Alcapone boosted his Martell Cognac Grand National prospects with victory in the Cashel Fine Arts Chase at Thurles today.

With doubts surrounding Back In Front’s participation in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Irish trainer Edward O’Grady is looking to Pizarro to lead his Cheltenham Festival team.

Brave Inca, who is one of Ireland’s big hopes for the Cheltenham Festival, may not run before then according to trainer Colm Murphy.

Limestone Lad may have another racecourse gallop at Leopardstown this weekend ahead of his challenge for the Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle next month.

Adrian Maguire defied a stomach upset to mark the second anniversary of his partnership with Ferdy Murphy by landing the Singer & Friedlander National Trial at Uttoxeter on Streamstown.