Watching Roy Keane and the Irish players striding into Celtic Park past the statue of Jimmy Johnstone was to be reminded that, to paraphrase Martin O’Neill, some pre-match "distractions" are definitely more distracting than others, writes Liam Mackey.

WETHERBY’S Charlie Hall meeting kicks off with a cracking card, highlighted by the Bet365 Handicap Chase in which Neptune Equester is fancied to strike for Brian Ellison.

Danehill Destiny will aim to break her duck in Group company in the Laundry Cottage Stud Firth Of Clyde Stakes at Ayr on Saturday.

A maximum field of 26 looks assured for the totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar on Saturday after 54 juveniles were left in at the confirmation stage.

Chris Wall nominated Bella Tusa the best juvenile filly he has trained after watching her complete a hat-trick in fine style in the Listed Harry Rosebery Stakes at Ayr today.