THERE was much speculation at Gowran Park yesterday regarding the defection of Killeaney from the Thyestes Chase, allowing first reserve and eventual winner Dun Doire to get into the contest.

AT around 5.30pm on Wednesday trainer John Carr rang fellow handler Tony Martin and told him his (Carr’s) horse Killeaney had got a knock and would have to miss the following day’s Ellen Construction Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park.

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.