“A bad day at the office,” said one bookie after the first day of the Cheltenham Festival ended with five of the seven races claimed by Irish trainers.

Selectivity and discipline are the key ingredients for any punter who harbours hopes of making a profit at Cheltenham this week, writes Pat Keane.

It’s here! And I’m losing already.

Ruby Walsh was delighted that Un De Sceaux put a fall on his chasing debut firmly behind him with an impressive victory at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

If watching Willie Mullins-trained hot pots is your thing then Thurles is the place to be this afternoon.

Noel Meade hopes to run Galway Plate winner Road To Riches in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 1.

Willie Mullins has left Un De Sceaux in the Stan James Champion Hurdle alongside Hurricane Fly.

Willie Mullins is happy to take small steps with Un De Sceaux as he attempts to maintain his unbeaten record in the Red Mill Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park today.

Dunguib is on course to have his second comeback run this weekend at either Gowran Park or Navan, meaning he could clash with Champion Hurdle dark horse Un De Sceaux.