AIDAN O’BRIEN’S progressive Awe Inspiring should now be ready to strike and gets the nap in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Maiden at Cork tonight.

THE prestigious breeders’ championship at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show was won by west Cork exhibitors John and Cathal Dineen, Kilshinihan, Timoleague, with their seven-year-old chestnut, Kilshinihan Lass.

RUBY WALSH makes a rare Saturday appearance in this country at Navan today and has to be fancied to guide Nickname to yet another success in the Grade 3 Russell Restaurant An Uaimh Chase.

With the Cheltenham Festival done and dusted for another year, thoughts inevitably turn to the upcoming Flat season.

Mount Nelson staked his claim for Classic honours next term with a cosy success in the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.

Top Irish filly Miss Beatrix could bid for Classic glory in the Stan James 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

WITH the health of Pope John Paul II rapidly deteriorating, Church officials are bracing themselves for the dramatic changes that will come at the Vatican with the Pontiff’s death.

Pope John Paul was in a “very grave” condition today and appeared close to death after suffering heart failure, the Vatican said.

POPE John Paul II is likely to be released from hospital in time for Holy Week services later this month, the Vatican said yesterday.

Pope John Paul II is “progressively improving” and following the Roman Catholic Church’s activities daily, the Vatican said today, declining to set a date for his release from the hospital but suggesting he might leave before Easter.

Pope John Paul is improving, eating regular food for the first time and anxious to recite his usual prayers for the public Sunday, the Vatican said today.

THE Vatican has denied media reports that the Pope advocated Poland's entry to the EU.