An extraordinary two days for Ireland was completed when Philip Fenton’s Dunguib streaked away with the Weatherbys’ Bumper to the tune of 10 lengths.

CONFESSION being good for the soul, I admit to being slightly off the mark last week. True, I predicted a no to Lisbon, predicted the usual suspects would call the Irish thickos and ungrateful illegitimates, and even forecast the Taoiseach would start talking about the need for “a period of reflection”.

The Yes side secured a rare constituency win today, though it will make little difference to the national trend of No votes.

The Paul Nicholls-Ruby Walsh dream team shows no signs whatsoever of grinding to halt as the season draws to a close and the pair dominated the first day of the Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr.

A new favourite has emerged for Saturday's Grand National at Aintree.

Mick Fitzgerald has been booked to partner Powers Whisky Irish Grand National favourite Dun Doire by trainer Tony Martin.

There was a fourth victory in a row for Dun Doire today in the featured Dunboyne Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse.