In this ‘Titanic enterprise’, Simon Sebag Montefiore is not afraid to suggest that something of what made the Romanovs powerful remains in the Russian psyche and Russian leadership today, writes Mary Leland.

Laughter was the last thing expected at David Byrne’s funeral.

TIPPERARY this evening passed a 9.00 inspection yesterday morning and punters can now make the best of it by supporting John Oxx’s once-raced Rihla to take the Irish Stallion Farms’ Fillies Maiden.

JOHN OXX’S Montevideo is fancied to defy top weight in the Fitzsimmons Property Finance Handicap at Naas this evening.