We are at mid-summer point now and the sunshine, up to now, has been rather absent.

Tell someone you are visiting Portugal and they assume you are visiting the Algarve on a sun or golf holiday, or perhaps taking a weekend break in Lisbon.

A trip to Britain, probably Perth next month, is on the cards for Esporao following his all-the-way win in the opening Down District Council Ladies Day At Downpatrick Maiden Hurdle on the Co Down track yesterday.

LOCAL trainer Pat Flynn is very well represented at this evening’s meeting at Tramore and his Dancing Bird looks to have solid claims in the mares’ maiden hurdle.