The racing pundit who mediated with Shergar’s kidnappers has told how the IRA informer who claimed the horse was shot shortly after he was snatched knew secret codes used during the hostage talks.

TRAINER Tom Taaffe and jockey Davy Russell, who will have their attention focussed on today’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, were both on the mark in yesterday’s St. Patrick’s Day action at Wexford.

IN-FORM Tom Ryan, Ireland’s leading claimer, struck again at Downpatrick when partnering the John Fowler-trained Native Beat to a hard-earned victory over Barkley in the marathon Powers Ulster National.