There are moments when you are compelled to sit up and take note.

Two things happened in Irish racing over the last eight days that offer real hope for the future, writes Pat Keane.

Donnchadh Doyle appears to have a plethora of talent at his disposal this season and the north Co Wexford-based handler sent out two winners at yesterday’s West Waterford Foxhounds point-to-point fixture at Lismore.