Here’s hoping that the worst predictions of the Met Office prove off the mark and that the Christmas racing schedule can continue at full pace at tracks all over the country over the weekend.

Following the dramatic happenings in the Dail on Tuesday evening and the subsequent fall-out, the Government will hardly be looking forward to the vote on the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill next week.

LESS than a month after going off favourite for the final of the English Derby, Toomaline Jack will be back at Wimbledon contesting the first round of the Williamhill.com English National.

NEWS from across the water yesterday is that one of the biggest entries for many years will go into the draw on Sunday for the first round of the Williamhill.com English Derby and among them there will be one of the biggest ever Irish raiding teams.

BLARNEY trainer John Linehan will be breaking new ground when he challenges for the Williamhill.com English Derby with his Curraheen Park qualifier Droopys Sastre.

IT HAS been a highly encouraging week in the face of the economic recession, with the Irish Derby sponsorship secured and the continuation of two other classics confirmed.

Timor Blue is unlikely to race again after sustaining a serious wrist injury in a first bend fall in last weekend’s Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger final at Limerick.

THERE were shocks in the opening two semi-finals of the AIB Stakes at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.