Shaneshill and Outlander confirmed themselves exciting hurdling recruits when registering smooth, odds-on wins for Willie Mullins in yesterday’s maiden hurdle action in Fairyhouse.

I am sounding a bit like a broken record talking about the weather and ground here almost on a weekly basis, but readers will understand what a huge bearing it has on what we do.

IT was an up and down week of racing for us. It was great to get back among the winners again after six or seven weeks and just draw a line under that.

THAT was mission accomplished at Cheltenham yesterday for Steps To Freedom and I was delighted. He took the journey no problem, travelled well during the race, jumped super and did the job on his first experience of a unique track even though the ground was softer than you’d think.

THE tempo of the national hunt season is really picking up for me this weekend as we say goodbye to a successful flat campaign.