From Willie Mullins’ point of view, Allaho in the Beginners’ Chase and Jon Snow and The Big Getaway in the maiden hurdles are the key horses this weekend.

Not 26 years old yet and Joseph O’Brien already enjoys the ultimate badge of acceptance within the racing community. He is known simply as ‘Joseph.’ Of course, as the eldest son of Aidan and Anne-Marie O’Brien, he has had his advantages in the sport, certainly during his riding career, but as a trainer he is very much his own man.

The final field for Saturday's Aintree Grand National is due to be confirmed this morning, with the Irish challenge expected to amount to a quarter of the runners.

CLONAKILTY point-to-point, scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed following a Turf Club inspection yesterday.