TÁNAISTE Michael McDowell last night launched a vituperative attack on the Mullingar Accord parties claiming that Fine Gael MEP Gay Mitchell’s decision to remain in Brussels sent out a strong message that the writing was on the wall for the alternative coalition.

Irish-trained filly Dimitrova, impressive winner of the American Oaks at Hollywood Park, heads a strong European challenge for the 250,000 Garden City Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Belmont tomorrow.