It arrived in a blaze of hats, heels, and alcohol, the day women love and men love to hate — it can only be Ladies Day in Galway.

Trainer Tony Martin believes the drying conditions will play to the strengths of Benefficient in today’s Ryanair Chase (2.40) at Cheltenham.

Philip Fenton, one of the quiet men of Irish racing, hasn’t half emerged with real credit over the last ten days or so.

Paul Nicholls has confirmed Daryl Jacob will partner Al Ferof in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day with Noel Fehily set to continue his association aboard Silviniaco Conti.

Part-owner Malcolm Kimmins admits Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth is likely to have plenty on his plate as he kicks off his season in what looks a mouth-watering renewal of the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Ante-post betting has never held any great attraction for this observer, but have to say the 25-1 on offer with some of the firms about Leading Light for next weekend’s Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp was crying out to be taken.

Nicky Henderson’s thought process over My Tent Or Yours was fairly transparent as he took the gelding to Huntingdon for the EBF Connolly’s Red Mills “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

People who own a racehorse can make any arrangements they like.

Nicky Henderson has reasons to believe Long Run can go one better than 12 months ago and make a winning return in the Betfair Chase at Haydock today.

Kauto Stone made a successful seasonal bow as he landed the Grade One JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Camelot ultimately failed in his bid to land the Triple Crown at Doncaster last Saturday, but I think did racing a real service.

Roger Charlton insists soft conditions at Newmarket would not stop Top Offer lining up in Saturday’s Qipco 2000 Guineas.

One might have thought that bookmakers would have sent Sir Des Champs galloping out in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting, following that performance at Punchestown on Tuesday.

THE man with the microphone said that he used to call one street in his home town the Bermuda Triangle.

Brian Ellison enjoyed a bumper pay-day when winning two big Betfair-sponsored prizes with cast-offs Sound Accord and Hada Men at Haydock.

Willie Mullins yesterday reported Hurricane Fly none the worse for his spectacular seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown.

NICKY Henderson feels Spirit Son is the dark horse among his three-strong contenders for the StanJames.com Champion Hurdle.

ROBERT Waley-Cohen expressed his delight at news that his son Sam will be available to ride at Newbury on February 11 should Long Run have a prep run for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

PAUL NOLAN expects the testing ground to suit Joncol in Sunday’s John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown.

THAT was some eye-catching performance by Don Cossack in a bumper at Naas a week ago.

BETFAIR has long played a major part in Irish racing and there is little doubt is often a useful tool when it comes to winner finding.

ON Galway Plate Day, the bookies got hosed and not just by the rain, which finally made its obligatory appearance in Ballybrit.

WE have been watching racing for a while now with one thing in mind-Galway.

In just two starts, Dermot Weld's Unaccompanied has made a real name for herself over hurdles.

Big Fella Thanks is likely to have one more run before a third crack at the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.

Riverside Theatre notched a first Grade One success as he romped home in the Betfair Ascot Chase at the Berkshire track.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has sent a warning shot to Imperial Commander’s Betfair Chase rivals that he feels his star performer could be better than ever this season.

Tony McCoy has ridden many extraordinary winners in his career but few will have had quite as much drama as Drill Sergeant at Haydock today.

THE performances of Roderic O’Connor and Glor Na Mara, in last Saturday’s Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, showed that the Irish juveniles are at least on a par with their English counterparts, with the exception of Frankel.

BOOKIES were jumping for joy in Ballybrit as a rank outsider ridden by the legendary Tony McCoy raced home to win the Galway Plate.

FOR those looking for a value punt for this week’s British Open, Luke Donald is worth an investment.

AN announcement on who rides Harbinger in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes could be made this week.

ST NICHOLAS ABBEY, as expected, will miss next Saturday’s Investec Derby at Epsom.

Willie Mullins admits he is unsure when his star hurdler Hurricane Fly will return to racecourse action after suffering a sprained suspensory ligament.

Jamie Moore added a second win over the famous Grand National fences to his career tally as Dev put in an exhibition round in the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree.

SNOOPY Loopy is reported to be in fine shape for the Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby today as he bids to land his first success since the Betfair Chase.

WELL, what can you say, a Danehill Dancer who doesn’t go on heavy ground!

A massive gamble on Deutschland, in the Arthur Guinness Galway Hurdle at Ballybrit yesterday, went astray when he proved no match for the Pat Flynn-trained 20-1 shot Bahrain Storm.

Calvin Borel produced an amazing riding performance as Mine That Bird ran out a shock winner in the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Khalid Abdullah unearthed a possible understudy to Vodafone Derby favourite Twice Over as Doctor Fremantle thrilled a sun-drenched crowd in the Bank Of America Chester Vase.

SAM Thomas has been confirmed as the jockey for Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock this Saturday.

Aces Four remains on target for the Betfair Chase at Haydock later this month after satisfying connections on his seasonal bow at Wetherby.

TWO things happened at Newmarket last Saturday which had to leave you, if not apoplectic, then at least a mite perplexed.