It was the bookmakers who were all smiles despite a virtual Irish monopoly on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.

PRINCE CHAPARRAL can defy top weight in the Madra Dog Foods Handicap at Tramore tonight.

BARRY Geraghty was seen at his strongest when powering Beau Michael to a neck victory over Armaramak in the St James’ Gate Novice Chase at Galway yesterday, writes Pat Keane.

PAUL CARBERRY proved an unlikely hero at Thurles yesterday, two days after his controversial 30-day ban started.

Our Vic tops a list of 23 horses left in Saturday’s Robin Cook Memorial Gold Cup at the five-day confirmation stage.

KICKING KING in and Best Mate out is the latest twist to next Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Advertising giant WPP was celebrating another major acquisition today after agreeing terms to buy Procter & Gamble’s agency Grey Global.

British advertising giant WPP today emerged as the winning bidder in the hotly-contested auction of US-based rival Grey Global.

One Cool Cat, who flopped when favourite for the UltimateBet.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this month, has not been declared for the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on Saturday.

Grey Swallow, impressive winner of the Group Three Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown in October, has hardened in the betting for next year’s Classics with Ladbrokes.

LEADING French jumps trainer Guillaume Macaire has assembled a formidable raiding party to challenge for big Christmas prizes at Kempton and Chepstow.