Independence Day should be tough to beat in the Rainbow Communications 2-Y-O Maiden on Ulster Derby day in Down Royal.

I am sounding a bit like a broken record talking about the weather and ground here almost on a weekly basis, but readers will understand what a huge bearing it has on what we do.

Back from Royal Ascot, where he partnered Saddler’s Rock to finish a close third in the Ascot Gold Cup, Johnny Murtagh landed the listed Glencairn Stakes on odds-on favourite Takar at Leopardstown last night.

DAMSON, trained by David Wachman for Mrs. Sue Magnier, outclassed her five rivals in the listed Swordlestown Stud Sprint at Naas yesterday.