Aidan O’Brien admits conditions at the Curragh tonight will not be ideal as Camelot defends his unbeaten record in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

He may be attempting to burst the balloon in Saturday night’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, but John Oxx can empathise with the pressure Camelot’s connections are under ahead of the Classic.

Trainer Michael Matz insisted Union Rags had always possessed star quality after the colt claimed the Belmont Stakes on Saturday night.

Just over a decade after Cavan’s footballers beat Kerry to win the 1947 All-Ireland final in Manhattan’s Polo Grounds, a horse called Cavan won the Belmont Stakes in Long Island.

THERE are All Blacks outthere today like big tomcats already relishing the terrible things they are going to do to the Irish in a few days time.

WITH words of praise ringing in his ears from Leinster’s coaching and playing staff, Malcolm O’Kelly yesterday officially announced his retirement for the end of the season after a long and distinguished career, 15 of them as a professional player.

A COUPLE who won Israel’s biggest lottery prize came forward wearing masks to hide their identities and claimed the €14.6 million payout, saying they had no idea they had been holding the lucky ticket for nearly four months.

SHAME on us as a sporting nation.

Former Aintree Grand National winner Ben Nevis has been elected to the American National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame.

The forecast is for cold weather over Croke Park tomorrow, but at pitch level it will be a different story.

Asiatic Boy pleased connections as he enjoyed a racecourse gallop with stablemate Irridescence in the build-up to Wednesday’s BGC Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

AFTER a highly entertaining and extremely impressive autumn series, Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has problems of an altogether different nature than that faced after the corresponding period last season.

Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham expects a much tougher Test match this weekend when the Wallabies take on Ireland in Perth.

Ireland loose-head prop Reggie Corrigan has taken the decision to announce his retirement from International Rugby.

Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll is hoping the star-studded Irish back line can set Twickenham alight and bring down the curtain in style on the 2006 RBS 6 Nations.

Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll has urged his players to respond to their Grand Slam failure by claiming the next largest prize in European rugby – the RBS 6 Nations title.

Ireland flanker Jonny O’Connor has been given the all clear to take part in Saturday’s clash with Argentina at Lansdowne Road.

Two more Irish rugby legends will be inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame on May 19, joining Mick Galwey and Peter Clohessy.