The Dandelion Bar and Nightclub Easter Cup is all the richer for the return of Derby winner Laughil Blake, who will light up proceedings at Shelbourne when he lines up for the opening heat.

The 2014 Night of Stars, which takes place on Saturday at Shelbourne Park, promises to deliver in spades.

Derby finalist Vulturi, trained by Liam Dowling (inset) took a major step towards another Classic final when winning a very competitive first quarter-final of the Kerry Agribusiness St Leger on Saturday night at Limerick.

The semi-finals of the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish Laurels attracted a large crowd to Curraheen Park on Saturday night, and all who attended were treated to superb heats, in each of which the three qualifiers were covered by less than a length.

Darragh Morrissey, Paul Hennessy and Graham Holland all recorded doubles in the first round of the 2014 Connolly’s Red Mills Irish Laurels on Saturday night at Curraheen Park, but it was the John Kavanagh-trained Vimmerby who set the bar highest with his terrific display in the second of the 13 heats.

Derby final night last Saturday at Shelbourne would have to be deemed a great success. The stadium was packed, the action was brisk, the atmosphere was good, and the final itself produced a winner, Laughil Blake, who, in leading around despite a modest break, showed he possessed a touch of brilliance befitting a champion.