whether or not to retire Hardy Eustace is unlikely to be made until the end of the summer.

DESSIE Hughes is in no hurry to decide whether Hardy Eustace will bid for a third Champion Hurdle triumph or take the longer option in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Sue Smith was leading trainer at Wetherby last season and she was on the mark again at the West Yorkshire track this afternoon with Noshinannikin.

RUSSIAN RHYTHM remains on course for Sunday’s Sagitta 1000 Guineas despite rumours that the filly was not certain to go to post for the fillies’ Classic.

PUNTERS nationwide will feast like kings if Beef or Salmon brings home the bacon in today’s eagerly-awaited Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Istabraq is set to be retired after his bid for a record fourth Smurfit Champion Hurdle victory ended in anti-climax today.