Ex-college president is top of the tips

THE former head of the country’s biggest university is heading for the top of the pile in a major horse racing tipsters’ competition.

Dr Art Cosgrove retired as president of University College Dublin (UCD) just over three years ago.

But unlike many of his counterparts, he has not opted for high level consultancy work or to continue his academic career.

Instead he decided to chance his luck in the Racing Post’s Search for a Tipster competition.

He was pitted in his heat against eight others, making three selections each day from Saturday to Wednesday of last week. Having just one winner each of the first four days, his chances looked slim enough but a good read of Wednesday’s form helped him pick two winners from the meetings at Newcastle and Newbury, to pip the long-time leader.

“It was a bit of a surprising comeback alright but I think the other guy will still qualify,” Mr Cosgrove said.

The 66-year-old historian may return to finish his barrister’s degree at King’s Inn next month, after dropping out because of illness last year.

But he could get just the tonic if he makes it past the next few hurdles to win the newspaper’s top prize of £25,000 (almost €38,000).