A restored full fixture allocation for the Curragh and more blank Sundays during the summer are two of the principal features of the 2019 fixture list released by Horse Racing Ireland.

Jamie Spencer’s announcement that he is to shelve plans to retire from the saddle and instead ride as a freelance next season has been widely welcomed by the racing world.

Jockey Jamie Spencer has abandoned plans to retire from the saddle and will continue next year as a freelance.

Vodafone Oaks heroine Ouija Board is a hot favourite to see off her six rivals when she lines up for the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on Sunday.