The Bibby Financial Services Ireland Gold Cup yesterday developed into the closely contested race the market suggested and, from the feature, the Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack emerged a genuine contender for next season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

I’m in Navan for four rides this afternoon, and start off on Hold The Line for Pat Shanahan in the opening maiden hurdle.

It was a bit like old times yesterday, riding at Haydock and then heading down the M6, for about four hours, on the way to Ascot.

Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher and Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher were both included today in the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Belgium.