The conversation takes place prior to the dreadful news his friend and long-time weigh-room colleague Pat Smullen would need to undergo a further course of chemotherapy following a setback in his recovery from pancreatic cancer.

THERE are 44 entries in the £300,000 Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 11, including 12 trained in Ireland as well as two each from France and Germany.

CHAMPION jockey Pat Smullen, fresh from a terrific weekend at the Curragh, wasted no time getting among the winners at Killarney yesterday when booting Dermot Weld’s Turn Of Phrase to victory in the opening Boylesports’ Handicap.

The Food Island Irish Championship Stakes has been won by Fantastic Light, ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Frankie Dettori admitted to his impatience ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Ascot.