TODAY’s Galway Plate is a cracking contest, which is going to severely test the skills of punters.

FIRST things first, I have decided to ride Hoo La Baloo in the Galway Plate.

THERE were plenty of smiling faces at Killarney last night after the Eugene O’Sullivan-trained Head Waiter had landed the valuable Kerryman Long Distance Handicap Hurdle, particularly among those who visited their local bookmaker in the morning.

Willie Mullins has decided to run Homer Wells in Saturday's John Smith's Grand National and will now be four-handed in the Aintree feature.

WILLIE MULLINS is predicting a bold show from Hedgehunter in Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.

WILLIE MULLINS could saddle as many as five runners in the John Smith’s Grand National on Saturday after 68 horses stood their ground at the five-day confirmation stage yesterday.

Ossmoses has been ruled out of the John Smith’s Grand National.

HEDGEHUNTER ran a satisfactory enough Aintree Grand National trial at Limerick yesterday when finishing ninth behind Wishwillow Lord in the UL Bohemians’ Raceday Hurdle.

PAT HUGHES has reported Point Barrow to be in top shape after his recent exertions as money continues to pour in for the John Smith’s Grand National hope.

WILLIE MULLINS could give Hedgehunter a first start of the season in Thursday’s Thurles Chase, but will not make a final decision about his participation until declaration day.

Willie Mullins could give Hedgehunter a first start of the season in Thursday's Thurles Chase, but will not make a final decision about his participation until declaration day.

Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition will face a maximum of seven rivals if he takes his chance in Saturday’s James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Talented chaser Justified made an encouraging reappearance when winning the Sherry Fitzgerald O’Malley Chase at Limerick.

THE veteran Adamant Approach can lead his rivals a merry dance in the Grade Two National Lottery Agent Champion ‘Chase at Gowran Park this afternoon.

RUBY WALSH became the first jockey in history to ride the winner of the Guinness Kerry National three years in-a-row when guiding Bothar Na to a smooth success in the traditional feature of the Listowel Festival yesterday.

Ruby Walsh landed his third consecutive Guinness Kerry National when he guided 10-1 shot Bothar Na home for Willie Mullins.

“I'M going back to school tonight”, quipped 16-years-old Patrick Mullins, after he had partnered Diego Garcia to a smooth victory in the Denny Havasnack Race at Tralee yesterday.

THE old adage has it that truth is stranger than fiction! Roger Loughran, whose career looked to be in tatters at Leopardstown last Christmas, came in for a chance ride on Far From Trouble at Ballybrit yesterday and proceeded to land the Galway Plate for owner JP McManus and trainer Christy Roche.

WILLIE MULLINS, absent at a wedding in France, missed seeing his Baltimore Hill put up a fine performance to land the novice hurdle at Limerick yesterday.

Moscow Flyer is on course to defend his Queen Mother Champion Chase title after pleasing connections in a schooling session after racing at Leopardstown.

FORMER champion Ruby Walsh proved the star of the show at Kilbeggan last night, completing a superb treble, with two of his winners provided by back-in-form Co. Limerick trainer Michael Hourigan.