Amongst his more familiar but less tactful friends, Donal Leahy is oft jokingly referred to as The Nearly Man. Mafi Magic and Two Excuses must accept their share of the blame for that.

With still two days to go before the deadline, the entry list for the Paddypower.com Irish Derby had reached 100 and the signs are that the final number will be very close to the ideal number of 144.

THE ultra consistent Carriglad Lady turned in a stellar performance when taking the opening semi-final of the Irish & European Tri Distance Stakes at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

BUNBOGGON NIKITA can land the first semi-final of the Guinness Trophy at Curraheen Park tonight.

DROOPYS PIPOLO, impressive on his debut, can double up in heat one of the Compass Kennels A5 Stakes at Curraheen Park tonight.