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.

Rae’s Creek gets the nap to land a cracking little six-runner Cashen Novice Hurdle at the final stage of the Listowel festival this afternoon.

Gordon Elliott’s Flaxen Flare gets the vote in the Guinness Galway Hurdle at Ballybrit this afternoon.

The Galway extravaganza kicks away on Monday and it is a real case of the calm before the storm, with Wexford this afternoon the only meeting in Ireland for the weekend.

The eagerly-awaited clash between Rebel Fitz and Beachdale Lad in the Christy McSweeney Memorial Novice Chase at Killarney last night had a tragic outcome.

Noel Meade’s Monksland can make a winning seasonal debut in the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle at Down Royal This afternoon.

My first week back writing a regular column and it is a little disappointing that the rides I have aren’t a bit more attractive.

A treble in Cork last night brought Willie Mullins’ tally to eight winners in five days as Dare To Doubt initiated a double for former champion Ruby Walsh in the opening Dermot Casey Tree Care Hurdle before the trainer’s son Patrick partnered favourites Digeanta and Tasitiocht to victory in the two bumpers.