Hedgehunter begins his journey for a fifth attempt at the John Smith’s Grand National by making his seasonal debut at Punchestown on Saturday.

Divine Proportions will face nine rivals as she bids to extend her unbeaten record to eight in the Prix de Diane Hermes (French Oaks) at Chantilly on Sunday.

IN INDIVIDUAL conversation with a number of Cork players, one discordant note rang out consistently - a muted complaint that even as Kilkenny were garnering honours, Cork were not getting due recognition for their achievements over the past number of years.