With only four heats, the entry for tonight's first round of the Tyrur McGuigan Open 575 is a touch disappointing but the richly talented Tibetan Skies can get his challenge off to a winning start by taking the second heat.

The most eye-catching of the opening day fixtures for the 2013 Airtricity League Premier Division will see Thomond Park play host to the meeting of Limerick and Cork City.

The 2012 Connolly’s Red Mills Irish Laurels gets underway tonight and all 11 first-round heats consume the bumper programme.

The draw for the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish Laurels took place at Curraheen Park yesterday afternoon and the track is set for a bumper night’s racing this weekend with the confirmation that all 11 first round heats will be run on Saturday.

Cabra Millie is the one to beat in the final of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks at Shelbourne Park.

In a week when the when the finals of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks, the Bettor.com Northern Irish Derby and the Track Supporters Munster Derby will be run, another major event will be the semi-finals of the Betdaq Race of Champions at Tralee on Friday.

The withdrawal of Smoke Pixie from the quarter-finals of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks is a major blow to her connections following her stunning 28.31 run in dreadful conditions at Shelbourne Park last Saturday.

Cork GOBA sponsors the entire card at Curraheen Park tonight — a programme that consists of no fewer than four stake finals — and the nap selection goes to Cooly Colebe, who can be expected to stamp his class all over the closing race.

THE second session of the opening round of the Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels dominates tonight's action at Curraheen Park and much of the early focus will be Tyrur Big Mike and how he fares in the first of eight heats.

WHEN one takes a look at the Getting Out Stakes at Curraheen Park tonight, it becomes apparent that the Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels must be on the horizon.

THE Ellen Foley’s Last Run Open is the top grade fare on offer at Curraheen Park tonight and oldstager Rising Magic looks drawn to complete a quick hat-trick.

GREYHOUND followers have classic action on three fronts on Saturday night.

It’s another massive weekend to savour with the highlight being the final of an absorbing looking Sporting Press Irish Oaks at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.

MIX a Munster derby with knockout football and you’ve got the recipe for a lively night at the RSC, as Waterford United host Cork City in an FAI Ford Cup quarter-final tonight (7.30pm, live on TG4).

CHAMPIONS and table-toppers Shelbourne picked up another honour yesterday when Richie Baker was named the eircom/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month for April.