The College Causeway/Killahan Phanter Easter Cup picture changed drastically yesterday when two high-profile withdrawals from next Saturday’s second round resulted in Thurlesbeg Joker becoming a very hot favourite to land the prestigious Shelbourne Park feature.

Betting action got underway early at this year’s Cheltenham Festival with three heats of the £5,000 (€7,300) Byrne Bros Greyhound Stakes.