The listed Ardilaun Hotel Oyster Stakes has been a "lucky" race for John Oxx since its introduction in the 90s, and the Curraghbeg trainer annexed the prize for the 11th time when Tarana, ridden by Declan McDonogh, powered up the Ballybrit hill to land the spoils in Galway last night.

Eircom Group today announced the appointment of Herb Hribar as group chief executive officer and Richard Moat as group chief financial officer.

AT the Punchestown festival in May, Apt Approach was in front when falling at the final fence in a valuable handicap chase eventually won by Scotsirish.

THE 2007 Champion Hurdle hero, Sublimity, turned back the clock at Cork yesterday with a game success in the McCarthy Insurance Group Hurdle.

WHEN asked by a journalist why the set-up at his superb complex at Whistling Straits has such an Irish flavour, Herb Kohler’s face lights up: “Ireland”, he exclaims with undisguised relish, “I love the place.”