This year’s Vetsearch Irish Grand National has provided a marvellous fillip for hurdle racing in this country and has proved yet again that hurdling could become popular here if given the proper promotion by the authorities.

THE Kevin Commins owned and trained Ferdia Bound was fastest in the semi-finals of the IGB National 750 at Shelbourne on Saturday.

Timor Blue is unlikely to race again after sustaining a serious wrist injury in a first bend fall in last weekend’s Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger final at Limerick.